Namibia says lack of national data on ground pangolin species

WINDHOEK, June 26– Namibia has inadequate data about the Temminck’s ground pangolin species distribution, density, and the impact of poaching, a national report released states.
According to the Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement report, only discovered carcasses of pangolins give a relative impact on poaching impacts. Still, it is not known how many of the species occur in Namibia nor how many are successfully trafficked out of the country.
“The situation is worsened by the lack of national data on pangolins’ growth rate and mortality. It is currently not known how the contribution of poaching and other environmental hazards such as road killing and electrocutions along electrical fences are affecting the population,” the report stated.
A better understanding of the diverse factors affecting pangolin conservation is vital for their protection, the report stated adding that, pangolins are critically endangered and illegally trafficked the most in the world.
The Namibia Pangolin Working Group which was established in 2020 initiated research efforts to understand better the biology, population dynamics, and distribution of the Temminck’s ground pangolin as well as the drivers and impacts on the population, the report stated.
According to the report that was published by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, between 2021, 320 dead and 129 live pangolins were seized while 640 suspects were arrested and 166 were convicted.
The Temminck ground pangolin is one of the four species found in Africa and the only type found in southern Africa. (Xinhua)