Why Pangolins?
At the western edge of the Maasai Mara, high on the escarpment, lies the Nyekweri Ecosystem - a remnant of a once vast forest and mosaic habitat.
This forest, rich in biodiversity, is the last refuge for Giant Ground Pangolins (referred to as Giant Pangolin hereafter), a species believed to be extinct in Kenya, until January 2021, when The Pangolin Project identified a video of one living in the area.
This discovery was a turning point. Led by CEO, Dr. Claire Okell, and Conservation Manager, Beryl Makori, who you met in Kenya, the organisation pivoted and the team translocated from the Mara Reserve, to the escarpment near Nyekweri.
It was clear that the population of Giant Pangolin, and other forest species, faced a grave threat from deforestation and habitat loss. Electric fencing was not only fragmenting the landscape but was the greatest risk to their lives.
The Pangolin Project’s mission isn’t just about saving a species, it’s about restoring an ecosystem and helping a community heal.
Deforestation is destroying the giant pangolin's home. We need your support right away to halt habitat loss and safeguard this species' future.
The Most trafficked animal on the planet
Pangolins have shot into the limelight of wildlife conservation as they are now considered as being the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world today. Driven by an insatiable demand for their scales and meat, the illicit trade of pangolin globally has soared in the last 10 years.
Pangolins play a crucial role in their ecosystems
By monitoring these indicator species we get a gauge of the health of the environment in which many live. Protecting pangolins also safeguards the biodiversity of their habitats, which are rich ecosystems crucial for maintaining healthy flora, insect life, and soils. These elements are vital for a balanced ecosystem, which in turn supports human health, food security, and mitigates the impacts of climate change.
Why Does Biodiversity Matter for People?
Biodiversity is critical for human health and well-being for several reasons:
Ecosystem Services: Biodiverse ecosystems provide essential services like clean air and water, fertile soils, and pollination of crops, all of which are foundational to human survival.
Food Security: Healthy soils and diverse insect life, including pollinators, are crucial for food production, particularly in less economically developed regions.
Climate Change Mitigation: Biodiverse environments with healthy soils and abundant plant life act as carbon sinks, helping to sequester carbon dioxide and reduce the effects of climate change.
Human Health: Healthy ecosystems contribute to overall human health by supporting clean water systems, reducing the risk of floods, and maintaining a balance that prevents the spread of diseases.