Rehabilitate & Rewild
The APWG is actively involved in pangolin conservation at a landscape level across Africa, but we are also committed to saving each and every pangolin that is retrieved from the illegal wildlife trade.
Pangolins that are retrieved from the illegal wildlife trade are compromised. These pangolins not only require specialised veterinary treatment, but a slow-release programme where they are supported in identifying a new range with suitable burrows and sufficient sources of food, before they are reintroduced back into the wild. These efforts contribute to the greater conservation of the species.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and the Environmental Management Inspectorate along with stakeholders, that included the APWG, formulated a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) for pangolins. This SoP covers the handling of seized pangolins/ pangolin parts/ derivatives / carcasses / and lists approved veterinarians and rehabilitation facilities.
All pangolins retrieved out of the illegal wildlife trade are compromised. Following their safe retrieval, the pangolin is assessed, treated by an accredited veterinarian closest to the retrieval location. After treatment and stabilisation, the pangolin is entered into a rehabilitation programme at one of the licensed and approved rehabilitation facilities around the country.
This programme includes:
- Acquiring the correct permits and travelling to collect a pangolin that has been confiscated from the trade.
- Collaborating with a dedicated wildlife veterinarian trained in pangolin stabilisation and treatments.
- Assessment of a pangolin on admittance, initiating stabilisation, radiographs, sonar scans, blood analyses, medication and intensive care by trained vets, nursing by veterinary nurses, and rehabilitation specialists familiar with pangolin ecology and behaviour. When out of high-care, every pangolin is guided and supported in their natural foraging for up to six hours a day by a dedicated and experienced “pangolin walker”.
- On-going health and welfare assessments to ensure each pangolin is at peak health before release
- Attaching telemetry tracking devices (both satellite and VHF) and a monitored release process into a safe and conducive area with ongoing tracking and data collection for up to 12 months.
