The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has unveiled the first-ever regional action plan for African pangolins, marking a major step forward in species protection measures and protecting pangolin species across West Africa.
Coordinated Conservation for West African Pangolins
The West Africa Regional Pangolin Conservation Action Plan (2026–2056), developed by IUCN’s Species Survival Commission Pangolin Specialist Group (PSG), outlines a 30-year strategy to guide conservation efforts in 11 pangolin range states, including Cameroon and Gabon. This is the first regional framework created for any African pangolin species.
West Africa hosts three of the world’s eight pangolin species: the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), and giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea). All three species are listed as Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. The white-bellied pangolin is considered the most trafficked mammal worldwide.
Addressing Key Threats
The action plan identifies six major threat categories and 16 targeted goals designed to reverse population declines. By offering a harmonized regional framework, it aligns with national priorities, CITES obligations, and the operational realities faced by enforcement authorities, protected area managers, and community partners.
Dr. Matthew H. Shirley, PSG Co-Chair, emphasized:
“This Action Plan is the result of unprecedented collaboration across borders, sectors, and disciplines. It provides a clear, evidence-based, and innovative roadmap to secure the future of West Africa’s three pangolin species over the next 30 years.”
Collaborative Efforts to Protect Pangolins
The roadmap was developed through a joint effort involving the PSG, USAID, and Fauna & Flora. A participatory workshop held in Accra, Ghana in March 2023 brought together 85 stakeholders from government agencies, NGOs, wildlife rescue centers, and research institutions across eight West African countries.
Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji, Regional Chair of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, stated:
“With the launch of this Action Plan, we reaffirm our commitment to securing a future where pangolins thrive alongside communities that value and protect them.”
Looking Ahead: A 30-Year Roadmap
Unlike project-specific initiatives, the West Africa Regional Pangolin Conservation Action Plan offers a long-term, region-wide approach to iucn species protection, integrating conservation priorities with community engagement. It serves as a blueprint for governments, NGOs, and local partners to coordinate actions, monitor outcomes, and ensure sustainable protection for these threatened species.
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This story was first reported by IUCN. Read the full article here.
