My fight to save Liberia’s pangolins
Posted on 20 June, 2018 by Guest Blogger in Conservation, People, Poaching, Wildlife
The very first pangolin (white-bellied) to ever be confiscated and rehabilitated back to the wild in Liberia at Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary © Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary
Written by Jason Miller, Sanctuary Manager at Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary
Two steps forward, one step back in pangolin conservation. Liberia is a country in West Africa that has overcome civil war, battled through the Ebola crisis and is currently recovering from the impacts. But there is one more issue to confront – the illegal wildlife and bushmeat trade.
As a citizen from the UK, it is only obvious that I stand out like a sore thumb. But it’s not because of my skin tone, but rather my reputation to chase down “sweet meat”. Ask any Liberian about the pangolin locally known as the ansbach, and their first association of the animal will be reference to its flavour.
Liberia has three of the four species of pangolins found in Africa and last year the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC released a report that named the country as one of the main origin countries for pangolin trafficking.
Myself and an FDA (Forestry Development Authority) ranger usually go out and confiscate animals from the illegal wildlife and bushmeat trade. We then take them back to Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary – Liberia’s only rehabilitation centre which aims to release all of the animals confiscated back to the wild in protected areas. However, rangers are unarmed and on most occasions the village will surround us, confront us, shout abuse and show physical acts of aggression, threatening our safety in their efforts to scare us away. It’s a very dangerous situation to be in, but it’s all in the name of pangolin conservation.
Left: A juvenile white-bellied pangolin (confiscated from illegal sellers) finds his reward – a small termite nest; Right: All pangolins are walked in the forest for up to 3 hours a day to forage on termites and ants. This pangolin was confiscated from sellers who were trying to sell it as live meat alongside a busy road © Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary
Pangolins, like many other wild and domesticated animals, can be seen hung upside down alive by the roadside and waved around at passing vehicles to be purchased for around US$20-30. My truck and my face are recognised by many now, causing the sellers to flee as I approach or drive by.
They are aware of the law; they are afraid of my presence. Therefore we are seeing less pangolin sellers in areas that we frequently visit.
Most police officers are unaware of the law so are unwilling to help, although there are those who just play ignorant. When confiscating a monkey the police took sides with the owner, saying he had the right to keep the monkey as a pet and our presence was humiliating. Sadly, money can buy your way out of sticky situations, corruption is just another problem Liberia needs to triumph over and phase out.
However, awareness workshops and a confiscation unit are in progress. So hopefully the pangolin population can recover, before it’s too late.
Threats to Pangolins & Pangolin Conservation
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Re: Pangolin
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Unluckiest Pangolin Alive
https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus ... rmago-red/
This should come out in English, but basically a pangolin in the possession of poachers was thrown out of their car window during a high-speed chase near Hoedspruit. It is ok!
This should come out in English, but basically a pangolin in the possession of poachers was thrown out of their car window during a high-speed chase near Hoedspruit. It is ok!
Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
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Rare African Pangolin rescued from alleged poachers
Facebook Post
https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceServic ... 6331005628
South African Police Service added 3 new photos.
58 mins
North West: Rare African Pangolin rescued from alleged poachers
Rustenburg: A very rare male African Pangolin, which is part of the highly endangered species in the world, was recovered after allegedly being stolen from the Rampampa Mountains, just outside Mabeeskraal, Mogwase.
The pangolin was allegedly stolen and brought to Rustenburg on Wednesday, 1 August 2018. Following a tip-off from members of the community, the animal was found in possession of two accused at Rustenburg Taxi Rank. The suspects had the petrified animal inside a plastic bag and were about to leave with it in a taxi when members of the Phokeng Stock Theft Unit pounced on them.
According to information received, the taxi was stopped and searched. During the search, the animal with an estimated value of R400 000.00 was found. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were about to sell the animal for R20 000,00. The Pangolin is regarded as one of the world’s most sought after endangered species. It was handed over for safekeeping to an animal expert, who is responsible for its transportation to the Hospital for Vulnerable Animals in Johannesburg.
It is alleged that pangolins, whose whole bodies are covered in scales, are caught due to unfounded beliefs of the great medicinal value of their scales.
The two accused, Surprise Moyani Nkomezulu, 25 and Tlhobogang Daniel Mantsho, 34, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates' Court on Friday, 3 August 2018. They were released on R2 500,00 bail each and will appear in the same court again on Friday, 31 August 2018.
The Cluster Commander of Rustenburg, Major General Arthur Adams commended members of the Stock Theft Unit for their swift reaction that led to the rescuing of the animal and apprehension of the two accused. He said nature conservation is everyone's priority and that the police will ensure that endangered species are fiercely protected. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to members of the community for their contribution towards the success.
https://www.facebook.com/SAPoliceServic ... 6331005628
South African Police Service added 3 new photos.
58 mins
North West: Rare African Pangolin rescued from alleged poachers
Rustenburg: A very rare male African Pangolin, which is part of the highly endangered species in the world, was recovered after allegedly being stolen from the Rampampa Mountains, just outside Mabeeskraal, Mogwase.
The pangolin was allegedly stolen and brought to Rustenburg on Wednesday, 1 August 2018. Following a tip-off from members of the community, the animal was found in possession of two accused at Rustenburg Taxi Rank. The suspects had the petrified animal inside a plastic bag and were about to leave with it in a taxi when members of the Phokeng Stock Theft Unit pounced on them.
According to information received, the taxi was stopped and searched. During the search, the animal with an estimated value of R400 000.00 was found. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were about to sell the animal for R20 000,00. The Pangolin is regarded as one of the world’s most sought after endangered species. It was handed over for safekeeping to an animal expert, who is responsible for its transportation to the Hospital for Vulnerable Animals in Johannesburg.
It is alleged that pangolins, whose whole bodies are covered in scales, are caught due to unfounded beliefs of the great medicinal value of their scales.
The two accused, Surprise Moyani Nkomezulu, 25 and Tlhobogang Daniel Mantsho, 34, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates' Court on Friday, 3 August 2018. They were released on R2 500,00 bail each and will appear in the same court again on Friday, 31 August 2018.
The Cluster Commander of Rustenburg, Major General Arthur Adams commended members of the Stock Theft Unit for their swift reaction that led to the rescuing of the animal and apprehension of the two accused. He said nature conservation is everyone's priority and that the police will ensure that endangered species are fiercely protected. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to members of the community for their contribution towards the success.
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Re: Rare African Pangolin rescued from alleged poachers
Please check Needs Attention pre-booking: https://africawild-forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=322&t=596
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Re: Rare African Pangolin rescued from alleged poachers
One lucky pangolin
The price that they offer is just too high for certain individuals to resist
The price that they offer is just too high for certain individuals to resist
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
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Re: Pangolin Poaching
Apparantly SANParks have asked that people do not give the location of pangolin sightings:
When posting pictures of rhino, elephants and pangolin, please DO NOT GIVE OUT THE TIME, DATE AND LOCATION OF THE SIGHTING
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Re: Pangolin Poaching
Does not have much sense.
On the other hand with the kind of instant information which is used these days, there might be a sense after all
On the other hand with the kind of instant information which is used these days, there might be a sense after all
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Nelson Mandela
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge
The desire for equality must never exceed the demands of knowledge