giant pangolin. (Smutsia gigantea)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 182518261

Saving the Giant Pangolin: Ethnozoology and Giant Pangolin conservation awareness in communities around the Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

1) Investigate giant pangolin resource selection (habitat use and prey preference) in the Taï National Park (Côte d’Ivoire) and characterize this species home range needs. This will facilitate mapping giant pangolin distribution in the study area to better understand habitat management.

2) Investigate local community use of giant pangolin to better understand its sustainability in the targeted area. This will permit us to characterize the importance of this pangolin species to local communities, including better understanding the way local people utilize it and mapping the value chain.

3) Build the capacity for pangolin research and management in Cote d’Ivoire through the capacity building in local Ivorian researchers (e.g., the principal investigator) to become pangolin conservationists for the future implementation of any species management programs.

4) Raise awareness in local communities as a platform for launching a pangolin management strategy. This will be done in close collaboration with local communities and will serve as a first effort to raise awareness about pangolin sustainability.