World Pangolin Day: PCRF and environment ministry campaign for more protection
The annual World Pangolin Day was celebrated on 17 February, which aims to raise awareness of the endangered animal's need for protection and measures to preserve it in Namibia and worldwide.“We should use this day to mobilise each other as Namibians and reject illegal activities related to pangolin poaching,” said Romeo Muyunda, spokesman for the Ministry of Environment.
The ministry is proud of Namibia's national treasures, which include the pangolin. We hope that the Namibian population will also appreciate this animal species and protect it in the wild.”
According to the ministry, 18 pangolin skins, 12 live animals and 146 scales were confiscated in 2023 alone, in a total of 23 cases and with 38 suspects - that’s more than for rhino and elephant poaching combined.
The theme of this year’s World Pangolin Day was “Unity for Pangolin Conservation.”
The Pangolin Conservation and Research Fund (PCRF) under director Kelsey Prediger plays an essential role in the protection of pangolins in Namibia.
“We are grateful for all the wonderful people and partners who support our work. Join us by becoming part of our community, following us and sharing news to raise awareness,” said Prediger.
She will give a lecture on the work of the PCRF on 20 February at 18:00 in the Swakopmund Museum Lecture Hall (free admission), including ensuring the survival of reintroduced pangolins and the Nyae Nyae Pangolin Project in northern Namibia. The PCRF is working hard at building partnerships with local communities and researches pangolins in its own research centre.