Pangolin rescue
One of the most heavily poached animals on the planets, pangolins are a uniquely quirky species. Find out how one man, through sheer dedication and hard work, is paving the way for pangolin conservation in Uganda. From grassroots initiatives to rehabilitating poachers, this centre is a beacon of hope for pangolin preservation.
Location: Rugando, Uganda
Species: Pholidota
Status: Critically endangered (IUCN, 2024)
Fun fact: Pangolins are the only mammal on the planet to have scales
​
Moses and his pangolins​
​
Sometimes the smallest detours have the biggest impacts. On our way to a remote lodge on the cusp of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, we were looking at an online map and noticed the word "Pangolin". Intrigued, we made our way down a narrow dirt path to the entrance of an unassuming wooden building. Inside, we were greeted by intricate handmade carvings of mysterious creatures and a soft spoken, smiling man.
This gentleman, Moses, welcomed us to the centre, briefing us on the work he accomplishes to protect pangolins. He explained that everything we see is built by him and his team, a continual expansion to accommodate the need for more pangolin rescues.
A short walk from the main entrance, we're struck by the Pangolin houses; small shacks made of bamboo, brick and corrugated steel. Simple structures meant to house pangolins as they heal before being released back into the wild. Territorial beings, pangolins require their own space and each house accommodates these needs as they heal before being released. As we explore this humble setting, Moses explains that most pangolins end up at his centre after being struck by rocks or blunt objects. Given their unique appearance, people often mistaken them for slithery snakes instead of scaled mammals. After realizing their mistake, Moses is contacted to come pick up the injured animals and transfers them to the centre, where recovery can take anywhere between days and weeks.
Unfortunately, accidental injury isn't the only thing threatening pangolins. The most heavily trafficked mammal in the world, pangolin products often end up in Asian markets where their scales and parts are prized for ill-informed practices. In 2019, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) conducted a law enforcement operation targeting a Vietnamese wildlife trafficking network and seized 423 kilograms of pangolin scales with an estimated value of USD $1.2 million. For this reason, Moses also dedicates a large part of his resources towards educating communities and reforming over 70 poachers. Multiple agriculture programs like the Women's Mushroom Growing Project allow locals to focus on harvesting activities instead of relying on unsustainable poaching practices. Thanks to his efforts, the centre has been able to rehabilitate over 160 pangolins since 2015!
Exploring the area, we make our way through tea plantations, planted forest, and other habitats created by man. Moses details his plans for reforestation, using seedlings wrapped in banana leaves to grow 10,000 native trees that will be planted throughout the acreage. He hopes to return the site to its natural state, welcoming a cornucopia of birds, monkeys, and many other species.
We finally reach our destination, a small meadow surrounded by sloping hills and a setting sun. We find two handlers and an armed guard, diligently watching a small odd creature in the grass. To our delight, we lay eyes on a wild pangolin, brought out for its daily recovery walk. Mesmerized by this scaly being, I watch as it wriggles, slithers, and crawls through the brush. Having only seen a pangolin on the screen, it was incredible to observe its behaviour and movement. Admittedly, its understandable that these little creatures would be mistaken for snakes, with heavily scaled armour and a long tail. A visual paradox, pangolins are among the most bizarre and cutest animals I have ever had the chance to witness.
This particular lively individual is a white-bellied pangolin, one of four species in Africa, eight species worldwide. It can be recognized by its tough, protective scales, which is made of keratin, the same material that makes up human nails and hair. Pangolins are also skilled climbers, using their strong prehensile tail to navigate trees, and it has a long, sticky tongue perfect for catching ants and termites. Although they were once thought to be related to armadillos or anteaters due to their similar appearance and insect-eating habits, genetic studies have shown that their closest relatives are actually the carnivores,
Moses was very gracious to introduce us to this healing pangolin, a victim of the ill-informed. Through their hard work, the centre continues to operate solely on donations and the dedication of a few passionate people, including armed guards who monitor the pangolins around the clock. Critically endangered, these animals face a grim reality with continued threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and miseducation. Ugandan pangolins are lucky to have Moses and his crew on their side, fighting for a their future.
Learn more about Moses, pangolins, and how to support this crucial work.