Maximizing Conservation for Southeast Asian Pangolins through the One Plan Approach

Despite the recent attention to their plight, pangolins remain the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world. Their sensitive nature and insectivorous diet make it challenging to care for these animals in captivity. But with many pangolins arriving at rescue centers and other facilities after being injured by cars or dogs or following confiscation by law enforcement, there’s a need to better understand these species so they can be rehabilitated and released or contribute to an ex situ (captive) insurance population.

In September, CPSG and Wildlife Reserves Singapore facilitated a workshop near Bangkok, Thailand to develop recommendations for ex situ conservation activities for Sunda pangolins. The Sunda pangolin lives across Southeast Asia and is especially hard hit by illegal trafficking, resulting in its classification as Critically Endangered.  The assessment of potential conservation activities involving captive pangolins is part of a broader regional strategy for the Sunda pangolin (PDF) that has six goals:

  • Change consumer behavior to reduce demand for pangolin parts and products;
  • Combat illegal trade by strengthening policy and law enforcement;
  • Engage local communities to participate in conservation processes;
  • Identify and protect areas with important pangolin populations;
  • Conduct research to gain a better understanding of Sunda pangolin ecology and behavior; and
  • Establish successful systems for rescue, rehabilitation and release of pangolins.

The workshop participants agreed on recommendations for ex situ conservation activities for Sunda pangolins that address the last two goals in the regional strategy. Participants identified knowledge gaps and research needs critical to the management of confiscated, rescued and captive pangolins. They also further developed the protocols for pangolin care in captivity, including those to improve the conservation impact of pangolins released back into the wild. Initial steps to establishing a regional ex situ insurance population of Sunda pangolins also were recommended.

CPSG and Wildlife Reserves Singapore, the convener of CPSG Southeast Asia, took the leading role in organizing and facilitating the workshop in partnership with the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group. Participants from 11 countries took part in the workshop, which was hosted by the National Science Museum, Thailand.

Photo credit: Piekfrosch [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)]