Catalyzing Pangolin Protection in Taita Taveta County

In September 2023 and following a site visit by the PCF Director, the PCF made our second-largest grant to The Pangolin Project (TPP) to save the last remaining giant pangolins in Kenya.

TPP estimates that approximately 30 giant pangolins remain in this ecosystem, which is also home to many other threatened species. The most immediate threat to giant pangolins in this ecosystem is electric fencing, used by farmers and landowners to demarcate their land and protect their livestock. The second greatest threat is habitat loss, as forest is cut and burned for charcoal and then cleared to make way for livestock. Through PCF support, TPP is tackling both of these threats head on in a race against time to save the remaining forest and the pangolins that live there. 

The population numbers of the giant pangolins in this ecosystem speak to the stark reality for this species: it is a race against the clock to save them. But while there is great urgency, there is also great hope.  TPP is working quickly to build partnerships with local communities, local government and other NGOs. Using local community knowledge and working alongside community members to monitor camera traps and tag species has been key to TPP’s success to date. Communities participate in Giant Pangolin Rapid Response teams to respond to giant pangolin sightings and electric fence incidents. TPP also employs Community-Based Pangolin Guardians to promote awareness and engagement in giant pangolin survival. Critically TPP is also working closely with communities to de-electrify the bottom fence wires so that the pangolins (and other small animals) can move through the landscape without being electrocuted. Through TPP’s involvement in developing a national action plan for the protection and recovery of pangolins in Kenya, the giant pangolins in Nyekweri are now a priority concern for the national government. The PCF grant is helping TPP to significantly scale up their approaches, working closely with the government, engaging more communities, and partnering with diverse stakeholders. TPP estimates the next three years will be critical.