Pangolin Conservation Milestones and a Familiar Face

With giant pangolin numbers critically low, every single sighting is incredibly significant. So when Saruni – who had been missing for over a year – was spotted on one of the camera traps deployed by our Field Partners – The Pangolin Project, the joy and relief felt by the team was immeasurable. In addition, our Field Partner has secured thousands more acres of pangolin habitat in the Nyekweri Forest, Kenya. These milestones serve as powerful reminders of why this work matters, and how your continued support makes it all possible.

Securing Habitat, One Plot at a Time

The Nyekweri Forest in Kenya is believed to be one of the last strongholds for the giant pangolin population, with only an estimated 30 individuals remaining in the area. Unfortunately, the destruction of trees for firewood and timber, often the sole source of income for local landowners, continues to threaten their habitat.

To tackle this, our Field Partner has been working directly with landowners, offering financial incentives in exchange for conservation commitments. These agreements help protect crucial pangolin habitats by discouraging tree cutting, while still supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

So far, an incredible 82 landowners have formally committed their land to conservation, securing nearly 5,500 acres of ground pangolin habitat for at least the next 15 years. This is not just a win for pangolins, but also for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the broader conservation landscape in the region.

We’re now nearly halfway to the ambitious goal of protecting 12,300 acres by 2025, alongside our Field Partner. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but this momentum has given the team on the ground a real morale boost—and brought us one step closer to safeguarding the future of pangolins.

The Return of Saruni

Amid all this progress came a moment of emotional significance. The Pangolin Project shared the heartwarming news that Saruni, the first pangolin ever tagged by the team back in 2022, had been spotted again after going missing in November 2023.

Saruni holds a special place in our hearts, so when he reappeared last month on a camera trap, recognisable by a small bolt on his right side, it was a moment of joy and validation for the entire team.

Seeing him again was a vivid reminder of the importance of this work. It’s moments like these that highlight how vital your support is. Because without you, this kind of progress simply wouldn’t be possible.

Saruni spotted on a camera trap

Thank you to The Pangolin Project for supplying the camera trap footage

Why Monitoring Matters

Finding Saruni through ongoing monitoring is more than just an inspiring story—it’s proof that our approach is working. The research and tracking efforts made possible through DSWF support and funding are yielding valuable data about how pangolins move, where they live, and what habitats they rely on.

This knowledge directly informs our conservation strategies. It enables the team to identify critical areas in need of protection and work with landowners to secure those habitats through lease agreements that help prevent deforestation.

Without consistent monitoring, none of this would be possible. It’s the foundation of effective, long-term pangolin conservation.

Gareth Thomas

Help Protect Pangolins

If you’d like to further support our pangolin projects, you can donate directly towards the species here.

Or, you can adopt a pangolin and receive your very own personalised pack filled with fascinating pangolin facts.

Every action you take helps protect these incredible, endangered animals and keeps stories like Saruni’s alive.

Help Protect Pangolins