The Secret Life of Pangolins

Pangolins are now the most trafficked animal in the world with all eight species classified as either vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered by the IUCN. Pangolins are shy nocturnal creatures with an uncanny ability to seemingly disappear in a blink of an eye making them extremely hard to study; one of the challenges for conservationists is how to effectively protect a species when so little is known about them?

Temminck’s pangolins rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Southern Africa are now offering conservationists a fascinating insight into their secret world. Over the last eight years, the way rescued pangolins are released has evolved into a longer process as it was found to improve survival rates. Pangolin minders now accompany rescued animals whilst they feed for up to five hours a day until they are ready for full release, offering an unparalleled opportunity for conservationists to observe pangolin ecology.

A pangolin’s penchant for poop is just one of the many fascinating behaviours that conservationists have been able to learn more about through spending thousands of hours quietly observing pangolins prior to release – insights that will prove invaluable in securing their future.