Pangolin is one of the mammal on earth its body is largely covered by scales and is considered the most illegally trafficked mammal on the earth. Pangolin scales are most of its body involved in the global illegal trade flows. One may think the challenge facing pangolin conservation is illegal to trade only, but in fact, local people across different countries in Africa including Tanzania are keeping pangolin scales in their houses or other facilities for traditional beliefs. Searching for pangolin scales to fulfill traditional beliefs is among the biggest problems facing pangolin conservation because mitigating beliefs is a matter of large-scale agenda as people travel from one place to another.

Tanzania Research and Conservation Organization (TRCO) intends to investigate the trade of pangolin derivatives, beliefs, knowledge, and attitude of local people toward pangolins. Further, TRCO intends to investigate the ecology of pangolin species found in Tanzania and help to develop mitigation strategies for human-pangolin coexistence and conservation.

The caption of the picture: During our survey in the Ruaha landscape, the communities demonstrated their cooperation by showing the survey team pangolin scales kept in their homes.

To support TRCO’s effort for pangolin conservation and halt the species from extinction you may contact us via info@trco.or.tz or click the donate button for more information.