“Silent Scales” – LensTraveller

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"Silent Scales": The Pangolin’s Fight For Survival

In the realm of conservation, certain creatures have become icons—the elephant, the rhino, the lion. Yet, in the shadows, hidden from the limelight, there is a lesser-known, more elusive mammal that has become a primary target of the illegal wildlife trade: the pangolin.

While at the Pangolin Stakeholder Workshop by the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) and hosted by Thanda Private Game Reserve, I witnessed the passion and concern among conservationists, law enforcement, and wildlife experts.

It was here that I realized the gravity of the pangolin’s situation in South Africa, including the documentation on the cruel and painful poaching practices affecting these animals.

But why should we care about the pangolin? Why should this armoured, scaly mammal, often called the “scaly anteater,” capture our attention? The answer lies in the very nature of its tragedy and the urgent need for action.

What’s a Pangolin?

The pangolin is a unique and solitary mammal covered in scales made from keratin, the same material as human fingernails. Pangolins are insectivores, feeding primarily on ants and termites, which they gather using their long, sticky tongues.

Their name comes from the Malay word “pëngulin”, which translates as “rolling up” and relates to the pangolin’s ability to curl up into a tight ball as a form of defence when feeling threatened. Ironically, the species faces extinction because of those very scales.

There are eight pangolin species divided between Asia and Africa. South Africa is home to four species, the Black-bellied pangolin, White-bellied pangolin, Giant Ground pangolin, and the Temminck’s ground pangolin, which is classified as vulnerable to extinction.

Observing pangolins in their natural habitat is an exceptional rarity, a privilege only a few researchers and locals experience. Yet, despite their elusive nature, pangolins have increasingly become deaths in a battle they cannot fight.

Despite global conservation laws, including those in South Africa, prohibiting the illegal poaching of pangolins and their parts or products, illegal trafficking continues to occur, violating national regulations and international agreements.

For instance, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has placed all pangolin species under strict trade protections. Yet, enforcement is challenging and frequently undermined by the high demand, and pangolins remain at the top of trafficking networks.

Myths Fuelling The Market

Every year, over 100,000 pangolins are poached and sold, making them the most trafficked endangered mammal in the world.

The demand for pangolins largely stems from traditional beliefs in Asia and Africa, where pangolin scales are prized for their supposed medicinal properties.

In Chinese and Vietnamese markets, pangolin scales are ground into powder and marketed as treatments for various diseases, from rheumatism to cancer. Pangolin skins and scales are processed into leather products like boots, belts, and bags.

Pangolin meat is also considered a delicacy, symbolizing status and wealth in parts of Asia. It has become a significant node in African countries’ illegal trade, both as a supply source and for local consumption.

This demand has created a relentless supply chain where poachers, dealers, and organized trafficking networks capture and transport pangolins across international borders.

According to conservationists, traffickers now smuggle thousands of pangolins annually, exploiting them at alarming rates, especially in Asia and parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

A single kilogram of pangolin scales can fetch upwards of $1,000 on the black market, and some estimates suggest that a pangolin sold alive in Asia can earn a trafficker several thousand dollars- an illegal lucrative commodity for criminal syndicates.

A Species On The Brink

The numbers behind the pangolin trade paint a grim picture. Between 2014 and 2020, more than 200 tons of pangolin scales were seized globally, representing the lives of tens of thousands of pangolins.

In August last year, Thai authorities seized more than a ton of pangolin scales worth over 50 million baht ($1.4 million). According to experts, the scales were estimated to come from at least 3,000-4,000 dead pangolins.

According to Thai authorities, the pangolin scales, which have an estimated price of around $1,000 per kilogram, were suspected to have been brought from Malaysia to Thailand and to be heading for sale to clients in China.

Conservation experts estimate that over a million pangolins were poached in just the last decade, pushing several pangolin species toward critical endangerment.

According to a recent report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), four of the eight pangolin species worldwide are classified as endangered or critically endangered. In Asia, the Chinese and Sunda pangolin populations have declined by as much as 90% over the last few decades. Meanwhile, the demand has begun to shift toward Africa, putting additional pressure on species like the white-bellied and giant pangolins.

This increase in trafficking has resulted in significant losses across pangolin habitats. Scientists are warning that without drastic intervention, pangolins face a real risk of extinction in the wild within the next few decades.

From Savannahs to Markets: A Global Trade Network

The pangolin trafficking network is complex, often involving multiple countries and continents. The journey usually starts in Africa or Asia, where pangolins are poached and transported -dead or alive- across national borders. From there, they make their way to urban markets in Asia, where their scales reach exorbitant prices.

Despite ongoing efforts to address this issue, the scale of the problem remains daunting. While Africa’s laws ban the commercial trade of pangolins, enforcement requires collaboration with countries where demand is highest, international cooperation and stricter laws. South Africa’s local black-market nature of this trade makes tracking illegal trades particularly challenging.

The Role Of The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG)

The African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) is at the heart of efforts to save these animals. Formed in 2011, the APWG aims to conserve all four African pangolin species through knowledge-sharing, partnerships, and awareness campaigns.

During the Pangolin Stakeholder Workshop at Thanda Game Reserve, I had the privilege of meeting the founders of the APWG, Professor Raymond Jansen, Nicci Wright and other team members.

As a global authority on African pangolins, Professor Jansen actively advises on pangolin crime intelligence, supports law enforcement, and conducts scientific research. His commitment expands beyond academia, influencing legislative decisions and advocating for stronger anti-poaching measures.

At the workshop, I learned firsthand about the group’s initiatives, from educating local communities to collaborating with law enforcement and even training judiciary members on the significance of pangolin-related cases.

The APWG’s work is essential in educating the public in South Africa and beyond -as many people remain unaware of the urgent pangolin crisis.

Live pangolins are usually confiscated by local, regional or national law enforcement authorities in Asia and Africa, and many are in ill health because of poor treatment in the illegal trade.

APWG founder and co-chairperson Nicci Wright is an internationally qualified Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist. Wright brings many years of experience governing the APWG in pangolin rehabilitation, behaviour and farming.

Wright is an expert in rehabilitating pangolins rescued from illegal trade, ensuring their successful reintegration into suitable wild environments.

She also manages media outreach, works with government agencies, testifies in pangolin poaching cases, and trains law enforcement on handling poached pangolins, including the proper chain of custody procedures when opening a police docket.

A Second Chance

Releasing pangolins is essential to ensure the survival of these endangered mammals after the significant investment made in their treatment and rehabilitation.

“The release process is one of the most important, because it has to be done correctly,” said Wright. “Pangolins should only be released into a safe area, such as a well-guarded private game reserve, to prevent them from falling into the hands of poachers again.”

“In addition, the habitat has to be right,” Wright added. We need to be sure they are finding the right food, they are finding the burrows. Otherwise they will simply die.

Bringing Back the Pangolin: A Milestone in KZN’s Conservation Efforts

After over four decades of absence, pangolins have made their return to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The last known sighting of pangolins in the Munywana area dates back to 1981, but June 2019 marked a historic milestone when reintroduction efforts, led by the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG) and the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital, saw the first rehabilitated pangolins reintroduced into their native habitat.

These animals, victims of illegal trafficking, have been rescued, rehabilitated, and prepared for life back in the wild through a carefully structured reintroduction protocol.

The Pangolin Reintroduction Project: A Two-Phase Soft Release Approach

The reintroduction program, known as the “Soft Release,” is a meticulous, multi-phase process, focusing on gradually acclimating each pangolin to their natural environment under close supervision.

Phase One: Soft Release and Foraging Sessions

In the first phase, each pangolin is assigned a dedicated minder who escorts it daily on foraging walks for 3 to 4 hours, sometimes up to 8 hours. These sessions allow the pangolin to practice natural behaviours like hunting for ants and termites, an essential step to regaining its instincts and survival in the wild.

Each foraging session includes rigorous checks, with the pangolin being weighed before and after to assess health and food intake. This phase is tailored to the individual’s progress; only when it demonstrates sufficient weight gain, foraging skills, and a calm demeanour is it ready to move to the next phase.

Phase Two: Final Release and Ongoing Monitoring

Once a pangolin has acclimated well, phase two initiates the final release into a carefully chosen burrow site within the reserve. For the first two weeks post-release, staff monitor the pangolin twice daily—first thing in the morning to track its burrow location, and later at dusk to weigh it and check behavior. As the animal settles, monitoring transitions to a less intrusive approach. Daily updates on its location are gathered via GPS loggers and SAT tags, and weekly handling ensures health checks without overwhelming the pangolin. This structured support continues for about three months, gradually tapering to monthly weighing sessions.

Protecting The Reintroduced Pangolins: An Ongoing Commitment

Throughout the entire reintroduction journey, dedicated pangolin monitors meticulously document each pangolin’s health, behavior, and movements. This hands-on attention ensures that any shifts in health or adaptation challenges can be promptly addressed, offering the pangolin the best possible chance at survival and adaptation in its rightful environment.

The Munywana pangolin reintroduction project is more than just a return of a species to its habitat—it symbolizes a dedicated fight against illegal wildlife trafficking and a profound commitment to restoring biodiversity in KZN. As these pangolins roam once more through their ancestral grounds, conservationists are witnessing the resilience of nature and the possibility of a brighter future for one of the world’s most trafficked animals.

Mayoni Game Reserve: A Sanctuary for Pangolins

Amidst the conservation efforts, one game reserve in particular has emerged as a beacon of hope for pangolins: the Mayoni Game Reserve.

Located in the Limpopo Province, Mayoni is known for its rich biodiversity and conservation initiatives. In recent years, the reserve has expanded its focus to include pangolin protection, recognizing the critical need to address the poaching crisis.

At Mayoni, a specialised pangolin conservation program has been established, focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and release. The reserve collaborates with the APWG and other conservation bodies to save pangolins caught in the illegal trade. Once a pangolin is rescued, it undergoes a thorough rehabilitation process at the reserve’s specialized facility. Veterinarians and wildlife experts work closely with the animals, ensuring that they are healthy and able to survive in the wild before being released back into their natural habitats within the reserve.

During a visit to Manyoni, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable pangolin named Steve. Rescued from the clutches of poachers, Steve had spent seven months at the Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in Johannesburg, healing and preparing for his return to the wild. His release into the 23,000-hectare reserve marked a new beginning.

Accompanied by Donald Davies from the Zululand Conservation Trust, I ventured on a thrilling journey, tracking this elusive, lightning-fast creature through dense, tangled bush. Witnessing Steve’s journey of resilience and freedom was an experience I’ll treasure forever.

Beyond rehabilitation, the reserve engages in community outreach, educating local populations about the importance of pangolin conservation. By fostering awareness and understanding among communities living near pangolin habitats, Mayoni aims to reduce the demand for pangolin products and decrease poaching incidents. Their efforts highlight a crucial aspect of wildlife conservation—empowering local communities to become stewards of their natural environment.

Phinda Private Game Reserve: High-Tech Solutions to Save Pangolins

Further east in KwaZulu-Natal lies the Phinda Private Game Reserve, a place renowned for its innovative conservation practices. Phinda has garnered attention for its high-tech approach to pangolin conservation. The reserve, in collaboration with local and international partners, has deployed cutting-edge technology to monitor and protect pangolins within its borders.

One of Phinda’s key initiatives is the use of satellite tracking to monitor pangolins. Once a rescued pangolin is rehabilitated and released, it is fitted with a small tracking device, allowing researchers to track its movements and ensure its safety. This technology enables conservationists to study pangolin behaviour and gain insights into their habits, which are still largely a mystery due to the animals’ elusive nature.

The data gathered from these tracking devices is invaluable for understanding how best to protect pangolins and design effective conservation strategies.

In addition to satellite tracking, Phinda has implemented a comprehensive anti-poaching strategy. The reserve employs a highly trained anti-poaching unit that works around the clock to guard against wildlife crime.

Rangers at Phinda undergo specialized training to identify and apprehend pangolin poachers, making the reserve one of the most secure areas for pangolins in the country. This rigorous approach has already led to several successful pangolin rescues and arrests of poachers.

The Power Of Public Awareness

Public awareness plays an essential role in conservation. For decades, pangolins went largely unnoticed by the general public; their plight has been overshadowed by more “popular” species like elephants and rhinos.

Today, however, there is a growing movement to spotlight the pangolin crisis. Documentaries, social media campaigns, and educational programs are helping to spread the word.

Organizations like the APWG have successfully brought pangolin conservation to the public’s attention, but more needs to be done.

As a journalist, I feel a profound responsibility to share stories like that of the pangolin. At the Pangolin Stakeholder Workshop, I was struck by the dedication of everyone present, from researchers to anti-poaching teams.

The stakes are high, and the pangolin’s survival depends on the success of conservationists and the vigilance of law enforcement.

The pangolin crisis speaks to a broader issue—the global crisis of biodiversity loss. As poaching and trafficking continue, countless other species also face extinction. Protecting pangolins is not just about saving one species; it is about preserving the intricate web of life that supports our planet’s ecosystems.

Pangolins have evolved over millions of years, yet their future now rests in our hands. By raising awareness and supporting the fight against wildlife crime, we can help these incredible creatures survive for generations to come.

In the silent struggle of the pangolin, there is a profound message for humanity: that every creature, no matter how small or hidden, has inherent value.

Beyond the pangolin scales lies a story of survival just like Steve’s tale, and the urgent need for conservation. Pangolins may be small, but their role in their ecosystems—controlling insect populations and maintaining soil health—is immense.

For conservationists like those at Mayoni and Phinda, the fight to save pangolins is not just about rescuing an endangered species; it’s about protecting the integrity of the natural world. Their work is a testament to the power of human dedication and innovation in the face of environmental challenges. But this battle cannot be fought by conservationists alone. It requires a collective effort—governments must strengthen laws, law enforcement must crack down on traffickers, and communities must be educated on the value of these creatures.

As we move forward, the fate of the pangolin depends on our choices today. From South Africa’s game reserves to the halls of international policy, the world must act quickly to protect these incredible animals before they vanish forever.