Mapping the past and present distribution of Pangolins in Africa
The African Pangolin Working Group is involved with an initiative to determine the past and current distribution of all four African pangolin species. By determining the current distribution of these species we can investigate whether their ranges have remained stable or changed over time. These data are crucial to re-evaluate both the IUCN Red List status and CITES listing of these species. Owing to the vastness of this undertaking we rely heavily on fellow researchers, private organisations, NGO’s and members of the public to assist us. Some of our major collaborators are MammalMAP, Wilderness Safaris, African Parks, Sangha Lodge and you, the public. The data that we receive are not publicly displayed owing to the vulnerability of the Pangolin species, but these data are used for research and conservation decisions and was used to revise both the South African and global Pangolin conservation assessments.
Pan-African phylogeography and evolution of pangolins
Very little genetic work has been done on the four Central and West African Pangolin species thus far, and most of our knowledge regarding the relatedness of the species stems from morphological studies. As yet there are no estimates of the genetic diversity of each of the three Central and West African species, nor is it known whether there is any geographic structuring within each species, and if so whether they should be managed as different Evolutionary Significant Units. This project aims to start addressing some of these data gaps.
Investigation into parasite loads in threatened African pangolins
The effects that parasitism has on host population dynamics and ecology has received increasing attention in recent years, as parasites are a constant challenge to populations and individuals and act as one of the main selective forces that can influence their fitness. To date the threat posed by parasite burdens and the implications that this may have on mortality rates of pangolins has not been investigated in Africa. This study will use morphological and molecular techniques to identify ectoparasites that are collected from White-bellied, Black-bellied and Temminck’s Ground Pangolins, to investigate parasite loads and parasite diversity.
The ecology and habitat use of white-bellied pangolins in the tropical forest of Ghana
In this project we are going to study the home range and habitat use of one of the two species of arboreal African pangolins in the state forest of Ghana. Specifically, very light weight UHF transmitters will be fitted to ten individuals and their precise GPS locality recorded hourly over a period of six months. Here we hope to estimate home range and specific habitat use as well as associated preferences such as feeding and nesting habits.