Chinese pangolins are one of the most Critically Endangered pangolin species on the planet. Due to many years of habitat destruction, poaching, and illegal trade, they were even thought to be functionally extinct in China as recently as 2019. But now, there are signs that Chinese pangolins are making a comeback.
WildAid, a Pangolin Crisis Fund (PCF) grantee, is working closely with the Xizi River Ecological Conservation Center (XREC) to increase their monitoring of Chinese pangolins in the wild with the use of infrared cameras placed near known pangolin burrows. This uptick in such monitoring is thanks to China’s 2020 reclassification of the species as a nationally protected animal deserving of the highest level of legal protection. The improved protection status for the species has led to more concern for their conservation, and the efforts of WildAid and XREC have yielded evidence that wild Chinese pangolins numbers are growing.
XREC’s infrared cameras operate 24 hours a day, and are triggered by any movement near the pangolin burrows. They’ve captured footage indicating that the Chinese pangolin population is increasing, and that their habitat conditions are improving. The cameras also reveal important insights into pangolin behavior, which will help WildAid and other conservation groups form effective strategies for their conservation.
WildAid also does a great deal to raise awareness about the need to protect Chinese pangolins with the public. This includes signage and a PSA, which gained millions of views across the country. The PCF applauds the efforts of XREC and WildAid and will continue to help them safeguard the future of this important pangolin species.
Read more about WildAid’s efforts to save Chinese pangolins.