giant ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 190520489

Distribution, habitat modeling and conservation status of pangolins (Manidae) in Mbam and Djerem National Park, Centre-Cameroon

The aim of this project is to determine and characterize priority areas for the conservation of Smutsia gigantea (giant pangolin), Phataginus tricuspis (white-bellied pangolin) and Phataginus tetradactyla (black-bellied pangolin) and implement model of distribution of each species of pangolin in order to better target conservation efforts Specific objectives: (i) to document local knowledge and perceptions towards each species of pangolin in 12 villages closed to the park using questionnaires, (ii) to determine abundance, spatial and temporal distribution of each species of pangolin in each habitat type using eighteen 2 km-long belt transects (6 transect/habitat type) and camera traps (6 cameras/habitat type), (iii) to determine habitat characteristics (slope, altitude, underground, dominant plant species, type of soil…), burrow characteristics and density and associated threats in order to find suitable habitats and generate species distribution models and identify priorities areas for conservation of each species of pangolin using belt transects and MaxEnt version 3.3.3k software, (iv) to encourage awareness on the importance of protecting pangolins by promoting alternatives activities to hunting such as sustainable agriculture or ecotourism (v) to create and train in awareness raising techniques Pangolin Ambassadors Conservation Team (PACT) in 6 villages as vigils of pangolin conservation.

Project documents

• Distribution map of indirect signs of pangolins in the studied area
• Summary of some of the other species recorded in our camera traps stations
• Percentage of respondents to the questions on the 3 species of pangolins in regards with the last time each species was seen, where it was seen, its habitat type and the population trend in 20 villag
• Booklet containing extracts of laws in french version to raise awareness about legislation
• Factsheet species booklet used to raise awareness during workshops
• Survey design showing the disposition of transects and camera traps stations in the study area
• Questionnaire conceived using snowball sampling and Nominative technique in order to have local knowledge on pangolins around the park




Project 190520489 location - Cameroon, Africa