The ground pangolin occurs in Kenya although the populations of the species are thought to be in decline across the ranges, thus its classification by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Vulnerable. In Africa and indeed in Kenya, pangolins are perceived to be a symbol of bad omen and such beliefs are threatening their existence. More severe threats are a result of local communities clearing forest land in the quest for economic gain by logging and charcoal burning. It makes one curious about the local community's perceptions of the local forest. Knowing whether these locals actually support forest maintenance and why, and if not, why not, will be helpful. Until this question is answered, the conservation of species and habitats, and of pangolins, in particular, will remain a huge challenge. The greatest impediment to conservation efforts is the lack of education among local communities on the effects of extinction of wildlife, economic and social benefits derived from preserving natural ecosystems. Pangolin conservation efforts are hindered further by the lack of understanding the local community's perception and knowledge of the species distribution, and their threats.