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We will protect pangolin strongholds

Together with indigenous communities through the utilization of and technology

Community-based conservation to save an endangered species local knowledge

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammal worldwide yet remain one of the most under-researched species. Trafficking within Africa has been on the rise. In Namibia there have been 491 pangolins confiscated (152 live and 339 carcasses or skins) and 640 perpetrators arrested over the last seven years.

PCRF employs eleven pangolin rangers in five villages on full or parttime salaries and helps the communities with rations and clothing. We support additional villages by purchasing their artisan crafts including hand-made jewelry and carved wooden animals.

To date the project has identified many resident pangolins (we cannot share numbers for security reasons) in the Nyae Nyae conservancy. Currently, these individuals are monitored by the pangolin rangers, camera traps and transmitters. Four individuals have been tagged with GPS/SAT transmitters, which represent the first for their species in an open communal conservancy system and semi-wetland

ecosystem. They are also the first individuals tagged in this type of vegetation which shows varied prey preference. The transmitters not only collect data but protect the species from poaching. Since movements are monitored, any interference will be investigated. The spatial movements of a male pangolin with the tag NN02 were collected from January 2022 until September 2022. His home range is the largest recorded for a free-roaming resident pangolin. Scorpio, or Tsqusi in San, (NN01) has a home range comparable to that of other female pangolins in Namibia.

NNPP OBJECTIVES:

• Further protect and understand the pangolin species through monitoring and research

• Provide sustainable livelihoods for the communities through the employment of rangers and helping with rations for the villages

• Raise awareness and educate the communities on the importance of the species

• Support local artisans through the sale of pangolin inspired crafts around the world

• Establish the first research centre for pangolins and partner with international academic institutions supporting local students

• Generate further income through visitors to our project

• Develop an education centre for local children and tourists on all aspects of the area, with a special focus on pangolins

• Raise awareness and pride for pangolins through community outreach and talks

• Conduct long term research to further understand the ecology and survival of pangolins

OUTCOMES

• Communities benefit through income generation by protecting pangolins.

• Data contributes to our understanding of pangolin ecology and helps develop guidelines and resources. Further awareness is raised for preserving the species.

• Local students are supported through internship and field-work opportunities.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Consider donating directly to the PCRF project. You can also donate food or clothing for the communities of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy at our World Pangolin Day Event. All proceeds support pangolin conservation in communal conservancies and national parks across Namibia.

When: 18 February 2023

Where: Avis Dam & Eagles Beer Garden

What: Trail & fun run, live music, market, and raffle!

How: Run registration & tickets on webtickets.com.na. Get discounted entry by bringing clothing or food items to donate for our community drive!

Raffle tickets will be sold in the two weeks leading up to the event and at the event itself, and winners will be drawn at the event!

@pangolincrf |pangolincrf.org

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