Encounters, Utilization, and Illegal Trade of Giant Ground and White-Bellied Pangolins in the Gombe and Mahale Ecosystems

28 Feb 2025 Kigoma Region, Tanzania, Africa Hunting | Mammals | People | Trade

Michael Honorati Kimaro


Other projects

28 Jan 2019

Exploring Pastoralists’ Resettlement History and Its Impacts to African Lion (Panthera leo) Conservation in Rural Tanzania, with a Focus in Ruaha Landscape

This study investigates human interactions with Giant Ground and White-bellied Pangolins in the Gombe and Mahale Ecosystems, focusing on the frequency and contexts of encounters, local uses of pangolins, and the drivers and scale of their illegal trade.

The research aims to understand how often humans encounter pangolins, the purposes for which they are utilized by local communities, and the factors fueling their illegal trafficking. By analyzing these dynamics, the study seeks to highlight the conservation challenges facing these endangered species in their natural habitats. The findings are intended to inform effective strategies for protecting pangolins and mitigating threats such as habitat loss, poaching, and illegal trade, which are critical for their survival in the Gombe and Mahale Ecosystems.

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