October 8, 2025 • 46 mins
In this week's Wildlife Matters podcast, we delve into the remarkable yet heart-wrenching story of the pangolin, the most trafficked mammal on the planet.
My involvement with the CITES committee has given me deep insights into the numerous challenges these beautiful anteaters face.
The episode outlines the four species of African pangolins: the Ground Pangolin, White-Bellied Pangolin, Giant Pangolin, and Black-Bellied Pangolin. Each species plays a unique ecological role and faces distinct threats. We examine their habitats, dietary preferences, and the crucial environmental functions they serve, particularly in controlling insect populations.
As we address the realities of wildlife trafficking, the discussion highlights the global implications of the illegal trade in pangolin scales and meat, which is fueled by mistaken beliefs regarding their medicinal benefits.
This grim reality is contrasted with a segment featuring a local African community, known for their vibrant red costumes, reminding us that wildlife conservation is inherently tied to cultural heritage and community identity.
Through this episode, we aim not only to raise awareness about the pangolin's plight but also to inspire action, encouraging our listeners to advocate for the protection of these remarkable creatures and the ecosystems in which they thrive.
Additionally, we will include our regular Mindful Moments, this time from the African bush, as well as the latest Wildlife Matters Nature News, which highlights the urgent need to address climate change and adopt sustainable practices to protect our planet's biodiversity.
Key Takeaways: - This episode focuses on the pangolin, the most trafficked wild animal in the world, a species I have personally worked with as part of the CITES committee. - We emphasise the importance of protecting pangolins, as they play a critical role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations, particularly ants and termites. - Our Wildlife Matters Mindful Moments feature highlights a unique community in Africa, celebrated for its vibrant traditional red costumes, enriching our understanding of local cultures. - The episode discusses the severe threats faced by pangolins due to poaching and habitat loss, underscoring the urgent need for conservation efforts. - We examine the misconceptions surrounding the medicinal properties of pangolin scales, which lack scientific backing but persist in the illegal wildlife trade. - As we conclude Series Six, we invite listeners to engage with future episodes focused on wildlife conservation and the challenges of protecting endangered species. For more information, please visit: www.helpanimals.co.uk
Companies mentioned in this episode: - Wildlife Trusts - Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - Woodland Trust - CITES - Maasai - Wildlife Matters - British Hedgehog Preservation Society
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
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(00:24):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Podcast Podcast.
In this episode, we're takingyou to Africa for a remarkable wildlife
adventure, focusing on aspecies I had the privilege of working
with as part of a CITES committee.
Tragically, it has become themost trafficked wild animal in the
(00:48):
world, the humble and in myopinion, exquisitely beautiful pangolin.
And we have a very specialWildlife Matters mindful moments
ready for you.
We'll introduce you to a trulyunique community in Africa, renowned
for its stunning traditionalred costumes.
(01:12):
It's a mindful moment not tobe missed.
But first, let's take a lookat the wildlife and nature stories
that have caught our attentionin this week's Wildlife Matters Nature
News.
(01:41):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
Today we have three stories toshare with you, starting with the
news from the Wildlife Trusts,which warns that the UK remains shockingly
unprepared for increasingfrequent extreme weather brought
(02:01):
on by climate change andcriticizing the government for its
inadequate response.
This year, the UK experiencedits hottest summer on record, with
average temperatures reaching60 Celsius between June and August.
The most severe damage,however, results from the boom and
(02:24):
bust patterns of weatherextremes, including droughts, heat
waves, floods and storms, asstated in the Wildlife Trust's latest
report, Resilient Nature.
Publishing its annual reviewof the 2,600 nature reserves.
The the Wildlife Trustdescribed climate change as accelerating
(02:46):
at a frightening pace, withworrying impacts on both wildlife
and public health.
Catherine Brown, director ofclimate change at the Wildlife Trust,
told Wildlife Matters thatwhile our staff and volunteers race
to adapt land managementpractices, government action on climate
(03:07):
change is raised rapidly,falling behind.
Wildfires and floods acrosssouthern Europe, which endanger both
people and nature, highlightthe UK's lack of preparedness for
extreme weather.
The UK government thereforemust urgently overhaul adaptation
policies, boost funding andstrengthen coordination to meet this
(03:32):
escalating danger head on.
Last September, suddendownpours caused floods at Flickwick
Moors in Bedfordshire, raisingwater levels rapidly across its 67
acres and leaving some fieldscompletely underwater.
(03:53):
Aidan Matthews, the seniorreserves manager for the Beds, CAMS
and North Hants WildlifeTrust, is explained that the wetland's
primary function was to haltwater from reaching nearby homes
and roads.
But now, months later, andafter four severe summer heat waves,
(04:14):
the waterlogged meadows haveonly started drying out.
The spring and summer were thedriest I've seen in 15 or 20 years
I've known this site, aidan said.
Large areas have dried up.
Grassland turned dusty,wildflowers and pollinating insects
(04:34):
vanished, affecting the wholefood chain.
Birds reliant on wetlands arealready suffering.
Wildlife trusts criticize thegovernment's first year of climate
change adaptation asdisappointing and weak.
They urge ministers to studyEurope's heat waves and and make
(04:56):
comprehensive UK widecontingency plans in response, the
Department for theEnvironment, Food and rural affairs,
or DEFRA, told WildlifeMatters, we are committed to transforming
the UK's climate resilienceand taking decisive action for future
(05:18):
impacts.
We have already moved torestoration or flood defences and
through the Plan for Changeare delivering a 7.9 billion 10 year
investment to protect over800,000 properties better.
Professor Ed Turner, insectecology expert at Cambridge, said
(05:41):
that there is still time to act.
We're living in a worldrapidly losing biodiversity stuff.
Species are disappearing at analarming rate, he said, but it is
not hopeless.
Like climate change,biodiversity loss can be tackled
if people get involved and care.
(06:04):
At Clee next to the sea inNorth Norfolk, the Wildlife Trust
is already seeing some progress.
Recent years of storms, surgesand flooding have exposed the vulnerability
of the freshwater habitatsadjacent to an unpredictable coastline.
Norfolk Wildlife Trustresponded by rerouting the new Cut
(06:28):
drain, which marks theboundary between fresh and saline
habitats and helps keep saltwater out of the reserve.
With climate change, the seais rising, expanding and storms are
becoming stronger, said Nickat the Trust's ambassador.
And Nick continued increasedstorm frequency and intensity are
(06:53):
pushing seawater into thereserve, altering the wildlife that
CLEE attracts, whichunderscores the importance of their
work elsewhere in Norfolk,where they're creating habitats for
waterfowl that are unable tobreed on the coast.
You may remember that earlierthis year we covered the launch of
(07:16):
the Woodland Trust's annualTree of the Year Awards right here
on the Wildlife Matterspodcast and this week they announced
the winner is a much loved ashtree in the heart of Glasgow.
While many trees featured inthe competition are located in the
remote British countryside,the Argyll street ash is situated
(07:40):
on one of the city's busiest roads.
The author James Cowandescribed the tree in his 1951 book
From Glasgow's Treasure Chestas quite the most graceful ash I
have seen.
This is a point of pride forthose who live nearby, and the quote
is displayed in the pub thatlies opposite the tree.
(08:04):
Cowan's book also recounts anurban legend that a sapling grew
by accident when a localfamily returned from a holiday with
some primrose roots, one ofwhich contained the ash seed.
It is the only ash in thestreet and it stands a remarkable
(08:24):
75ft tall, casting shade onthe sandstone tenement houses.
Many ash trees across thecountry have had to be felled due
to the fungal disease ashadiebag, which causes their death.
So far, the Argyll Street Ash,which was planted in the Victorian
(08:45):
era, has survived theClydesdale Blitz of World War II,
recent redevelopment and thedreaded ash dieback disease.
The tree beats the king ofLimbs oak, which inspired a Radiohead
album title, and the LonelyTree, which sits on the edge of Llympadran
(09:08):
in Wales.
Also in the top five were theLady Jane Grey Oak in Bradgate Park,
Leicester, the majestic cedarwith its low sweeping boughs where
the Beatles were oncephotographed at Chiswick House in
London.
Adam Cormack from the WoodlandTrust told Wildlife Matters, trees
(09:30):
really matter to people, andthis is clear from the response we've
seen to the Argyll Street Ash.
Trees inspire us to writestories and to create art, whilst
connecting us to culturallegacies and a sense of place.
We encourage people to noticeand enjoy the trees that are around
(09:52):
them and learn more about howthey benefit us from boosting biodiversity
and our well being tomitigating the effects of climate
change.
David Treynor, a localarborist who has been managing the
ash in recent years, nominatedthe tree, which is protected by a
(10:13):
tree preservation order, whichis thought to be one of the first
in Glasgow.
Among others who nominated theArgyll Street Ash were the local
MSP Paul Sweeney and StuartMurdoch of the band Belle and Sebastian.
It is their second victory ina row for Scotland after the triumph
(10:33):
of the skippinish oak lastyear, and the winner of the Woodland
Trust Tree of the Yearcompetition will go on to represent
the UK in the European Tree ofthe Year contest, which takes place
in early 2026.
The Argyll Street Ash is atruly spectacular tree in a unique
(10:56):
setting and we are due to takea look at the picture we have shared
on our social media.
Now try to imagine being ahedgehog during the hottest, driest
summer in recent memory.
As the sun beats the down, theground hardens, food becomes scarce
(11:17):
and survival grows tougherevery day.
This year's relentless heathas affected all wildlife species,
but as they prepare tohibernate, hedgehogs face what the
British Hedgehog PreservationSociety calls a complicated and often
perilous energy conservation strategy.
(11:41):
The period before hibernation,typically starting when the clocks
go back in autumn, is crucialfor a hedgehog's survival.
So after consulting withleading hedgehog experts, Wildlife
Matters has identified sixsigns indicating that a hedgehog
(12:01):
may need your help, along withguidance on what to do and who to
contact.
The first sign to look out foris lethargy you see, hedgehogs are
nocturnal creatures and theydon't come out and sunbathe in the
day.
So if you're seeing one out inthe day, it means it needs your help.
(12:24):
The second sign to look for is flies.
If flies are swarming around ahedgehog, it is a bad sign and the
hedgehog is does need help.
If you see what looks likesmall white rice grains on the hedgehog's
face or between its spines, itdoes need urgent help, as this could
(12:46):
well indicate a fly strike.
The third sign is a hedgehogwobbling as it walks.
If a hedgehog appears to beunsteady on its feet, it may well
have a neurological conditionwhich requires urgent and specialist
treatment at a wildlife rescue centre.
(13:08):
The fourth sign is an obvious injury.
Just check the hedgehog'slegs, feet, face, eyes and ears.
And if you see wounds or thereare clear signs of distress, then
you should seek help.
The fifth sign relates to thehedgehog's curious and adventurous
(13:31):
nature which can result inthem becoming trapped.
Hedgehogs have often beenfound in uncovered drains, garden
ponds, building holes, ropeworks, discarded plant pots, those
garden refuse sacks that youget, and of course builders bags.
(13:51):
Watch for a hedgehog.
Keep an eye open for hedgehogsin unusual places because they may
need your help.
And if a hedgehog is trappedin plant or sports netting, please
do contact a wildlife rescueas netting can cause compression
injuries which will not benoticeable to the naked eye.
(14:14):
The sixth sign isunaccompanied hoglets, which are
baby hedgehogs.
They may be alone or withtheir siblings.
If you see them out wandering,often squeaking, then take a look
around the area because youmay find a sick, injured or possibly
even dead adult nearby.
(14:35):
In any situation, or if youcan't find the adult, you should
collect the hoglets and placethem in a box lined with towels and
put a warm but not hot waterbottle beneath the towel.
Ensure that the box has a lidwith holes in which will prevent
escape whilst allowing airflow.
(14:58):
So what should I do if I spota hedgehog in need?
Well, firstly, do not feed orgive water to any sick or injured
hedgehog or indeed any wildanimal that you rescue.
As this can be harmful,feeding should be left to the professionals
at the wildlife rescue centre.
(15:21):
Carefully pick up the animalusing gloves or a towel.
Keep it warm and quiet byplacing it in a secure box indoors
and contact your localwildlife rescue immediately for further
instructions.
Most local wildlife rescuescan be found via an Internet search
(15:42):
or you could try at one Voicefor Animals website address www.helpanimals.co.uk
which lists wildlife rescuesthroughout the whole of the country.
The advice provided hereoffers general guidance.
Contact your local wildliferescue centre for expert and local
(16:07):
advice.
Save their number on yourphone now so it's ready should you
need it in the future.
Hope you found that helpfuland that has been this week's Wildlife
Matters Nature if any of thisweek's nature news stories have struck
(16:38):
a chord or have inspired youto take action, please do let us
know by leaving us a messageon our social media channels or by
sending us an email.
We love to hear your storiesstories and we would like to share
them with other listeners.
You can find our email addressin the show notes below.
(17:02):
Now I invite you to join mefor an exceptional experience as
we immerse ourselves in thesounds of an African evening during
this week's Wildlife MattersMindful MO moments.
(17:48):
It Sam.
(18:50):
We hope you enjoyed the soundsof Africa.
Our experience was trulyspecial as we were guests of the
Maasai in one of their campsin the wilds of Kenya, with our feet
warmed by the deep red soil asthe sun set beneath an endless sky.
(19:10):
In this week's main feature ofthe Wildlife Matters podcast, we
return to Tsavo East nationalpark to explore four species of African
pangolins.
We will discuss their ecologyand the challenges they face in their
native habitats across Africa,highlighting how this humble anteater
(19:36):
has become the world's mosttrafficked wild animal.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's A Wildlife Matters main feature
(19:58):
where we look.
At the story of the pangolin,probably the world's most persecuted
wild animal.
The story of the pangolin hasbecome tragic in recent years.
From their humble origins asscaly anteaters that roam through
Africa and Asia, the.
(20:18):
Pangolin stands out as themost poached mammal in the wild.
It is a unique and fascinating creature.
Around a decade ago, I was aCITES committee member looking at
how more protection forpangolins could be implemented at
the following COP meeting andthat began.
(20:39):
A personal journey that saw mereturn to Tsavo national park in
Kenya, where.
I had previously worked onprojects with elephants and rhinos.
The grounds pankling the Cape,or Temnix pangolin is found in the
Tsavo area.
A second species of pangolinis the white bellied or tree pangolin.
(21:02):
This species is only foundlocally in.
The Kakamega Forest, acommunity reserve and government
protected area.
The third pangolin species isthe giant pangolin found in the Lake
Victoria region and the fourthpangolin species in Africa is the
black bellied pangolin, whichis not found in Kenya.
(21:26):
Its home range is in the westaround Nigeria.
The word pangolin originatesfrom the Malay word pengaling, which
means something that rolls up.
This refers to the pangolinrolling itself up into a tight ball
as a defense.
Dissect that pangolins havebeen on earth for approximately 80
(21:48):
million years.
It can be found in 51countries across Asia and Africa
and inhabit a variety ofenvironments, from tropical forests
to dense brush and grasslands.
So let's begin with a briefoverview of the ecology of pangolins.
There are eight species ofpangolin, four of them in Asia and
(22:11):
four in Africa, showcasingtheir diverse habitats.
In this podcast, we'refocusing on the African pangolin
species with a separatepodcast dedicated to the Asian pangolin
to follow in future.
In Kenya, three of the fourAfrican pangolin species can be found.
(22:32):
The Grounds Pangolin is themost widely distributed African species,
primarily inhabiting southernand eastern Africa.
It thrives its scrubbysavannah woodland at low elevations
and lives in burrows thatfeature semi spherical chambers,
sometimes large enough for aperson to stand up in.
(22:54):
The giant pangolin, thelargest extact pangolin species,
is found in various habitatsacross West Africa to Uganda, including
primary and secondary forests,swamp forests and wooded savannas.
The black bellied pangolin isan arboreal species located in the
western and central Africa,and in contrast, the white bellied
(23:18):
pangolin is most frequentlyfound in Africa, typically in the
southwest of the region.
Pangolins belong to the orderBolidota and are intriguing creatures
with some remarkable features.
Despite their scales,pangolins are mammals and not reptiles.
(23:38):
These solitary animals arenocturnal and rely on their acute
sense of smell to hunt for insects.
When threatened, they can rollinto a tight ball, using their muscular
tail for protection.
One striking aspect ofpangolins is their long tunnel, which
can extend between 10 and 15centimeters beyond their lips.
(24:03):
The tongue originates deep inthe chest cavity and is attached
to the lowest part of the breastbone.
When not in use, it retractsinto a cartilaginous structure, keeping
it out of the way.
Understanding a pangolin'sdiet sheds light on the purpose of
its long tunnel.
Approximately 90% of a groundpangolin diet will consist of ants,
(24:28):
with the remaining 10% being termite.
Remarkably, a single groundpangolin can consume an estimated
70 million insects in a year.
Pangolins do not have teeth.
Instead, they lap up insectsusing their skin saliva covered tongues.
As they retract their tonguesinto their mouths, a bony protection
(24:51):
scrapes off the insects forswallowing to aid in digestion.
They also ingest small stonesor bits of sand and soil, which their
muscular stomach uses to grindthe insects into a digestible ball.
Apangolin scales constitutearound 20% of its body weight and
(25:11):
are composed of carotene, thesame protein found in human hair
and fingernails, as well asrhino horn.
While keratin lacksscientifically proven benefit, it
is often used in traditionalmedicine, which we will explore further
later in the podcast.
Pangolins do walk on theirhind legs, using their front legs
(25:32):
and tail for balance.
They typically will have onepuff per year with the baby riding
at the base of the mother's tail.
Ground pangolin are known toadopt abandoned burrows from warthogs
and aardvarks.
They are critically endangeredand among the most illegally trafficked
animals worldwide.
(25:53):
As Africa's second largestpangolin species, they are distinguished
by their protective layer ofhorny scales.
When threatened, groundpangolins can curl into an almost
impenetrable all, wrappingtheir strong tails around their bodies
and exposing only their sharpscales to predators.
(26:14):
These solitary nocturnalcreatures often venture out in the
late afternoon during thewinter, although they primarily stay
on the ground.
Ground pangolins are adeptclimbers and also swimmers.
They typically stroll withtheir heads swaying and their tails
dragging, but are capable ofrunning and walking on two legs.
(26:37):
Ground pangolins are alsoknown as Temigs pangolin, after the
Dutch zoologist Conrad JakobTemnek primarily dig their burrows
but prefer to inhabit thosecreated by spring hares or anteaters
curling up to sleep within them.
Communication among thesecreatures is not Bilanta's understood,
(26:58):
although it likely involves acombination of visual cues, smells,
sounds and touch.
Pangolins exhibit polygynousbehaviour, with males competing fiercely
for access to females.
Breeding occurs year round,even as females rear their young.
The gestation period lastsapproximately 139 days, typically
(27:23):
resulting in the birth of onepup in an underground shelter.
The young are carried on themother's back at the base of her
tail from around two weeks old.
The pup remains with itsmother for about three months and
may stay with its father foran additional month, although this
is rare.
By the age of one year theyoung pangolin becomes fully independent
(27:46):
but usually stays within itsmother's home range until then.
Females will reach breedingmaturity at three to four years old,
whilst males mature at asimilar age but often breed later,
between five and seven years.
Ground pangolins face threatsfrom poaching due to the high economic
value of their flesh and thescales, as well as habitat loss from
(28:10):
agricultural expansion.
Natural predators includelions and hyenas, and they are also
at risk of brush fires andelectrocution from electric fences.
Although consideredwidespread, ground pangolins are
pretty rare.
With the population size notdocumented on the IUCN Red List,
(28:31):
where they are classified asinvulnerable, their numbers continue
to decline dramatically.
Ecologically, ground pangolinplays a crucial role and as predators
of colonial insects in their ecosystems.
The white bellied pangolin isalso known as the tree or three cusp
pangolin.
(28:52):
It is the most common speciesfound in African forests.
These semi arborealspecialists inhabit much of the central
and western Africa, extendingas far east as the southwestern Kenya
and northeastern Texas, Tanzania.
They prefer lowland tropicaland savannah forests and have shown
(29:14):
some adaptability tocommercial plantations.
The white bellied pangolin isnamed for its white skin on the underside
of its body, distinguishing itfrom other pangolin species due to
its smaller size, larger eyesand hairy forelimbs.
Adult white bellied pangolinswill range in size from around 60
(29:34):
up to maybe 105cm in length,with their long prehensile tails
accounting for about half oftheir total body's length.
These tails, along with theirclawed feet, aid in climbing trees
and navigating high branches.
When threatened, they curlinto a ball, protected by their sharp,
(29:55):
overlapping scales.
Dominantly knocked terminalwhite bellied pangolins exclusively
feed on ants and termitesusing their long tongues, which can
extend up to 25cm, to accesstheir prey.
Breeding occurs continuously,with females giving birth to a single
(30:15):
cub after a gestation periodof just under 140 days.
Male home ranges can extend upto 30 hectares, while females occupy
smaller areas averaging just 3to 4 hectares.
While foraging or crossingopen ground, they quickly ascend
nearby trees if they are disturbed.
(30:37):
Although equally comfortableon the ground and in trees, their
populations are declining.
The latest IUCN assessmentclassifies the white bellied pangolin
as endangered, withpopulations having decreased by over
40% in the last 10 years.
This decline is primarilydriven by habitat loss, international
(31:01):
trafficking of their scales toAsia, and increasing local use of
bush meat.
These scaly mammals are amongthe world's most trafficked animals,
making their conservation critical.
The giant ground pangolin isthe largest of the eight pangolin
species, reaching lengths ofup to 1.8 meters and weighing as
(31:24):
much as 33 kilograms.
This species primarilyinhabits forests, rainforests and
savannas, with significantpopulations in Uganda, Tanzania and
western Kenya, although theyare sparsely distributed along the
west coast of Africa.
As a terrestrial species,giant brown pangolins prefer to rest
(31:47):
during the day under piles ofplant debris, in thickets under fallen
tree roots and sometimes in burrows.
They are nocturnal andelusive, which makes surveys challenging
and results in limitedinformation regarding their population
abundance and density.
These pangolins favour areasnear near water sources and spend
(32:09):
most of their time on the ground.
Unlike the white bellied orblack bellied pangolins, which are
mainly arboreal, covered inprotective scales, the giant's brown
pangolin can roll into adefensive fall when threatened, shielding
its vulnerable body.
They possess long front clawsideal for digging into ant colonies
(32:31):
and a long tongue that'ssuited to the feasting on ants and
termites.
The reproductive biology ofthe giant ground pangolin remains
poorly understood, withbreeding possibly being seasonal.
Females typically give birthto a single pup, perhaps annually
or every second year.
The young pangolin rides onits mother's back while nursing and
(32:54):
foraging for ants and until itbecomes independent.
Greatest threat to the giantground pangolin comes from human
activity.
Their populations havesignificantly declined due to habitat
loss and like all pangolinspecies, the international trafficking
for their scales.
Between 2015 and 2019, it'sestimated that over 400,000 African
(33:21):
pangolins, including the giantground pangolin pangolin, were trafficked
either within Africa ordestined for Asia.
Scales of pangolins are highlyvalued in traditional Chinese medicine,
contributing to this exploitation.
Black bellied or long tailedpangolins are diurnal arboreal species
(33:44):
found on the west coast of Africa.
Known locally as the ipi.
Their name reflects theirdistinction distinctive physical
traits such as theirexceptionally long tail and the dark
fur covering the underside oftheir body and limbs.
The long tailed pangolinfeatures a tail that can reach lengths
of 60 to 70 centimeters,that's 24 to 28 inches.
(34:07):
The tail also contains 46 or47 caudal vertebrae, a record among
mammals.
The body's size will rangefrom 30 to 40 centimeters or 12 to
16 inches and they aretypically weighing in between two
and two and a half kilograms,with males being slightly larger
(34:29):
than females.
Despite their long tail, theyare the smallest of the eight pangolin
species.
Their bodies are covered withnine to 13 rows of overlapping artichoke
leaf shaped keratids, scaleswhich are dark brown with a lighter
rib for camouflage.
The feet have large curvedclaws and the tail's tip is bare
(34:51):
with a sensory pad that helpsthem to grip branches.
Pangolins don't have teeth,but they do possess long tongues.
In contrast, their abdomen,limbs and face are covered in a dark
fur instead of scales.
Long tailed pangolins ininhabit parts of western and central
Africa, from Senegal in thewest, to Uganda in the east and down
(35:15):
to Angola in the south.
They prefer moist, tropical,riverine and spot forest environments
but can also be found inhaworted forests and agricultural
areas.
Typically they will be locatednear to water sources.
They are solitary and shycreatures that spend most of their
(35:35):
lives in the canopy.
Using their long prehensiletails for balance and support.
They can dangle from branchesor extend their tails to reach other
holes.
Their strong claws allow themto dig deep into tree bark to climb.
And they are adept swimmerscapable of dropping into streams
(35:55):
and moving through the waterwith a quick undulating motion.
As the only diurnal pangolinspecies, they have developed various
self defense techniquesagainst predators.
Their scales providecamouflage and when threatened they
can roll into a tight ballexposing only their sharp scales.
(36:16):
They can also emit a foulsmelling liquid from their anal glands
when resting at night.
They have been observedsleeping in a rolled posture in tree
hollows, epiphytes, tree fernsor old ant nests.
Communication among longtailed pangolins primarily occurs
through pheromones produced intheir anal scent glands.
(36:38):
Likely used to attract matesand to establish territory.
They primarily consume ants.
They locate arboreal ant nestsusing their keen sense of smell,
then tear them open with theirstrong claws and capture the ants
with their long stickytongues, swallowing them whole.
Little is known about theirmating habits, but it is believed
(37:01):
that they mate all year roundwith an average gestation period
of around 140 days.
Females typically give birthto a single offspring which has soft
scales that harden within afew days.
The young ride on theirmother's tail for up to three months
and reach reproductivematurity around two years of age.
(37:23):
Unfortunately, long tailedpangolins are heavily hunted for
bush meat and traditionalmedicine while also facing habitat
loss.
They are relatively tolerantof moderate habitat modification
as observed in populationsadapting to agricultural areas of
former lowland forests.
(37:44):
Currently, this species isclassified as vulnerable on the IUCN
Red List with decreasingpopulation numbers though the total
population size remains as unknown.
So why are pangolins poached?
At first glance, many peoplemistake the pangolin for a reptile
(38:05):
due to its scaly armor.
However, it is the only mammalfully covered in scales.
Of the eight species ofpangolin found in Asia and Africa,
four are critically endangeredwhilst the others are considered
as vulnerable.
The primary threat to pangolinpopulations is poaching.
(38:26):
Tragically, these scalymammals are the most trafficked animals
in the world with many partsof Asia and this trend is now spreading
through Africa to meet thedemands of of the Asian market.
Estimates suggest that around200,000 pangolins are poached every
year, with over 2.7 milliontaken in the last decade.
(38:51):
Pangolins are highly valuedfor their scales, meat, blood and
fetus, which are believed topossess magical medicinal properties.
Despite this believe, there isno scientific evidence to support
claims that pangolin bodyparts have any health benefits.
In countries like China andVietnam, pangolin scales are used
(39:16):
in traditional medicine andthe meat is regarded as a delicacy.
In 2023, Chinese customsconfiscated 123 tons of pangolin
scale scales highlighting thescale of the illegal trade.
Pangolins are adept at hidingin the wild, often found underground
(39:37):
or in trees.
But unfortunately, localhunters smoke them out with fires
or fallen from their hidingspots, often using brutal methods.
Many pangolins are boiledalive and placed in sacks for transport,
with hunters receiving aroundUS$1 per pangolin, whilst their scales
(40:00):
can sell for up to US$3,000per kg in Vietnam.
Pangolin meat is particularlysought after in Vietnam where whole
foetuses are served in abroth, whilst in China where the
scales are used in traditionalAsian medicine.
(40:20):
Despite laws designed toprotect these rare creatures, the
illegal poaching andtrafficking of pangolins has continued
to grow.
Since 2021, pangolins havetragically become the most trafficked
animals in the world, withaffluent countries in the Far east
willing to pay high prices tothe traffickers.
(40:43):
The trade route analysis ofpangolin trafficking indicates that
Lagos serves as the primaryconnection point both domestically
and globally, particularly forshipments to Southeast Asian countries.
Key transit countries forpangolin scale shipments from Nigeria
include Malaysia, Lao andSingapore, with China and Vietnam
(41:06):
being the leading destinationsfor the illegal shipments.
So is it too late to save the pangolin?
Pangolin conservation iscrucial for many reasons.
Firstly, pangolins play avital role in local ecosystems by
controlling insect population,particularly ants and termites, which
(41:28):
helps maintain ecological balance.
Their digging behavior alsocontributes to soil health by aerating
the soil and promotingnutrition cycling.
Pangolins also serve asindicators of a healthy ecosystem.
Their presence or absence canreflect the overall well being of
their habitat.
(41:49):
Protecting pangolin safeguardsbiodiversity and the integrity of
their ecosystems.
Pangolins also hold culturaland economic value in many regions,
significantly contributing toeco tourism.
Unfortunately, they arevictims of human greed and ignorance.
(42:09):
Their scales, which are madeof keratin, a protein compound similar
to human hair and nails, arewrongly believed to have medicinal
properties.
Despite having no cancercuring benefits.
The myth that pangolin meatpossesses magical properties persists
with dried scales beingroasted, ashed or cooked in various
(42:33):
ways.
To cure ailments ranging fromexcessive nervousness to malarial
fever and deafness.
Furthermore, the consumptionof a pangolin fetus is falsely thought
to enhance fertility, leadingto the tragic loss of both mother
and unborn baby pangolin forthis misguided tradition, pangolins
(42:54):
the typically have just onebaby per year, making this tradition
particularly damaging to thepopulations in the wild.
In Vietnam, a significant hubfor illegal wildlife trade, pangolin
scales are sought after forthe traditional medicine practitioners
who believe that they cantreat various illnesses including
(43:16):
mammary gland blockages inbreastfeeding women had three.
This belief has driven demandto alarming levels, pushing pangolins
to the very brink of extinction.
Relying on wild sourcedmedicinal ingredients can also pose
severe health risks, includingpotential viral infections.
(43:37):
The future for the pangolinspecies looks bleak right now.
Despite the efforts of NGOs tocombat trafficking, the demand for
pan affluent Asian markets andthe poverty in many African communities
continue to fuel the trade.
This situation mirrors thechallenges faced by rhinos who approach
(43:58):
for their keratin horns andelephants killed for the ivory in
their tusks, both symbols ofstatus and prestige in some Far Eastern
cultures.
A kiss to how diamonds of goldare valued in the West.
To protect these iconicspecies from extinction, we must
(44:19):
prioritize education andconservation efforts against human
greed and persecution.
The story of the pangolin isindeed a tragic one.
They are unique andfascinating animals that deserve
much stronger protection fromthe money focused world of wildlife
pride before it is too lateand we lose another distinctive and
(44:43):
iconic wild animal to human freedom.
That has been this week'sWildlife Matters main feature.
(45:06):
We hope you enjoyed ouradventure in the Tsavo east in Kenya
where we explored the fourAfrican pangolin species and learned
about these incredible animals.
We must end the illegalwildlife trade for their scales which
are mistakenly believed tocure cancer.
In future episodes we willalso examine Asian pangolins and
(45:31):
other wildlife species I havehad the pleasure to work with.
And this marks the end ofseries six of the Wildlife Matters
podcast, a remarkablemilestone we are proud to have achieved.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks for series seven featuring
(45:53):
an urban wildlife adventurearound London's Greenwich Park.
So make sure to subscribe likeand follow us and please leave us
a comment or a review whereveryou listen to your podcast as it
helps other wildlife andnature lovers to discover our show.
(46:15):
Thank you and as always, stay curious.
Wild ones, this is WildlifeMatters are signing off.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Podcast Podcast.
In this episode, we're takingyou to Africa for a remarkable wildlife
adventure, focusing on aspecies I had the privilege of working
with as part of a CITES committee.
Tragically, it has become themost trafficked wild animal in the
(00:48):
world, the humble and in myopinion, exquisitely beautiful pangolin.
And we have a very specialWildlife Matters mindful moments
ready for you.
We'll introduce you to a trulyunique community in Africa, renowned
for its stunning traditionalred costumes.
(01:12):
It's a mindful moment not tobe missed.
But first, let's take a lookat the wildlife and nature stories
that have caught our attentionin this week's Wildlife Matters Nature
News.
(01:41):
Hello and welcome to thisweek's Wildlife Matters Nature News.
Today we have three stories toshare with you, starting with the
news from the Wildlife Trusts,which warns that the UK remains shockingly
unprepared for increasingfrequent extreme weather brought
(02:01):
on by climate change andcriticizing the government for its
inadequate response.
This year, the UK experiencedits hottest summer on record, with
average temperatures reaching60 Celsius between June and August.
The most severe damage,however, results from the boom and
(02:24):
bust patterns of weatherextremes, including droughts, heat
waves, floods and storms, asstated in the Wildlife Trust's latest
report, Resilient Nature.
Publishing its annual reviewof the 2,600 nature reserves.
The the Wildlife Trustdescribed climate change as accelerating
(02:46):
at a frightening pace, withworrying impacts on both wildlife
and public health.
Catherine Brown, director ofclimate change at the Wildlife Trust,
told Wildlife Matters thatwhile our staff and volunteers race
to adapt land managementpractices, government action on climate
(03:07):
change is raised rapidly,falling behind.
Wildfires and floods acrosssouthern Europe, which endanger both
people and nature, highlightthe UK's lack of preparedness for
extreme weather.
The UK government thereforemust urgently overhaul adaptation
policies, boost funding andstrengthen coordination to meet this
(03:32):
escalating danger head on.
Last September, suddendownpours caused floods at Flickwick
Moors in Bedfordshire, raisingwater levels rapidly across its 67
acres and leaving some fieldscompletely underwater.
(03:53):
Aidan Matthews, the seniorreserves manager for the Beds, CAMS
and North Hants WildlifeTrust, is explained that the wetland's
primary function was to haltwater from reaching nearby homes
and roads.
But now, months later, andafter four severe summer heat waves,
(04:14):
the waterlogged meadows haveonly started drying out.
The spring and summer were thedriest I've seen in 15 or 20 years
I've known this site, aidan said.
Large areas have dried up.
Grassland turned dusty,wildflowers and pollinating insects
(04:34):
vanished, affecting the wholefood chain.
Birds reliant on wetlands arealready suffering.
Wildlife trusts criticize thegovernment's first year of climate
change adaptation asdisappointing and weak.
They urge ministers to studyEurope's heat waves and and make
(04:56):
comprehensive UK widecontingency plans in response, the
Department for theEnvironment, Food and rural affairs,
or DEFRA, told WildlifeMatters, we are committed to transforming
the UK's climate resilienceand taking decisive action for future
(05:18):
impacts.
We have already moved torestoration or flood defences and
through the Plan for Changeare delivering a 7.9 billion 10 year
investment to protect over800,000 properties better.
Professor Ed Turner, insectecology expert at Cambridge, said
(05:41):
that there is still time to act.
We're living in a worldrapidly losing biodiversity stuff.
Species are disappearing at analarming rate, he said, but it is
not hopeless.
Like climate change,biodiversity loss can be tackled
if people get involved and care.
(06:04):
At Clee next to the sea inNorth Norfolk, the Wildlife Trust
is already seeing some progress.
Recent years of storms, surgesand flooding have exposed the vulnerability
of the freshwater habitatsadjacent to an unpredictable coastline.
Norfolk Wildlife Trustresponded by rerouting the new Cut
(06:28):
drain, which marks theboundary between fresh and saline
habitats and helps keep saltwater out of the reserve.
With climate change, the seais rising, expanding and storms are
becoming stronger, said Nickat the Trust's ambassador.
And Nick continued increasedstorm frequency and intensity are
(06:53):
pushing seawater into thereserve, altering the wildlife that
CLEE attracts, whichunderscores the importance of their
work elsewhere in Norfolk,where they're creating habitats for
waterfowl that are unable tobreed on the coast.
You may remember that earlierthis year we covered the launch of
(07:16):
the Woodland Trust's annualTree of the Year Awards right here
on the Wildlife Matterspodcast and this week they announced
the winner is a much loved ashtree in the heart of Glasgow.
While many trees featured inthe competition are located in the
remote British countryside,the Argyll street ash is situated
(07:40):
on one of the city's busiest roads.
The author James Cowandescribed the tree in his 1951 book
From Glasgow's Treasure Chestas quite the most graceful ash I
have seen.
This is a point of pride forthose who live nearby, and the quote
is displayed in the pub thatlies opposite the tree.
(08:04):
Cowan's book also recounts anurban legend that a sapling grew
by accident when a localfamily returned from a holiday with
some primrose roots, one ofwhich contained the ash seed.
It is the only ash in thestreet and it stands a remarkable
(08:24):
75ft tall, casting shade onthe sandstone tenement houses.
Many ash trees across thecountry have had to be felled due
to the fungal disease ashadiebag, which causes their death.
So far, the Argyll Street Ash,which was planted in the Victorian
(08:45):
era, has survived theClydesdale Blitz of World War II,
recent redevelopment and thedreaded ash dieback disease.
The tree beats the king ofLimbs oak, which inspired a Radiohead
album title, and the LonelyTree, which sits on the edge of Llympadran
(09:08):
in Wales.
Also in the top five were theLady Jane Grey Oak in Bradgate Park,
Leicester, the majestic cedarwith its low sweeping boughs where
the Beatles were oncephotographed at Chiswick House in
London.
Adam Cormack from the WoodlandTrust told Wildlife Matters, trees
(09:30):
really matter to people, andthis is clear from the response we've
seen to the Argyll Street Ash.
Trees inspire us to writestories and to create art, whilst
connecting us to culturallegacies and a sense of place.
We encourage people to noticeand enjoy the trees that are around
(09:52):
them and learn more about howthey benefit us from boosting biodiversity
and our well being tomitigating the effects of climate
change.
David Treynor, a localarborist who has been managing the
ash in recent years, nominatedthe tree, which is protected by a
(10:13):
tree preservation order, whichis thought to be one of the first
in Glasgow.
Among others who nominated theArgyll Street Ash were the local
MSP Paul Sweeney and StuartMurdoch of the band Belle and Sebastian.
It is their second victory ina row for Scotland after the triumph
(10:33):
of the skippinish oak lastyear, and the winner of the Woodland
Trust Tree of the Yearcompetition will go on to represent
the UK in the European Tree ofthe Year contest, which takes place
in early 2026.
The Argyll Street Ash is atruly spectacular tree in a unique
(10:56):
setting and we are due to takea look at the picture we have shared
on our social media.
Now try to imagine being ahedgehog during the hottest, driest
summer in recent memory.
As the sun beats the down, theground hardens, food becomes scarce
(11:17):
and survival grows tougherevery day.
This year's relentless heathas affected all wildlife species,
but as they prepare tohibernate, hedgehogs face what the
British Hedgehog PreservationSociety calls a complicated and often
perilous energy conservation strategy.
(11:41):
The period before hibernation,typically starting when the clocks
go back in autumn, is crucialfor a hedgehog's survival.
So after consulting withleading hedgehog experts, Wildlife
Matters has identified sixsigns indicating that a hedgehog
(12:01):
may need your help, along withguidance on what to do and who to
contact.
The first sign to look out foris lethargy you see, hedgehogs are
nocturnal creatures and theydon't come out and sunbathe in the
day.
So if you're seeing one out inthe day, it means it needs your help.
(12:24):
The second sign to look for is flies.
If flies are swarming around ahedgehog, it is a bad sign and the
hedgehog is does need help.
If you see what looks likesmall white rice grains on the hedgehog's
face or between its spines, itdoes need urgent help, as this could
(12:46):
well indicate a fly strike.
The third sign is a hedgehogwobbling as it walks.
If a hedgehog appears to beunsteady on its feet, it may well
have a neurological conditionwhich requires urgent and specialist
treatment at a wildlife rescue centre.
(13:08):
The fourth sign is an obvious injury.
Just check the hedgehog'slegs, feet, face, eyes and ears.
And if you see wounds or thereare clear signs of distress, then
you should seek help.
The fifth sign relates to thehedgehog's curious and adventurous
(13:31):
nature which can result inthem becoming trapped.
Hedgehogs have often beenfound in uncovered drains, garden
ponds, building holes, ropeworks, discarded plant pots, those
garden refuse sacks that youget, and of course builders bags.
(13:51):
Watch for a hedgehog.
Keep an eye open for hedgehogsin unusual places because they may
need your help.
And if a hedgehog is trappedin plant or sports netting, please
do contact a wildlife rescueas netting can cause compression
injuries which will not benoticeable to the naked eye.
(14:14):
The sixth sign isunaccompanied hoglets, which are
baby hedgehogs.
They may be alone or withtheir siblings.
If you see them out wandering,often squeaking, then take a look
around the area because youmay find a sick, injured or possibly
even dead adult nearby.
(14:35):
In any situation, or if youcan't find the adult, you should
collect the hoglets and placethem in a box lined with towels and
put a warm but not hot waterbottle beneath the towel.
Ensure that the box has a lidwith holes in which will prevent
escape whilst allowing airflow.
(14:58):
So what should I do if I spota hedgehog in need?
Well, firstly, do not feed orgive water to any sick or injured
hedgehog or indeed any wildanimal that you rescue.
As this can be harmful,feeding should be left to the professionals
at the wildlife rescue centre.
(15:21):
Carefully pick up the animalusing gloves or a towel.
Keep it warm and quiet byplacing it in a secure box indoors
and contact your localwildlife rescue immediately for further
instructions.
Most local wildlife rescuescan be found via an Internet search
(15:42):
or you could try at one Voicefor Animals website address www.helpanimals.co.uk
which lists wildlife rescuesthroughout the whole of the country.
The advice provided hereoffers general guidance.
Contact your local wildliferescue centre for expert and local
(16:07):
advice.
Save their number on yourphone now so it's ready should you
need it in the future.
Hope you found that helpfuland that has been this week's Wildlife
Matters Nature if any of thisweek's nature news stories have struck
(16:38):
a chord or have inspired youto take action, please do let us
know by leaving us a messageon our social media channels or by
sending us an email.
We love to hear your storiesstories and we would like to share
them with other listeners.
You can find our email addressin the show notes below.
(17:02):
Now I invite you to join mefor an exceptional experience as
we immerse ourselves in thesounds of an African evening during
this week's Wildlife MattersMindful MO moments.
(17:48):
It Sam.
(18:50):
We hope you enjoyed the soundsof Africa.
Our experience was trulyspecial as we were guests of the
Maasai in one of their campsin the wilds of Kenya, with our feet
warmed by the deep red soil asthe sun set beneath an endless sky.
(19:10):
In this week's main feature ofthe Wildlife Matters podcast, we
return to Tsavo East nationalpark to explore four species of African
pangolins.
We will discuss their ecologyand the challenges they face in their
native habitats across Africa,highlighting how this humble anteater
(19:36):
has become the world's mosttrafficked wild animal.
Hello and welcome to thisweek's A Wildlife Matters main feature
(19:58):
where we look.
At the story of the pangolin,probably the world's most persecuted
wild animal.
The story of the pangolin hasbecome tragic in recent years.
From their humble origins asscaly anteaters that roam through
Africa and Asia, the.
(20:18):
Pangolin stands out as themost poached mammal in the wild.
It is a unique and fascinating creature.
Around a decade ago, I was aCITES committee member looking at
how more protection forpangolins could be implemented at
the following COP meeting andthat began.
(20:39):
A personal journey that saw mereturn to Tsavo national park in
Kenya, where.
I had previously worked onprojects with elephants and rhinos.
The grounds pankling the Cape,or Temnix pangolin is found in the
Tsavo area.
A second species of pangolinis the white bellied or tree pangolin.
(21:02):
This species is only foundlocally in.
The Kakamega Forest, acommunity reserve and government
protected area.
The third pangolin species isthe giant pangolin found in the Lake
Victoria region and the fourthpangolin species in Africa is the
black bellied pangolin, whichis not found in Kenya.
(21:26):
Its home range is in the westaround Nigeria.
The word pangolin originatesfrom the Malay word pengaling, which
means something that rolls up.
This refers to the pangolinrolling itself up into a tight ball
as a defense.
Dissect that pangolins havebeen on earth for approximately 80
(21:48):
million years.
It can be found in 51countries across Asia and Africa
and inhabit a variety ofenvironments, from tropical forests
to dense brush and grasslands.
So let's begin with a briefoverview of the ecology of pangolins.
There are eight species ofpangolin, four of them in Asia and
(22:11):
four in Africa, showcasingtheir diverse habitats.
In this podcast, we'refocusing on the African pangolin
species with a separatepodcast dedicated to the Asian pangolin
to follow in future.
In Kenya, three of the fourAfrican pangolin species can be found.
(22:32):
The Grounds Pangolin is themost widely distributed African species,
primarily inhabiting southernand eastern Africa.
It thrives its scrubbysavannah woodland at low elevations
and lives in burrows thatfeature semi spherical chambers,
sometimes large enough for aperson to stand up in.
(22:54):
The giant pangolin, thelargest extact pangolin species,
is found in various habitatsacross West Africa to Uganda, including
primary and secondary forests,swamp forests and wooded savannas.
The black bellied pangolin isan arboreal species located in the
western and central Africa,and in contrast, the white bellied
(23:18):
pangolin is most frequentlyfound in Africa, typically in the
southwest of the region.
Pangolins belong to the orderBolidota and are intriguing creatures
with some remarkable features.
Despite their scales,pangolins are mammals and not reptiles.
(23:38):
These solitary animals arenocturnal and rely on their acute
sense of smell to hunt for insects.
When threatened, they can rollinto a tight ball, using their muscular
tail for protection.
One striking aspect ofpangolins is their long tunnel, which
can extend between 10 and 15centimeters beyond their lips.
(24:03):
The tongue originates deep inthe chest cavity and is attached
to the lowest part of the breastbone.
When not in use, it retractsinto a cartilaginous structure, keeping
it out of the way.
Understanding a pangolin'sdiet sheds light on the purpose of
its long tunnel.
Approximately 90% of a groundpangolin diet will consist of ants,
(24:28):
with the remaining 10% being termite.
Remarkably, a single groundpangolin can consume an estimated
70 million insects in a year.
Pangolins do not have teeth.
Instead, they lap up insectsusing their skin saliva covered tongues.
As they retract their tonguesinto their mouths, a bony protection
(24:51):
scrapes off the insects forswallowing to aid in digestion.
They also ingest small stonesor bits of sand and soil, which their
muscular stomach uses to grindthe insects into a digestible ball.
Apangolin scales constitutearound 20% of its body weight and
(25:11):
are composed of carotene, thesame protein found in human hair
and fingernails, as well asrhino horn.
While keratin lacksscientifically proven benefit, it
is often used in traditionalmedicine, which we will explore further
later in the podcast.
Pangolins do walk on theirhind legs, using their front legs
(25:32):
and tail for balance.
They typically will have onepuff per year with the baby riding
at the base of the mother's tail.
Ground pangolin are known toadopt abandoned burrows from warthogs
and aardvarks.
They are critically endangeredand among the most illegally trafficked
animals worldwide.
(25:53):
As Africa's second largestpangolin species, they are distinguished
by their protective layer ofhorny scales.
When threatened, groundpangolins can curl into an almost
impenetrable all, wrappingtheir strong tails around their bodies
and exposing only their sharpscales to predators.
(26:14):
These solitary nocturnalcreatures often venture out in the
late afternoon during thewinter, although they primarily stay
on the ground.
Ground pangolins are adeptclimbers and also swimmers.
They typically stroll withtheir heads swaying and their tails
dragging, but are capable ofrunning and walking on two legs.
(26:37):
Ground pangolins are alsoknown as Temigs pangolin, after the
Dutch zoologist Conrad JakobTemnek primarily dig their burrows
but prefer to inhabit thosecreated by spring hares or anteaters
curling up to sleep within them.
Communication among thesecreatures is not Bilanta's understood,
(26:58):
although it likely involves acombination of visual cues, smells,
sounds and touch.
Pangolins exhibit polygynousbehaviour, with males competing fiercely
for access to females.
Breeding occurs year round,even as females rear their young.
The gestation period lastsapproximately 139 days, typically
(27:23):
resulting in the birth of onepup in an underground shelter.
The young are carried on themother's back at the base of her
tail from around two weeks old.
The pup remains with itsmother for about three months and
may stay with its father foran additional month, although this
is rare.
By the age of one year theyoung pangolin becomes fully independent
(27:46):
but usually stays within itsmother's home range until then.
Females will reach breedingmaturity at three to four years old,
whilst males mature at asimilar age but often breed later,
between five and seven years.
Ground pangolins face threatsfrom poaching due to the high economic
value of their flesh and thescales, as well as habitat loss from
(28:10):
agricultural expansion.
Natural predators includelions and hyenas, and they are also
at risk of brush fires andelectrocution from electric fences.
Although consideredwidespread, ground pangolins are
pretty rare.
With the population size notdocumented on the IUCN Red List,
(28:31):
where they are classified asinvulnerable, their numbers continue
to decline dramatically.
Ecologically, ground pangolinplays a crucial role and as predators
of colonial insects in their ecosystems.
The white bellied pangolin isalso known as the tree or three cusp
pangolin.
(28:52):
It is the most common speciesfound in African forests.
These semi arborealspecialists inhabit much of the central
and western Africa, extendingas far east as the southwestern Kenya
and northeastern Texas, Tanzania.
They prefer lowland tropicaland savannah forests and have shown
(29:14):
some adaptability tocommercial plantations.
The white bellied pangolin isnamed for its white skin on the underside
of its body, distinguishing itfrom other pangolin species due to
its smaller size, larger eyesand hairy forelimbs.
Adult white bellied pangolinswill range in size from around 60
(29:34):
up to maybe 105cm in length,with their long prehensile tails
accounting for about half oftheir total body's length.
These tails, along with theirclawed feet, aid in climbing trees
and navigating high branches.
When threatened, they curlinto a ball, protected by their sharp,
(29:55):
overlapping scales.
Dominantly knocked terminalwhite bellied pangolins exclusively
feed on ants and termitesusing their long tongues, which can
extend up to 25cm, to accesstheir prey.
Breeding occurs continuously,with females giving birth to a single
(30:15):
cub after a gestation periodof just under 140 days.
Male home ranges can extend upto 30 hectares, while females occupy
smaller areas averaging just 3to 4 hectares.
While foraging or crossingopen ground, they quickly ascend
nearby trees if they are disturbed.
(30:37):
Although equally comfortableon the ground and in trees, their
populations are declining.
The latest IUCN assessmentclassifies the white bellied pangolin
as endangered, withpopulations having decreased by over
40% in the last 10 years.
This decline is primarilydriven by habitat loss, international
(31:01):
trafficking of their scales toAsia, and increasing local use of
bush meat.
These scaly mammals are amongthe world's most trafficked animals,
making their conservation critical.
The giant ground pangolin isthe largest of the eight pangolin
species, reaching lengths ofup to 1.8 meters and weighing as
(31:24):
much as 33 kilograms.
This species primarilyinhabits forests, rainforests and
savannas, with significantpopulations in Uganda, Tanzania and
western Kenya, although theyare sparsely distributed along the
west coast of Africa.
As a terrestrial species,giant brown pangolins prefer to rest
(31:47):
during the day under piles ofplant debris, in thickets under fallen
tree roots and sometimes in burrows.
They are nocturnal andelusive, which makes surveys challenging
and results in limitedinformation regarding their population
abundance and density.
These pangolins favour areasnear near water sources and spend
(32:09):
most of their time on the ground.
Unlike the white bellied orblack bellied pangolins, which are
mainly arboreal, covered inprotective scales, the giant's brown
pangolin can roll into adefensive fall when threatened, shielding
its vulnerable body.
They possess long front clawsideal for digging into ant colonies
(32:31):
and a long tongue that'ssuited to the feasting on ants and
termites.
The reproductive biology ofthe giant ground pangolin remains
poorly understood, withbreeding possibly being seasonal.
Females typically give birthto a single pup, perhaps annually
or every second year.
The young pangolin rides onits mother's back while nursing and
(32:54):
foraging for ants and until itbecomes independent.
Greatest threat to the giantground pangolin comes from human
activity.
Their populations havesignificantly declined due to habitat
loss and like all pangolinspecies, the international trafficking
for their scales.
Between 2015 and 2019, it'sestimated that over 400,000 African
(33:21):
pangolins, including the giantground pangolin pangolin, were trafficked
either within Africa ordestined for Asia.
Scales of pangolins are highlyvalued in traditional Chinese medicine,
contributing to this exploitation.
Black bellied or long tailedpangolins are diurnal arboreal species
(33:44):
found on the west coast of Africa.
Known locally as the ipi.
Their name reflects theirdistinction distinctive physical
traits such as theirexceptionally long tail and the dark
fur covering the underside oftheir body and limbs.
The long tailed pangolinfeatures a tail that can reach lengths
of 60 to 70 centimeters,that's 24 to 28 inches.
(34:07):
The tail also contains 46 or47 caudal vertebrae, a record among
mammals.
The body's size will rangefrom 30 to 40 centimeters or 12 to
16 inches and they aretypically weighing in between two
and two and a half kilograms,with males being slightly larger
(34:29):
than females.
Despite their long tail, theyare the smallest of the eight pangolin
species.
Their bodies are covered withnine to 13 rows of overlapping artichoke
leaf shaped keratids, scaleswhich are dark brown with a lighter
rib for camouflage.
The feet have large curvedclaws and the tail's tip is bare
(34:51):
with a sensory pad that helpsthem to grip branches.
Pangolins don't have teeth,but they do possess long tongues.
In contrast, their abdomen,limbs and face are covered in a dark
fur instead of scales.
Long tailed pangolins ininhabit parts of western and central
Africa, from Senegal in thewest, to Uganda in the east and down
(35:15):
to Angola in the south.
They prefer moist, tropical,riverine and spot forest environments
but can also be found inhaworted forests and agricultural
areas.
Typically they will be locatednear to water sources.
They are solitary and shycreatures that spend most of their
(35:35):
lives in the canopy.
Using their long prehensiletails for balance and support.
They can dangle from branchesor extend their tails to reach other
holes.
Their strong claws allow themto dig deep into tree bark to climb.
And they are adept swimmerscapable of dropping into streams
(35:55):
and moving through the waterwith a quick undulating motion.
As the only diurnal pangolinspecies, they have developed various
self defense techniquesagainst predators.
Their scales providecamouflage and when threatened they
can roll into a tight ballexposing only their sharp scales.
(36:16):
They can also emit a foulsmelling liquid from their anal glands
when resting at night.
They have been observedsleeping in a rolled posture in tree
hollows, epiphytes, tree fernsor old ant nests.
Communication among longtailed pangolins primarily occurs
through pheromones produced intheir anal scent glands.
(36:38):
Likely used to attract matesand to establish territory.
They primarily consume ants.
They locate arboreal ant nestsusing their keen sense of smell,
then tear them open with theirstrong claws and capture the ants
with their long stickytongues, swallowing them whole.
Little is known about theirmating habits, but it is believed
(37:01):
that they mate all year roundwith an average gestation period
of around 140 days.
Females typically give birthto a single offspring which has soft
scales that harden within afew days.
The young ride on theirmother's tail for up to three months
and reach reproductivematurity around two years of age.
(37:23):
Unfortunately, long tailedpangolins are heavily hunted for
bush meat and traditionalmedicine while also facing habitat
loss.
They are relatively tolerantof moderate habitat modification
as observed in populationsadapting to agricultural areas of
former lowland forests.
(37:44):
Currently, this species isclassified as vulnerable on the IUCN
Red List with decreasingpopulation numbers though the total
population size remains as unknown.
So why are pangolins poached?
At first glance, many peoplemistake the pangolin for a reptile
(38:05):
due to its scaly armor.
However, it is the only mammalfully covered in scales.
Of the eight species ofpangolin found in Asia and Africa,
four are critically endangeredwhilst the others are considered
as vulnerable.
The primary threat to pangolinpopulations is poaching.
(38:26):
Tragically, these scalymammals are the most trafficked animals
in the world with many partsof Asia and this trend is now spreading
through Africa to meet thedemands of of the Asian market.
Estimates suggest that around200,000 pangolins are poached every
year, with over 2.7 milliontaken in the last decade.
(38:51):
Pangolins are highly valuedfor their scales, meat, blood and
fetus, which are believed topossess magical medicinal properties.
Despite this believe, there isno scientific evidence to support
claims that pangolin bodyparts have any health benefits.
In countries like China andVietnam, pangolin scales are used
(39:16):
in traditional medicine andthe meat is regarded as a delicacy.
In 2023, Chinese customsconfiscated 123 tons of pangolin
scale scales highlighting thescale of the illegal trade.
Pangolins are adept at hidingin the wild, often found underground
(39:37):
or in trees.
But unfortunately, localhunters smoke them out with fires
or fallen from their hidingspots, often using brutal methods.
Many pangolins are boiledalive and placed in sacks for transport,
with hunters receiving aroundUS$1 per pangolin, whilst their scales
(40:00):
can sell for up to US$3,000per kg in Vietnam.
Pangolin meat is particularlysought after in Vietnam where whole
foetuses are served in abroth, whilst in China where the
scales are used in traditionalAsian medicine.
(40:20):
Despite laws designed toprotect these rare creatures, the
illegal poaching andtrafficking of pangolins has continued
to grow.
Since 2021, pangolins havetragically become the most trafficked
animals in the world, withaffluent countries in the Far east
willing to pay high prices tothe traffickers.
(40:43):
The trade route analysis ofpangolin trafficking indicates that
Lagos serves as the primaryconnection point both domestically
and globally, particularly forshipments to Southeast Asian countries.
Key transit countries forpangolin scale shipments from Nigeria
include Malaysia, Lao andSingapore, with China and Vietnam
(41:06):
being the leading destinationsfor the illegal shipments.
So is it too late to save the pangolin?
Pangolin conservation iscrucial for many reasons.
Firstly, pangolins play avital role in local ecosystems by
controlling insect population,particularly ants and termites, which
(41:28):
helps maintain ecological balance.
Their digging behavior alsocontributes to soil health by aerating
the soil and promotingnutrition cycling.
Pangolins also serve asindicators of a healthy ecosystem.
Their presence or absence canreflect the overall well being of
their habitat.
(41:49):
Protecting pangolin safeguardsbiodiversity and the integrity of
their ecosystems.
Pangolins also hold culturaland economic value in many regions,
significantly contributing toeco tourism.
Unfortunately, they arevictims of human greed and ignorance.
(42:09):
Their scales, which are madeof keratin, a protein compound similar
to human hair and nails, arewrongly believed to have medicinal
properties.
Despite having no cancercuring benefits.
The myth that pangolin meatpossesses magical properties persists
with dried scales beingroasted, ashed or cooked in various
(42:33):
ways.
To cure ailments ranging fromexcessive nervousness to malarial
fever and deafness.
Furthermore, the consumptionof a pangolin fetus is falsely thought
to enhance fertility, leadingto the tragic loss of both mother
and unborn baby pangolin forthis misguided tradition, pangolins
(42:54):
the typically have just onebaby per year, making this tradition
particularly damaging to thepopulations in the wild.
In Vietnam, a significant hubfor illegal wildlife trade, pangolin
scales are sought after forthe traditional medicine practitioners
who believe that they cantreat various illnesses including
(43:16):
mammary gland blockages inbreastfeeding women had three.
This belief has driven demandto alarming levels, pushing pangolins
to the very brink of extinction.
Relying on wild sourcedmedicinal ingredients can also pose
severe health risks, includingpotential viral infections.
(43:37):
The future for the pangolinspecies looks bleak right now.
Despite the efforts of NGOs tocombat trafficking, the demand for
pan affluent Asian markets andthe poverty in many African communities
continue to fuel the trade.
This situation mirrors thechallenges faced by rhinos who approach
(43:58):
for their keratin horns andelephants killed for the ivory in
their tusks, both symbols ofstatus and prestige in some Far Eastern
cultures.
A kiss to how diamonds of goldare valued in the West.
To protect these iconicspecies from extinction, we must
(44:19):
prioritize education andconservation efforts against human
greed and persecution.
The story of the pangolin isindeed a tragic one.
They are unique andfascinating animals that deserve
much stronger protection fromthe money focused world of wildlife
pride before it is too lateand we lose another distinctive and
(44:43):
iconic wild animal to human freedom.
That has been this week'sWildlife Matters main feature.
(45:06):
We hope you enjoyed ouradventure in the Tsavo east in Kenya
where we explored the fourAfrican pangolin species and learned
about these incredible animals.
We must end the illegalwildlife trade for their scales which
are mistakenly believed tocure cancer.
In future episodes we willalso examine Asian pangolins and
(45:31):
other wildlife species I havehad the pleasure to work with.
And this marks the end ofseries six of the Wildlife Matters
podcast, a remarkablemilestone we are proud to have achieved.
Wildlife Matters will returnin two weeks for series seven featuring
(45:53):
an urban wildlife adventurearound London's Greenwich Park.
So make sure to subscribe likeand follow us and please leave us
a comment or a review whereveryou listen to your podcast as it
helps other wildlife andnature lovers to discover our show.
(46:15):
Thank you and as always, stay curious.
Wild ones, this is WildlifeMatters are signing off.
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