Pangolins: The Silent Guardians of Our Ecosystem

Whenever we think of wildlife conservation, more dominant animals like the elephants, lions and gorilla often come to mind. However, one of nature’s most extraordinary creatures -The Pangolin; remains largely unnoticed despite its very important role in maintaing ecological balance. Sad to say that these scaly mammals seems to be “the world’s most trafficked animal” and they are gradually facing a silent extinction. Join me as we explore the incredible world of pangolins, their importance in our ecosystem and why we must act now to protect them.

Meet the Pangolin: Nature’s Living Armor

Pangolins are unique, nocturnal mammalsfound in parts of Africa and Asia. They are easily recognizable by their overlapping keratin scales, which act as armor against predators. When threatened, a pangolin curls into a tight ball, making it nearly impenetrable. Unfortunately, this defense mechanism is useless against poachers who can easily pick them up and transport them illegally.

There are eight species of pangolins – four (4) in Africa and Four in Asia. Sadly, all of them are under threat due to habitat destruction and illegal wildlife trade.

Why Are Pangolins Important to our Ecosystem?

We may see pangolins as small and elusive, but they play a big role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Lets consider 3 ways:

1. Natural Pest Control – Pangolins feed almost exclusively on ants and termites, consuming up to 70 million insects per year. This helps prevent overpopulation of these pests which can damage crops and weaken trees.
2. Soil Health and Aeration – As pangolins dig for food, they turn over the soil, much like an ecosystem engineer. This improves soil aeration, allowing water and nutriels to penetrate deeper, benefiting plant growth.
3. Maintaining Biodiversity – By Keeping insect populations in check, pangolins help maintain a balanced food chain, indirectly supporting other species within their habitats.

The Threats Facing Facing Pangolins

Despite their ecologial importance, pangolins are critically endaangered due to the following:

• Illegal Wildlife Trade: consider the news dated 5th December 2024; On 5 December 2024, a major operation led by Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with support from the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), has resulted in the arrest of a suspected pangolin scale broker and the seizure of 2.179 tonnes of pangolin scales, equivalent to approximately 1,100 pangolins. This marks a significant blow to transnational wildlife trafficking networks operating in Nigeria. 

News source:https://wildlifejustice.org/nigerian-authorities-seize-2-179-tonnes-of-pangolin-scales-and-arrest-key-broker/

These examples and many more are the fate of many Pangolins in Africa. Pangolin scales are highly sought after in Traditional medicine, especially in parts of Asia, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting their medicinal properties. Their meat is also considered a delicacy in some regions.

• Habitat Destruction: Deforestaion and land conversion for agriculture are rapidly reducing their natural habitats.
• Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of pangolins or their conservation status, making efforts to protect them even more challenging.

How Can We Protect Pangolins?

Let me rephrase the question; How Can YOU Protect Pangolins? Well to effectively prevent pangolins from completely disappearing from the face of the earth, then, ACTION is needed on our part.

1. Raise Awareness: The number one thing we can all do is to raise awareness as much as we can. Consider this scenerio: someone who is drowning in a river must continously keep shouting for help at the top of his or her voice until help comes. In the same way, we must not relent on our effort to keep raising awareness. Sharing information about pangolins and their importance is a great way to start. Share this post on your different social media platforms and other related informations. The more people know, the stronger the conservation efforts.
2. Support Conservation Organisations: Groups like the Green Promise Initiative, SustyVibes, Green Fingers, Pangolin Conservation Fund and Wildlife Conservation Society all work in their unique capacity to protect pangolins and their habitats. Donations and Volunteer work can make a difference.
3. Push for Stronger Laws: Advocating for stricter enforcement of anti-poaching laws and bans on illegal wildlife trade can help reduce trafficking.
4. Say No to Wildlife Products: Avoid buying or using products made from pangolin scales or meat. Demand drives the illegal trade, so reducing consumer interest can save lives.

It’s time we give pangolins the attention they deserve and take action to secure their future. After all, every creature, no matter how small or hidden, has a role toplay in the balance of nature.