The Tanzania Pangolin Project is implemented by The Tanzania Research and Conservation Organization (TRCO). Globally, there are eight species of pangolins, in which three types Temminck’s ground pangolin (Smutsia temminckii), white-bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis), and Giant pangolins (Smutsia gigantea) occur in Tanzania. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List 2022 categorises these species as vulnerable and endangered species. As they are used for food, traditional medicines and cultural practices, makes the pangolin the most illegally trafficked wild mammal.
The overall goals of Tanzania Pangolin Project are conducting Socio-Ecological research and monitoring programs of Pangolin in Tanzania, Implementing Community and outreach programs to support human-pangolin coexistence and Training and capacity-building programs for pangolin conservation and monitoring. The Tanzania Pangolin Project is implemented focusing 8 key ecosystems including the Serengeti ecosystem; Ruaha – Rungwa ecosystem, Udzungwa – Selous ecosystem; Burigi Chato – Ibanda Kyerwa ecosystem; Gombe-Mahale ecosystem; Manyara-Tarangire ecosystem; Rukwa-Katavi ecosystem and Eastern ecosystems.
Our pangolin projects are expected to offer vital information about key pangolin habitat areas that can be conserved in both protected areas and village lands, which will assist in the coexistence of humans and pangolins. Pangolin projects in various ecosystems will add information to the existing population status and extent of threats in Tanzania. TRCO together with other institutions and local people will develop mitigation strategies for the conservation of pangolins to address challenges or threats that emerge. Involving local communities in research and conservation will help to develop a long-term conservation approach for pangolins.
For more about Tanzania Pangolin project, please reach us through info@trco.or.tz