WEST AFRICA BIODIVERSITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE (WA BICC) SCOPING STUDY FOR PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AFRICA

December 2020

This document is made possible by the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of its authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. This document was produced by the West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) program through a Task Order under the Restoring the Environment through Prosperity, Livelihoods, and Conserving Ecosystems (REPLACE) Indefinite Quantity Contract (USAID Contract No. AID- OAA-I-13-00058, Order Number AID-624-TO-15-00002) between USAID and Tetra Tech, Inc.

For more information on the WA BiCC program, contact:

USAID/West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change Tetra Tech 2nd Labone Link, North Labone Accra, Ghana Tel: +233 (0) 302 788 600 Email: www.tetratech.com/intdev Website: www.wabicc.org

Stephen Kelleher Chief of Party Accra, Ghana Tel: +233 (0) 302 788 600

Vaneska Litz Project Manager Burlington, Vermont Tel: +1 802 495 0303 Email: [email protected]

Citation: USAID/West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC). (2020). Scoping study for pangolin conservation in West Africa. 2nd Labone Link, North Labone, Accra, Ghana. 227pp.

Cover Photo: Black-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) being rehabilitated by the Sangha Pangolin Project, Dzangha-Sangha National Park, Central African Republic (Photo Credit: Alessandra Sikand and Sangha Pangolin Project)

Author: Matthew H. Shirley, Orata Consulting, LLC

Note: This report utilizes hyperlinks to outside studies, reports, articles, and websites. While these links are active as of document publishing, these links may change over time.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First and foremost, the author of this study thanks the many respondents to the questionnaires, including Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Management Authorities and other governmental, non-governmental organization (NGO), and academic stakeholders. Without their input, much of this report and the draft recommendations for pangolin conservation in West Africa would not be possible. Similarly, without the herculean efforts of all the authors for the recently published Pangolins: Science, Society, and Conservation book, compiling much of the available information on pangolins in West and Central, and globally, would have been a much more difficult task. We thank Daniel Challender, Chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Pangolin Specialist Group for his constant availability for helpful discussions and thought about pangolins and conservation in West Africa, and for his thorough review of a draft of this report. Michael Balinga deserves special recognition for motivating this work within United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) program, and for his efforts reviewing drafts and compiling maps. Ichu Ichu Godwill and Keri Parker provided additional information on key regional stakeholders. Karim Abdul Firdaus and Kofi Panyin on the WA BiCC team created the maps throughout. Mary Molokwu and Wing Crawley provided very informative discussion about the state of conservation in Liberia, including additional information about the structure and function of the Species Working Group. We sincerely hope that the many stakeholders for pangolin conservation in West and Central Africa find this document, and the associated Issues Brief and Roadmap for Pangolin Conservation in West Africa, to be a solid springboard from which to launch pangolin conservation and management action in earnest in the region.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... I LIST OF TABLES ...... II LIST OF FIGURES ...... III LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...... IV GLOSSARY ...... VII EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...... VIII 1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 STATEMENT OF NEED ...... 1 1.2 OBJECTIVES ...... 4 2.0 RESOURCES FOR WEST AFRICAN PANGOLINS ...... 6 2.1 RESOURCE PERSONS ...... 6 2.2 LITERATURE RESOURCES ...... 6 3.0 STATE OF KNOWLEDGE ON WEST AFRICAN PANGOLINS ...... 8 3.1 PANGOLIN SPECIES OF WEST AFRICA ...... 8 3.1.1 White-Bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tricupis) ...... 10 3.1.2 Black-Bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) ...... 16 3.1.3 Giant Pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) ...... 21 3.2 CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF PANGOLINS IN WEST AFRICA ...... 26 3.3 ACTIVE OR PLANNED RESEARCH AND OTHER INTERVENTIONS FOR PANGOLINS IN WEST AFRICA ...... 33 3.3.1 Benin ...... 33 3.3.2 Côte d’Ivoire ...... 33 3.3.3 Ghana ...... 34 3.3.4 Guinea ...... 35 3.3.5 Liberia ...... 35 3.3.6 Nigeria ...... 35 3.3.7 Togo ...... 36 3.3.8 Cameroon ...... 36 3.3.9 Central African Republic ...... 37 3.3.10 Democratic Republic of Congo ...... 37 3.3.11 Gabon ...... 37 3.3.12 Uganda ...... 38 3.4 BRIEF NOTE ON PANGOLINS, CORONAVIRUS, AND THE GLOBAL TRADE IN WILDLIFE ...... 38 4.0 STATE OF CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF WEST AFRICAN PANGOLINS ...... 40 4.1 ABUNDANCE AND POPULATION TRENDS OF PANGOLINS IN WEST AFRICA ...... 40 4.1.1 Status of White-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) ...... 42 4.1.2 Status of Black-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla) ...... 44 4.1.3 Status of Giant Pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) ...... 46 4.2 PANGOLINS IN PROTECTED AREAS IN WEST AFRICA ...... 48 4.3 LEGISLATION IN WEST AFRICAN RANGE STATES ...... 53 4.3.1 Naming Conventions in National and International Legislation ...... 53 4.3.2 Pangolins in CITES ...... 53 4.3.3 Pangolins in West and Central African Domestic Legislation ...... 54

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4.4 LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR PANGOLINS IN WEST AFRICA ...... 61 4.4.1 Existing Intergovernmental Partnerships for Wildlife Law Enforcement ...... 63 4.4.2 Existing Cross-Sectoral Partnerships for Wildlife Law Enforcement ...... 65 4.4.3 Training and CapacityBuilding for Wildlife Law Enforcement ...... 67 4.4.4 Inventory of Available Port Technology for Detection of Products ...... 70 4.5 THREATS TO PANGOLINS IN WEST AFRICA ...... 75 4.5.1 Habitat Loss and Degradation ...... 80 4.5.2 Hunting, Harvest and Trade ...... 83 4.5.3 Climate Change ...... 93 4.5.4 Administrative ...... 93 4.6 PANGOLIN RESCUE AND REHABILITATION IN WEST AFRICA ...... 98 4.7 REGIONAL STAKEHOLDER ASSESSMENT OF PRIORITY INTERVENTIONS AND CONSERVATION MODELS FOR PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AFRICA ...... 103 4.7.1 Priority Interventions Identified by In-Country Stakeholders...... 104 4.7.2 Successful Models for Consideration by Regional Stakeholders ...... 112 5.0 SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AFRICA ...... 119 6.0 DRAFT PRIORITY INTERVENTIONS FOR PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AFRICA ...... 122 6.1 RESEARCH AND MONITORING ...... 122 6.2 RESCUE AND REHABILITATION ...... 123 6.3 LEGISLATION ...... 124 6.4 LAW ENFORCEMENT ...... 125 6.5 OTHER ...... 125 7.0 COMPREHENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF PANGOLINS IN WESTERN AFRICA ...... 127 8.0 OTHER WORKS CITED ...... 141 APPENDIX 1: RESOURCE PERSONS AND INSTITUTIONS FOR PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA ...... 152 APPENDIX 2: PANGOLINS IN WEST AFRICAN PROTECTED AREAS ...... 182 APPENDIX 3: PANGOLINS IN CENTRAL AFRICAN PROTECTED AREAS ...... 192 APPENDIX 4: RECORDS OF SEIZURES OF PANGOLIN SCALES SOURCED FROM AFRICA SINCE 2009 ...... 199 APPENDIX 5: QUESTIONNAIRE TO STAKEHOLDERS - ENGLISH ...... 209

LIST OF TABLES Table 3.2.1: Local Names for Pangolins in Different Dialects of West Africa...... 27 Table 3.2.2: Traditional ethnopharmacological and religious uses of pangolins and their body parts in West Africa...... 30 Table 4.3.1: Legal status of pangolins in West and Central Africa...... 56 Table 4.4.1: Law Enforcement Partnerships and Capacity in West and Central Africa...... 62 Table 4.4.2: Preliminary Database of Law Enforcement Action for Pangolin-related Wildlife Crime. 72 Table 4.5.1: Threats to Pangolins in West Africa as Assessed by Regional Stakeholders...... 77 Table A1.1: Resource Persons and Institutions in West Africa...... 152 Table A1.2: Resource Persons and Institutions in Central Africa...... 168

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Table A1.3: Global Resource Persons and Institutions that are Relevant to Pangolin Conservation in West and Central Africa...... 178 Table A2.1: Inventory of Pangolins in Protected Areas in West Africa...... 182 Table A3.1: Inventory of Pangolins in Protected Areas in Central Africa...... 195 Table A4.1: Records of Seizures of African Pangolin Scales Since 2009...... 199 Table A4.2: Survey of Pangolin Seizure, Arrests, and Prosecutions in Cameroon from 2010-2017...... 205 Table A4.3: Details of Pangolin-related Seizures, Arrests, and Prosecutions in Cameroon from 2013-2019. Information provided LAGA...... 206

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 3.1.1: Asian versus African Pangolins...... 9 Figure 3.1.2: Pangolins of the genus Phataginus – white-bellied (left) and black-bellied (right)...... 11 Figure 3.1.3: Comparison of Phataginus sp. scales...... 12 Figure 3.1.4: Distribution of the white-bellied pangolin...... 13 Figure 3.1.5: Distribution of the black-bellied pangolin...... 18 Figure 3.1.6: Giant pangolin and its scales...... 22 Figure 3.1.7: Distribution of the giant pangolin...... 23 Figure 4.1.1: West African range state assessments of abundance and population trajectory for the three West African pangolin species...... 42 Figure 4.2.1: Map of white-bellied pangolin in West African protected areas...... 50 Figure 4.2.2: Map of black-bellied pangolin in West African protected areas...... 51 Figure 4.2.3: Map of giant pangolin in West African protected areas...... 52 Figure 4.4.1: Organogram of the Wildlife Law Enforcement Capacity and Implementation in Liberia...... 65 Figure 4.5.1: Proportion of Seizures by Suspected Region and Country of Origin for Seizures of African Pangolin Scales from 2009 to early 2020...... 86 Figure 4.5.2: Modeled Species Composition (by Mass) for each Regional Source of African Pangolin Scales Seized from 2009 to early 2020...... 88 Figure 4.5.3: Pangolin Trafficking Routes Deduced from Seizures from 2007–2018 (All) and 2009–2019 (Air Transport)...... 90 Figure 4.5.4: Major Pangolin Trade Routes Based on Trafficking Incidences Between 2010–2015...... 91 Table 4.5.2: Sources of Information on Preliminary Understanding of Supply Chains and Trafficking Routes for Pangolin Scales Globally and within/from West and Central Africa...... 92 Figure 4.6.1: Conservation Translocation Cycle for Pangolin Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release...... 99 Figure 4.7.1: CSPs in the Region Offer Promising Models for Conservation Implementation...... 114 Figure A3.1: Map of White-bellied Pangolin in Central African Protected Areas...... 192 Figure A3.2: Map of Black-bellied Pangolin in Central African Protected Areas...... 193 Figure A3.3: Map of Giant Pangolin in Central African Protected Areas...... 194

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LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AALF-B Appui à l’Application des Lois sur la Faune et la Flore au Bénin ANPN Agence National des Parcs Nationaux AP African Parks APWG African Pangolin Working Group BIOPAMA Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management CAR Central African Republic CEM Conservation des Espèces Marines (Côte d’Ivoire) CENAGRAF Centre National de Gestion des Réserves de Faune CILSS Comité Inter-états de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel CIRAD Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora CoP Conference of Parties (to CITES) COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 CR Critically Endangered CREMA Community Resource Management Area CSP Cross-Sectoral Partnership DFRC Direction de la Faune et des Ressources Cynégétiques (Côte d’Ivoire) DRC Democratic Republic of Congo EAGLE Eco-Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States eDNA Environmental DNA EN Endangered EU European Union FACE Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (Liberia) FCFA CFA Franc FDA Forestry Development Authority FFI Fauna & Flora International FLoD First Line of Defence against Illegal Wildlife Trade FMTE Forêt des Marais de Tanoe-Ehy (Tanoe-Ehy Swamp Forest), Côte d’Ivoire GALF Guinée - Application de la Loi Faunique GIZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (German Development Agency) GPS Global Positioning System

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Ha Hectare ICCN Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (DRC) INEC Institute for Nature and Environmental Conservation Inf. Doc. CITES Information Documents INTERPOL International Criminal Police Organization IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature IWT Illegal Wildlife Trade LAGA Last Great Ape Organization LCRP Liberia Chimpanzee and Rescue Program LGA Local Government Area LoRa Long Range MENTOR-POP Mentoring for Environmental Training in Outreach and Resource Conservation Progress on Pangolins MINEF Ministère des Eaux et Forêts (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Benin) NCF Nigeria Conservation Foundation NESREA National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Nigeria) NGO Non-Governmental Organization NLP CITES National Legislation Project OIPR Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Reserves (Côte d’Ivoire) PCWGN Pangolin Conservation Working Guild of Nigeria PROGRAM Organisation Ecotouristique du Lac Oguemoué and Projet des Grands Singes de Moukalaba Doudou ROUTES Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transport of Endangered Species Partnership SARS-CoV-2 Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Virus RASAP-CI Recherche et Action pour le Sauvegarde de Primates en Côte d’Ivoire Res. Conf. CITES Resolution Conference RST Review of Significant Trade SC Standing Committee SMART Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool SPP [unspecified] Species (as in Manis spp.) SSC Species Survival Commission (of the IUCN) SVW Save Vietnam’s Wildlife SWGL Species Working Group of Liberia SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats

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SyR-AP Synergie Rurale – Action Paysanne THF Tikki Hywood Foundation UCT Unité de Lutte Contre la Criminalité Transnationale (Côte d’Ivoire) UFHB Felix Houphouët-Boigny University UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime USAID United States Agency for International Development USD United States Dollars VU Vulnerable WA BiCC West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (USAID) WACA West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program WAP W-Arly-Pendjari Protected Area Complex WASCWC West African Strategy for Combatting Wildlife Crime WCF Wild Chimpanzee Foundation WCS Wildlife Conservation Society WCTF Wildlife Crime Task Force World WISE World Wildlife Seizure WWF World Wildlife Fund ZSL Zoological Society of London

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GLOSSARY Charismatic Species Popular species that serve as symbols and rallying points to stimulate conservation awareness and action, with symbolic value and widespread appeal. Cryptic Species One or more morphologically indistinguishable, or distinguished with difficulty, biological groupings that are differentiable as distinct species by other means, often through considerable genetic divergence. eDNA Environmental DNA. DNA that is left behind in the environment through the process of excretion, urination, shedding, sloughing, or decay, among others and can extracted from environmental samples (e.g., water or soil). It can be used to detect targeted species (e.g., pangolins) or to conduct more general DNA-based biodiversity inventories. eDNA is considered a non-invasive sampling technique because it requires no contact with the organisms. Hard and Soft Releases During wildlife translocations, animals are either released directly into the environment without a period of habituation and observation (hard release) or maintained in controlled natural conditions where they are self-sufficient but monitored for a period prior to being released into the environment (soft release). Molecular Approach Research into species systematic relationships using genetics, proteins, or other molecular characteristics. Morphological Approach Research into species systematic relationships using physical (morphological) characteristics. Phylogenetics The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among biological entities (e.g., species, individuals, or genes). Refugia Sites or areas where biota could grow and survive locally under generally unfavorable regional conditions. In the context of biogeography, these sites are often epicenters of speciation. Sympatric Species that co-occur in the same area, but may or may not be found in the same habitats. Syntopic Species that not only co-occur in the same area, but can also be found in the same habitats. Total Evidence-Based Approach Research into species systematic relationships using more than one kind of character, for example those combining genetic and morphological data. Xiphisternum The lowest part of the sternum, also known as the xiphoid process. In pangolins, this is where the tongue anchors inside the body cavity.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Pangolins, the world’s only truly scaly mammals, have recently been thrust into the global limelight as representatives of the complex conservation issue of global wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation in the tropics. Recognized as the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world, the eight pangolin species are threatened by a unique combination of factors, including habitat loss and overexploitation for domestic and international consumption. Unfortunately, there is virtually no quantitative information on pangolin populations, which is urgently needed to guide conservation action. The lack of knowledge on pangolin biology and ecology is a significant hindrance to implementing pangolin population monitoring, and subsequent conservation and management action. West Africa’s three native species (white-bellied pangolin [Phataginus tricuspis], black-bellied pangolin [Phataginus tetradactyla], and giant pangolin [Smutsia gigantea]) were recently evaluated as Endangered (white- bellied and giant) and Vulnerable (black-bellied) under the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Criteria. All three are all listed in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I, rendering international commercial trade illegal. This report seeks to provide a framework for guiding conservation action, including policy reform and enforcement decisions, for pangolins in West and Central Africa. In doing so, the author of this study hopes to improve upon the future outlook for pangolins in this region and serves as a platform for improved CITES compliance within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Member States. This section provides a summary of the key findings and recommendations. Resources for Pangolin Conservation in West Africa • Identification of ±110 individuals in West Africa, ±81 individuals in Central Africa (including Uganda), and ±25 additional individuals globally representing government institutions, non- governmental organizations (NGOs), wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities, and academic institutions who have been, are planning to be, or are well positioned to be stakeholders for pangolin conservation and management action in this region (Appendix 1). • Many of these abovementioned individuals aided in the present report by responding to a questionnaire circulated by the USAID/West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) program seeking information. • This extensive potential network of actors and the information shared about ongoing or planned activities (Section 3.3) is invigorating and could indicate exciting developments in the future of pangolin conservation in this region. • This report contains a bibliography of literature referencing pangolins in West and Central Africa for the information of and use by these regional stakeholders, along with a general bibliography for additional works cited in this report. State of Knowledge of West and Central African Pangolins • While the knowledge base on pangolin biology, ecology, cultural significance, socio-economics, and captive care is increasing, pangolins of West and Central Africa are among the least-researched mammals in the world. This knowledge deficit is hindering conservation planning and action. • This report identifies a series of priority research topics that will significantly improve the capacity for pangolin conservation actions in this region (Sections 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, 3.2, and 6). These topics include:

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– Current distribution and population hotspots; – Environmental and social drivers of distribution and resource selection (e.g., habitat and prey selection, home range, and movements); – Reproductive ecology (e.g., fecundity and fitness); – Socioeconomic drivers of pangolin utilization by local people; and – Symbolic cultural significance. State of Conservation and Management of West African Pangolins • Regional stakeholders indicated that white-bellied pangolins are the most abundant species in the wild, with national populations estimated to range from uncommon to somewhat abundant, although they are likely declining in all range states (Figure 4.1.1). • In contrast, regional stakeholders indicated that black-bellied pangolins were rare to uncommon and giant pangolins were very rare with some national-level extinctions probable (e.g., Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, and Senegal). Populations of both species are likely in precipitous decline (Figure 4.1.1). • Although there is no detailed understanding of pangolin distribution and site occupancy in any country, a number of protected areas in the region were confirmed to harbor one to three species. Additionally, a number of protected areas that seem to have lost their pangolin populations were also identified (Section 4.2). • Pangolins are Integrally Protected, or made functionally so through related ministerial decree, in almost every country in the region. Text of laws in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and Sierra Leone leave one or more indigenous species unprotected (Section 4.3). • Regional stakeholders reported that there was little to no awareness for wildlife laws among civilians and that penalties for infractions were both considered presently inadequate and incapable of deterring future infractions (Sections 4.3). • Wildlife law enforcement for pangolins was generally considered inadequate and ineffective (Section 4.4). Most countries in the region have intergovernmental and cross-sectoral partnerships for wildlife law enforcement that could be strengthened or more extensively exploited to increase effective control, particularly through ongoing or planned training and awareness raising initiatives (Section 4.4.3). The increasing presence of detection dog teams in the region may facilitate control in the major ports in the absence of other technology (Section 4.4.4). • Regional stakeholders identified past and ongoing habitat loss from logging and conversion to agriculture, overexploitation driven by international demand for scales, and non-application of and non-compliance with wildlife laws to be the most significant threats to pangolins in West Africa today (Section 4.5). Interestingly, localized and subsistence use was not viewed as a major threat to pangolins, indicating some appetite for sustainable use-based management for local consumers. • Each country in the region has a group of people and/or a wildlife rescue facility undertaking pangolin rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Unfortunately, these interventions are largely undertaken opportunistically by untrained individuals, under uncertain legal authorization, without formal planning, and without post-release monitoring (Section 4.6). • Stakeholders reported that pangolins were generally not priority species in the region, although Cameroon and Liberia are increasingly prioritizing them at the national level. Among the priority

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interventions for pangolin conservation, regional stakeholders identified stronger application of wildlife laws, including cross-agency training and awareness raising for wildlife laws; increased patrols of protected areas; stronger engagement with local communities; and research to increase the knowledge available from which national and regional pangolin action plans can be developed and implemented (Section 4.7.1). • Several models of cross-sectoral cooperation and partnership for conservation planning, implementation, and wildlife law enforcement were identified as successful strategies in each country that should be considered for wider implementation throughout the region (Section 4.7.2). The Species Working Group of Liberia (SWGL) was viewed as an effective means for increasing cooperation, transparency, and accountability among governmental and non- governmental organizations. Countries with national Eco-Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Network organizations had demonstrably stronger records of wildlife law enforcement, including better records of arrest and prosecution. The AP model of cross-sectoral partnership for protected area management is highly successful. Section 5 of this report compiles this information from the published literature and as reported by regional range state stakeholders into a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) assessment of pangolin conservation in West Africa. Although a number of weaknesses and threats were identified, the region has many strengths to serve as a foundation upon which regional and global opportunities to implement effective conservation for pangolins can be capitalized. This analysis suggests that, although an increasing number of diverse stakeholders is starting to consider pangolins in their conservation and management objectives, it is clear that range state actors are not yet responding to the global need for targeted conservation measures for pangolins. Section 6 of this report contains a draft list of priority conservation and management interventions for pangolins in West and Central Africa largely based on the information provided by regional stakeholders and supported by the global literature. These are presented for further discussion, refinement, and validation by the diverse actors for pangolin conservation in West and Central Africa. This report, and the associated Issues Brief and Roadmap, can serve as a basis from which a regional Pangolin Conservation Action Plan can be drafted and validated by range state stakeholders. Doing so will empower the implementation of targeted in situ conservation and management programs for pangolins and respond to the recommendations of CITES Resolution Conference (Res. Conf.) 17.10 on the Conservation of and Trade in Pangolins.

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1.0 INTRODUCTION The future of the environment is increasingly threatened, although much of the global human population does not relate to or understand campaigns for seemingly abstract concepts such as global warming or sustainability. As a “face” for the environment, wildlife reinforces the bond between people and the natural resources on which they depend, providing conservationists a platform to achieve environmental management and conservation gains. In this way, species become the stewards for complex conservation issues ranging from protected areas management to food security and sustainable livelihoods. Pangolins, the world’s only truly scaly mammals, have recently been thrust into the global limelight as representatives of the complex conservation issue of global wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation in the tropics. Eight pangolin species occur in Africa and Asia, where they have been exploited locally for food and traditional medicines throughout history. This local consumption continues today, despite these species being legally protected in most range states. However, with increasing global connectivity, Asian and African pangolins are increasingly threatened by poaching for illegal international trade in live pangolins, pangolin meat, and pangolin scales, primarily destined to East Asia, most conspicuously China and Vietnam. Since 2009, products equating to more than 900,000 pangolins have been seized from illegal international trafficking cases. Many more times this number of pangolins are likely to have been removed from the wild and gone undetected in trade. Despite these levels of offtake, there is virtually no quantitative information on pangolin populations, which is urgently needed to guide conservation action. The lack of knowledge on pangolin biology and ecology is a significant hindrance to implementing pangolin population monitoring, and subsequent conservation and management action. Even though pangolins are important to local communities as a protein source, play important ecological roles in tropical forest trophic webs, and are generally charismatic, pangolins may well be the least-known mammal species. The best available evidence indicates that Asian pangolins have been extirpated from some areas; have undergone severe declines in others, especially parts of East and Southeast Asia; and are under serious threat or in precipitous decline elsewhere. Meanwhile, inter-continental trafficking of African pangolins is increasing and driving population declines, especially in West and Central Africa. Pangolins, the most- trafficked mammals in the world, are in urgent need of conservation action. 1.1 Statement of Need Wildlife trade is a complex conservation issue. In some cases, trade provides significant benefit to species and their habitats; in other cases, wildlife trade is the leading cause of species decline. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is the primary mechanism for controlling international wildlife trade. It is an international agreement between governments that, through implementation of the text of the convention and guiding resolutions, seeks to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild. Pangolins are increasingly threatened by overexploitation for their scales, body parts for traditional medicines, and meat (often consumed as a luxury). Combined with habitat loss-driven declines, the international demand for pangolins has likely led to significant reductions in wild populations of West Africa’s three native species: white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), and giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea). As a result, at the 17th Meeting of the Conference of Parties (CoP) to CITES (CoP17, Johannesburg, 2016), all eight species of pangolins were transferred from Appendix II to Appendix I, banning all international, commercial trade in wild-caught pangolins and their parts and derivatives. The Parties

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also adopted Resolution Conference (Res. Conf.) 17.10 on the Conservation of and Trade in Pangolins. Concerned that all eight species of pangolins, Manis spp., are considered Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable by the combined effects of habitat degradation, overexploitation and illegal trade, Res. Conf. 17.10: 1. URGES all Parties to: a) adopt and implement comprehensive national legislation or, where applicable, review existing legislation, that makes provision for deterrent penalties to address illegal trade in specimens of native and non-native pangolin species; b) ensure strict enforcement controls to address illegal trade in pangolin specimens; c) further strengthen national inter-agency cooperation and international cooperation and to enhance collective efforts as range, transit and destination States to coordinate activities, exchange information on trade routes and patterns and law enforcement responses to combat illegal trade in pangolin specimens; d) carry out capacity-building activities with a particular focus on: i) methods and techniques to detect and identify illegally traded pangolins, including specimens from alleged captive-breeding operations; ii) best practice protocols for safe handling, care and rehabilitation, and release back into the wild of live confiscated pangolins; and iii) promoting the understanding of legal provisions concerning trade in and use of pangolins; e) promote the development of techniques, including the application of forensic science, for identifying parts and derivatives of pangolins in trade; 2. URGES Parties in whose territory there are pangolin breeding facilities to ensure that such facilities have in place effective management practices and controls to prevent parts and derivatives from entering illegal trade, including through the registration of breeding facilities, and regular monitoring and control; 3. ENCOURAGES Parties on whose territories stocks of parts and derivatives of pangolins exist, to ensure that adequate control measures are in place to secure these stocks, and to ensure strict application of these measures; 4. STRONGLY ENCOURAGES consumer, transit and range States to raise awareness among the law enforcement community, including the judiciary, local communities, including hunters, relevant business sectors such as courier companies, and consumers about the conservation status of pangolins and the threats posed to their survival by illegal trade; 5. ENCOURAGES range States to work with local communities to develop non- consumptive livelihood programmes and educational programmes and material to assist local communities in sustainably managing pangolin populations; 6. ENCOURAGES consumer States to conduct research on the uses of pangolin specimens, and on consumers and their motivations for consumption of pangolin parts and derivatives, such as scales, meat, leather and other cultural uses, to implement measures to reduce the demand for illegal pangolin specimens on the

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basis of the results of such research, and to initiate targeted communication campaigns; 7. URGES range States to work with appropriate bodies to develop and implement in situ pangolin management and conservation programmes, which include population assessments, the making of non-detriment findings for trade in the species, monitoring, and management and conservation measures; and 8. CALLS UPON all governments, intergovernmental organizations, international aid agencies and non-governmental organizations to support the efforts of range, transit and consumer States concerned with the illegal trade in pangolin specimens, including parts and derivatives, in tackling this trade, including through the provision of capacity-building interventions, technical assistance, operational support, funding support, educational interventions, and law enforcement support and cooperation, as may be needed. (CITES, 2016, pp. 1-2) Also at CoP17, the Parties adopted Decisions 17.239 and 17.240 directed to the Secretariat. These instructed the Secretariat to both convey the concerns of Resolution Conference 17.10 to regional law enforcement networks and, in collaboration with global experts and range states, produce a report on the global status of pangolins and available information related to trade (e.g., levels of trade, trade enforcement and legal context, stocks and stockpiles, captive pangolin populations, and awareness- raising measures). In response to decisions 17.239 and 17.240, Implementation of CITES Decisions 17.239 b) and 17.240 on Pangolins (Manis spp.) (Challender and Waterman, 2017) was presented to the 69th Meeting of the Standing Committee (SC69, Geneva, 2017). Following analysis of the document by the Secretariat, the Standing Committee agreed to direct, among others, the following decisions (in part) for consideration by the 18th Conference of Parties (CoP18, Geneva, 2019): 18.238 Directed to all Parties: All pangolin range States that have not yet done so, are encouraged to take urgent steps to develop and implement in situ pangolin management and conservation programmes, which includes population assessments, as anticipated in paragraph 7 of Resolution Conf.17.10 on Conservation of and trade in pangolins, and report on the implementation of this decision to the Secretariat. 18.239 Directed to the Secretariat: The Secretariat shall, subject to external funding, work with the Species Survival Commission Pangolin Specialist Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other relevant experts and in collaboration with the pangolin range States to develop conversion parameters for all pangolin species, that will enable the reliable determination of the number of animals associated with any quantity of pangolin scales seized, that can be used by Parties in cases where national legislation demands that such information be provided for court purposes. 18.240 Directed to the Secretariat: The Secretariat shall… work with relevant experts and the Pangolin range States to prepare a report for review by the Animals Committee and Standing Committee on: i) national conservation status of pangolin species, ii) legal and illegal trade in pangolins, iii) stocks of specimens of pangolins and stockpile management, and iv) enforcement issues…

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18.242 Directed to Parties, intergovernmental organizations, international aid agencies and nongovernmental organizations: Parties, intergovernmental organizations, international aid agencies and non-governmental organizations that develop tools or materials that could assist Parties in the implementation of Resolution Conf. 17.10, are invited to bring such tools or materials to the attention of the Secretariat. (CITES, 2019d) The Parties agreed to these decisions at CoP18, as well as to the maintenance of Res. Conf. 17.10 in its original form. The extent to which government authorities and other pangolin conservation stakeholders in West Africa are meeting these obligations is not understood. Through evaluation of this, the purpose of this report is to provide a framework for guiding policy and enforcement decisions for strengthening the conservation of pangolins in West and Central Africa, and thereby improving CITES compliance within Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Member States. 1.2 Objectives The report largely focuses on West Africa due to the mandate of the USAID/West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) program, but includes preliminary information from Central Africa due to the important trafficking links and because this region forms a critical part of the global distribution of the three pangolin species of concern. For the purposes of this report, the “West Africa” is defined as the group of pangolin range states including Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Senegal, and “Central Africa” as the group of pangolin range states including Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, and Republic of Congo. The objectives of this report are to: 1. Synthesize available information (to the extent possible) on: • Pangolin conservation stakeholders, experts, and resources available in West and Central Africa; and • The biology, ecology, cultural significance, status, and distribution of pangolins in West and Central Africa. 2. Assess existing capacity and determine further requirements for strengthening capacity to develop and implement an action plan for pangolin conservation in the region, including: • Current trends and status of pangolin conservation within the ECOWAS region; • Local knowledge on the protection status of pangolins globally and in the region; • Direct and indirect internal and global threats; • Technical ability to monitor and report trafficking incidents; • Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) assessment of existing policies, legislation, and practice with respect to pangolin conservation; • Capacity or training requirements for rescue and rehabilitation of live animals seized from traffickers; • Regional priorities and opportunities for strengthening protection of pangolins in West Africa; and

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• Strategic or operational barriers and strengths (including cultural, legal, institutional, technical, and other capacity) for effective pangolin conservation in West Africa. 3. Document progress made by West African range states and challenges toward effective implementation of CITES Res. Conf. 17.10 and CoP18 decisions 18.238 to 18.242 on pangolins (Manis sp.). 4. Provide preliminary guidance on developing a Conservation Action Plan for West African Pangolins. 5. Develop recommendations for a Regional Roadmap for Pangolin Conservation in West Africa.

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2.0 RESOURCES FOR WEST AFRICAN PANGOLINS 2.1 Resource Persons Despite a few notable early examples (e.g., Rahm, 1956; Pagès, 1965, 1970, 1972 a, b, and 1975; Tahiri- Zagrët, 1970a and b; Jones, 1973; Bräutigam, Howes, Humphreys, and Hutton, 1994; Sodeinde and Adedipe, 1994; Akpona, Djagoun and Sinsin, 2008; see Section 7), pangolin research, conservation, and management is in its infancy in West and Central Africa, with relatively few people, agencies, or institutions in active pursuit. Nevertheless, among the individuals, government agencies, academic institutions, and local and international conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs), there is a significant personnel and institutional resource base from which pangolin conservation can be advanced. This section identifies these resources; Tables A1.1–A1.3 in Appendix 1 provide contact and other relevant details to establish a directory for further use. The Tables in Appendix I also include current contact information for the CITES Management, Scientific, and Enforcement Authorities; however, the agencies and individual focal points that carry these roles change on a regular basis, as do their contact information. It is best to verify the latest information through the CITES website and local networks. Because of the tight linkages through illegal trade in pangolin scales, this report includes both Central and West African stakeholders, along with global stakeholders that have direct implications for the region. To ensure input from regional and global stakeholders, WA BiCC developed a 26-part questionnaire (Appendix 5), covering such information as current knowledge about distribution, status, and population trends; legislative mechanisms; seizure data; stakeholder identification; and approaches to pangolin conservation. In January and February 2020, WA BiCC circulated the questionnaire to national CITES focal points, protected areas authorities, university researchers, NGOs, and other identified stakeholders using a snowball sampling procedure, wherein the questionnaire was sent to additional stakeholders identified by initial respondents to the questionnaire. In total, ±140 people representing ±60 institutions received the questionnaire. Of these, 55 stakeholders responded, representing the governmental sector in nine countries, the NGO sector in 14 countries, the academic community in five countries, and four global stakeholders. Every country in West Africa was represented by stakeholders in one of these categories except Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Burkina Faso, and Mali—none of which are extensive pangolin range states, but may be involved in an unknown level of pangolin trafficking out of the region. To facilitate future linkages between the West and Central African communities of stakeholders, WA BiCC also sent the questionnaire to targeted individuals in Cameroon, CAR, DRC, and Gabon (e.g., Mentoring for Environmental Training in Outreach and Resource Conservation Progress on Pangolins [MENTOR-POP] graduates, TRAFFIC Cameroon, and IUCN Species Survival Commission [SSC] Pangolin Specialist Group members). The responses received from these individuals were very informative but should be considered only a preliminary representation of the region. Sections 3–6 of this report include information provided by all stakeholder respondents from the two regions. 2.2 Literature Resources Pangolins receive little academic focus globally; the literature on pangolins in West Africa is even more depauperate. Section 7 provides a comprehensive bibliography of references providing information on pangolins in West and Central Africa, although most amount to little more than presence or bushmeat records. Several recent efforts have ensured the availability of a great deal of information about the pangolin species present in the West Africa region. Notably, the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group

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spearheaded efforts to compile information following CITES CoP17 (Johannesburg, South Africa) (Challender and Waterman, 2017), as part of updated IUCN Red List Assessments published in 2019 (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019; Nixon et al., 2019; Pietersen et al., 2019) and as the first comprehensive book on pangolins and their conservation (Challender, Nash, and Waterman, 2020). The following resources in particular are critical information repositories for all West and Central African stakeholders (see Section 7 for full citations): • Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation by Challender, Nash and Waterman. Accessible here. • Implementation of CITES Decisions 17.239(b) and 17.240 on Pangolins (Manis spp.) by Challender and Waterman. Accessible here. • Scaling up pangolin conservation by Challender, Waterman, and Baillie. Accessible here. • CITES Resolution Conference 17.10 Conference of and Trade in Pangolins. Accessible here. • Phataginus tetradactyla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by Ingram, Shirley, et al. Accessible here. • Phataginus tricuspis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by Pietersen et al. Accessible here. • Smutsia gigantea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species by Nixon et al. Accessible here.

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3.0 STATE OF KNOWLEDGE ON WEST AFRICAN PANGOLINS 3.1 Pangolin Species of West Africa Pangolins comprise the mammalian order Pholidota (Weber, 1904; Gaubert et. al., 2020; Gaudin et al., 2020). They are distinguished from all other mammals by the presence of individual overlapping and horny scales that cover all surfaces of the body except the ventral and facial portions, the loss of teeth, and an elongated tongue affixed in the body cavity to the xiphisternum (Gaudin et al., 2020). Contrary to popular belief, and some convergent morphological characteristics, pangolins are not closely related to either New World (Xenarthra; e.g., giant anteater, tamandua, armadillo) or Old World (Tubulidentata; e.g., aardvark) anteaters, but are instead thought to be a sister order to the Carnivora (e.g., big cats, bears, weasels, mongooses). This relationship is supported by all molecular and total evidence-based approaches (Gaubert et al., 2020). The living pangolins comprise a single family, Manidae, which is thought to have arisen 45–31 million years ago (Gaubert et al., 2018) and today contains eight extant species in three genera: Manis, Phataginus, and Smutsia. Phylogenetic analyses have recovered deeply divergent evolutionary relationships between pangolins from Asia and Africa, including 13 or more morphological characters that separate the two groups (reviewed by Gaubert et al., 2020). Among the more readily visible external morphological characters are the presence of hairs projecting between the scales in Asian species but absent in African species (Pocock, 1924) and a visible, protruding pinna (ear) on the posterior border of the auditory orifice in Asian species but absent in African species (see Figure 3.1.1, next page). As a result, the four Asian pangolins were retained in the genus Manis, while the four African pangolins were split into the genera Phataginus (small, tree-dwelling African species) and Smutsia (large, ground-dwelling African species) (reviewed by Gaubert et al., 2020). The genus Phataginus has two extant, recognized species: white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and black-bellied pangolin (P. tetradactyla), as does the genus Smutsia: giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) and Temminck’s pangolin (S. temminckii). White-bellied, black-bellied, and giant pangolins are distributed in West Africa. The following sections provide brief descriptions to facilitate identification of these species and their scales, as well as summaries of current knowledge of distribution and natural history. This information is largely summarized from Challender et al. (2020) and the recent IUCN Red List assessments (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019; Nixon et al., 2019; Pietersen et al., 2019), and incorporates additional information from the stakeholder questionnaire where relevant and indicated. Where possible, the following sections highlight gaps in information that should be prioritized for research for improved facilitation of future conservation and management of these species.

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Figure 3.1.1: Asian versus African Pangolins Shown here are an Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata; left) and a Temminck’s pangolin (Smutsia temmincki; right), where the hairs protruding from the scales and the external ear are present and visible in the Indian (left) but absent from the Temminck’s (right). Photo credits: Gerald Cubitt (left) and Darren Pietersen/Africa Pangolin Working Group (right).

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3.1.1 WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLIN (PHATAGINUS TRICUPIS) The white-bellied pangolin (pangolin à ventre blanc in French), commonly also referred to as the tree pangolin (pangolin commun or pangolin arboricole in French), was described in 1820 from type locality “Guinee” (Rafinesque, 1820). A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis recovered preliminary evidence for as many as six evolutionarily distinct lineages of white-bellied pangolin (Gaubert et al., 2016). It appears that, as for many taxa in the region, this species experienced recent and rapid diversification in the late Pleistocene, although the geographic distributions of the recovered lineages do not seem to correspond to previously identified forest refugia or major hydrologic drainages. Based on the current understanding, the six evolutionarily significant units are distributed in: 1) Upper Guinea forests from Côte d’Ivoire to Guinea; 2) Ghana; 3) Dahomey Gap of Togo and Benin; 4) Lower Guinea forests of eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon; 5) Ogooué Basin forests of western Gabon; and 6) Congo Basin forests from eastern Gabon through the Congo, CAR, and DRC. Although Gaubert et al. (2016) comprises the most comprehensive phylogenetic study and sampling to date for this species, there remain significant sampling gaps, especially in the east and south of the species range. As yet, no subspecies or cryptic species have been formally described or validated; this may happen in the near future resulting in taxonomic changes and conservation ramifications for several range states in West Africa. 3.1.1.1 Brief Description The white-bellied pangolin is a small species, with adults weighing ±1.2–2.9 kg and attaining total lengths (including tail) of 61–103 cm. They are easily recognized, and distinguished from the syntopic black- bellied pangolin, by their light-colored skin, light-colored body hair (i.e., on surfaces not covered in scales), scale coloration, and the absence of enlarged post-scapular (shoulder) scales (see Figure 3.1.2). The body scales are arranged in a lattice-like arrangement and are tricuspid, a feature from which both the scientific name and the other common French name (pangolin tricuspid) were derived. The scales are distinguished from those of the black-bellied pangolin by being light in color and not bi-colored or two-toned, tricuspid, elongated, much thinner and flimsier, and more numerous (on average, 935 scales, but range spans 794–1141; Ullmann et al., 2020) (see Figure 3.1.3). Generally speaking, the only white-bellied pangolin scales that are likely to be confused with black-bellied pangolin scales are those on the underside of the tail and some of the smaller head or limb scales, which combined account for less than 5 percent of the total scale mass and so are of relative inconsequence for studies using scales alone as a basis for species identification (e.g., in trade; Shirley, unpublished data, 2019). To date, only a single, unpublished study has assessed white-bellied pangolin scale morphology and mass, and only from a limited number of specimens (Shirley et al., In Prep.); further research is needed to facilitate comprehensive assessments of the species involved and the composition of seizures of pangolins and their parts being trafficked. A complete, detailed description of this species, beyond the scope of need for this report, can be found in Jansen et al. (2020).

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Figure 3.1.2: Pangolins of the genus Phataginus – white-bellied (left) and black-bellied (right). These small “tree-dwelling” African pangolins are readily distinguished by their skin, body hair, and scale coloration, as well as the absence of enlarged shoulder scales in white-bellied pangolins. Photo credits: Rod Cassidy/Sangha Pangolin Project.

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Figure 3.1.3: Comparison of Phataginus sp. scales. White-bellied (left) and black-bellied pangolin (right) scales differ in their morphology, color, and hardness. The figure shows examples of body and limb (top), dorsal, and lateral tail (bottom) scales from each species. Photo credit: Matthew H. Shirley/Project Mecistops.

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3.1.1.2 Distribution In West Africa, white-bellied pangolins range from Guinea-Bissau (Cantanhez National Park; Bout & Ghiurghi, 2013) through to Nigeria (Angelici, Grimod, et al., 1999; Angelici, Luiselli, et al., 1999; Sodeinde & Adedipe, 1994), including both the southern forested belt and the wooded savannahs in northern Côte d’Ivoire (e.g., Comoé National Park), Ghana, and Benin to upper Benin (Akpona et al., 2008; Amori et al., 2016). There are no confirmed records from Senegal or The Gambia (Grubb et al., 1998) (Figure 3.1.4).

Figure 3.1.4: Distribution of the white-bellied pangolin. This map was created incorporating information learned as part of this project. The known range polygon was downloaded from the IUCN Red List Assessment for this species (Pietersen et al., 2019). The potential range polygon was drawn based on potentially reliable records from the north of Benin and presence of Phataginus sp. in Mali (see country information) also taking into account current land cover classifications. Further exploration is warranted in these areas to determine the presence of this species. The base Africa satellite image was produced by the open source project OpenMapTiles.org.

Pietersen et al. (2019) record the distribution outside of the West Africa region as Cameroon (Jeannin, 1936); Equatorial Guinea (Kümpel, 2006), including Bioko island (Albrechtsen et al., 2007); Gabon (Pagès, 1965); Congo (M.H. Shirley, personal observation), CAR; and DRC (e.g., Garamba National Park; Monroe et al., 2015; van Vliet et al., 2015). There are also records from Burundi and Rwanda (Verschuren, 1987) and Uganda, including in Semuliki National Park (Kityo, 2009; Treves et al., 2010; S. Nixon, unpublished data). Outside of western Africa, white-bellied pangolins range as far east as southwestern Kenya and northwestern Tanzania (west of Lake Tanganyika) and as far south as northwestern Zambia and northern Angola (Kingdon & Hoffmann, 2013a; Jansen et al., 2020). The following information on distribution was provided by range state stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. West Africa • Benin: Contemporarily present in the south and the center of Benin, including the departments of Zou (Lama, Lokoli, Koutagba, and Djidja), Collines (Okpa, Agolin Kpahou, Toui, Klibo,

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Agbogbomè, Agoua, Boti, Bobè, Baanon, Idadjo, Agbassa, Amou, Koko), Atlantique, Littorale, Mono (Dévé), Couffo, Alibori (Gnemasson, Guésosu Bani, Wassa Maro, Bonigourou, and Gonroukayemia), Borgou (Manigri, Doguè, Wari-Maro, Afon, Sonoumon, Sowiandji, Bio-sika, Bori), Atacora, Donga (Bassila, Nagayilé Nassou, Pénissoulou), and Ouémé (e.g., Lama Classified Forest and Gnanouizoumè). Before 2011, white-bellied pangolins were reported in the Trois Rivieres and Sota Classified Forests (departments of Alibori and Borgou), Upper Ouémé and Monts Kouffè Classified Forests (departments of Borgou and Donga), Agoua Classified Forest (Collines department), and in Pendjari and W Benin national parks and the adjacent hunting areas in the north of Benin. These northern records would be range extensions from what is presented in Pietersen et al. (2019). • Burkina Faso: No records. • Côte d’Ivoire: White-bellied pangolins are present in Kabadoukou region in the triangle formed by the sub-prefectures of Dioulatiédougou, Tiemé, and Odienné (Kabadougou); and in the areas of Fresco, Abengourou (Indénié Djuablin), Taï (Cavally), Guiglo (Cavally), Bouna (Bounkani), Daoukro, Adiaké, Man, Korhogo, Transua, Agnibilékro, Duékoué, Aboisso (Sud Comoé), Bokanda, Arrah, Bongouanou, Tabou, Adzopé (Massan), Agboville (Agneby-Tiassa), Grand Bérébi (San Pedro), Abidjan (Lagunes), Yamoussoukro (Lacs), and Danané (Tonkpi). • Ghana: With the exception of the northern regions, where little is known about the species, white-bellied pangolins are known to occur throughout Ghana. This is the most recorded pangolin species in bushmeat surveys and traditional medicine (Boakye et al., 2015; Boakye et al., 2016). It is also suspected to have a wider distribution compared to black-bellied pangolins as it appears in bushmeat surveys cross the forest and the forest-savanna transitional landscapes of Ghana (Boakye et al., 2016). Notable regions include Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Western-North, Ahafo (Asunafo South), Bono (Tano North), Bono East, Central, Volta, and Oti regions. They are also present in Atiwa District, West Akim District, Abuakwa South District, Denkyembour District, Suhum Kraboa Coltar District, Lower Manya Krobo District, Upper Manya Krobo, and Kwahu South District. In 2017, white-bellied pangolins were reported in the Amanzule Wetlands (Frimpong, personal communication to D. Konzin, 2017) and along the Tano River in the Techiman Municipality (E. Amoah, personal communication to D. Konzin, 2019). • Guinea: White-bellied pangolins are present in Forestiere, Moyenne, Guinea Martine, and Upper Guinea regions. • Liberia: White-bellied pangolins are widely distributed throughout the country, especially in the southeast and northwest, including Gbarpolu county, Sinoe county, and Grand Gedeh. • Mali: No records; see also new records for black-bellied pangolin potentially indicating the presence of this species. • Niger: No records. • Nigeria: White-bellied pangolins are distributed throughout most of southwestern states, including Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, and Kwara. There is evidence that white-bellied pangolins exist in some southeastern states: Taraba State, Cross River State, the Oban and Okwangwo divisions of the Cross River National Park (Anadu, Elamah, and Oates, 1988; Happold, 1987), Gashaka Local Government Area (LGA), Toungo LGA, Saki East, Atisbo, New Bussa, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mbe Mountains. • Senegal: No records.

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• Sierra Leone: White-bellied pangolins are present throughout the country, especially the Eastern Province, although likely declining in the Portloko and part of the Tonkolili Districts due to loss of habitat. • Togo: White-bellied pangolins are present in the Plateau and Central Regions. To date, white- bellied pangolins have been identified in Fazao Malfakassa National Park, Abdoulaye Wildlife Reserve, Assoukoko Forest Reserve, Togodo Protected Areas complex, ecological units of ecological zone IV of the country (the forest of Deux Béna (Akloa), the community forest of Yikpa- Dzigbe, forest of Assime, and probably in the forest of Missahohe. They are likely present in the Alédjo forest in the north. Their southern limit has not yet been determined; however, white- bellied pangolins are captured by locals in places like Azanhoun, Tovegan, and Amakpape. Central Africa • Cameroon: White-bellied pangolins are common in 7 of the 10 regions of Cameroon (the South, East, Adamawa, Centre, Littoral, Southwest, and Northwest regions) and are most likely present in other regions. • Democratic Republic of Congo: White-bellied pangolins are confirmed in Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Maniema, Tshopo province, Kwilu province (Bagata territory), Mai-Ndombe Province (Kutu, Inongo, Oshwe, Bolobo, Yumbi, and Kiri territories), and throughout the country. 3.1.1.3 Natural History To date, there are only three published studies specifically investigating aspects of the natural history and ecology of white-bellied pangolins (Pagès, 1975; Akpona et al., 2008; Odemuni & Ogunsina, 2018). Despite this, the white-bellied pangolin is also the most commonly encountered, and likely most abundant, of Africa’s pangolins, which allows for an accumulation of observations in general biodiversity inventories (e.g., Khwaja et al., 2019) and market studies, as well as incidental encounters by people in the field. This section summarizes what is known, pulling extensively from Jansen et al. (2020), and indicates critical knowledge gaps that, once filled, will facilitate conservation and management for the species. • Habitats Used: White-bellied pangolins are widely distributed in most general forest types, ranging from moist tropical lowland (e.g., Upper Guinea forests), to swamp and coastal mangrove, up into savannah-forest mosaics, Guinea savannah woodland, and drier riparian forests. Their characterization as forest habitat generalists is evidenced by their presence at sites ranging from the big forests of Sapo (Liberia), Taï (Côte d’Ivoire), and Kakum (Ghana) national parks; to the swamp forests of the Tanoe-Ehy Swamp Forest (FMTE, Côte d’Ivoire) and coastal mangroves of Delta State (Nigeria); and north into the Comoé (Côte d’Ivoire) and Mole (Ghana) national parks and Togo’s central plateau. White-bellied pangolins are also readily found in agricultural landscapes with forest replacement habitats, including teak, oil palm, and cacao plantations, as well as abandoned farmland in areas previously cleared of forest (Sodeinde and Adedipe, 1994; Angelici, Grimod, et al., 1999; Angelici, Luiselli, et al., 1999; Akpona et al., 2008). Within these habitats, little is known about what drives micro-habitat and resource selection, although there is some data suggesting a preference for specific tree species as refuge (Akpona et al., 2008) and prey species (e.g., Pagès, 1970 and 1975) that likely limit when and where white-bellied pangolins may be found. An improved understanding of the specific factors that constrain white-bellied pangolin distribution and habitat selection is a key area for future research. In light of the significant loss of forest habitat and conversion to subsistence and commercial agriculture, understanding this

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species’ use of and success in degraded and altered habitats will prove critical for its successful management. • Movements and Habitat Selection: White-bellied pangolins are primarily nocturnal and semi- arboreal, behavioral characteristics that differentiate them from black-bellied pangolins (which are primarily diurnal, and almost exclusively arboreal). They occupy relatively small home ranges, ranging from three to four hectares (ha) for females to 20 to 30 ha for males (Pagès, 1975). This likely varies significantly across habitats and with prey and roosting site availability, as evidenced in their seemingly variable foraging strategies (see below). White-bellied pangolins, like many mammals, appear to be creatures of habit that use regular pathways and circuits, including scent- marking of such for territorial purposes (Pagès, 1968; Jansen et al., 2020), which likely increases their risk of being hunted. They are generally quadrupedal and are capable of moving quite quickly compared to most other pangolins (Hatt, 1934; Pagès, 1970), which may have to do with the more extensive use of the front feet compared to other species (Kingdon, 1971). Further research into the spatial and movement ecology of this species will be important to future research, including potentially designing faunal reserves for pangolins and mitigating hunter offtake through increasing the understanding of their risk of encounter. • Foraging Ecology: As with their use of habitats, white-bellied pangolins seem to be generalist foragers, feeding on both ants and termites, including arboreal and terrestrial genera and species (Pagès, 1970 and 1975). Individuals in primary forests (e.g., Gabon and DRC) have been observed foraging extensively on terrestrial ant and termite prey (Pagès, 1975), and are most frequently encountered when they are on the ground (Jansen et al., 2020). In the drier forests of Benin (Akpona et al., 2008) and the extensively flooded swamp forests of the FMTE (B.G.-M. Assovi, personal communication, 2019), white-bellied pangolins forage and are observed almost exclusively in trees. Further research into prey species and foraging behaviors will provide a more solid foundation for the maintenance of individuals in captivity, including both short-term rehabilitation prior to release and long-term captive situations. Research into the nutritional value of different prey species and temporal changes in prey selection will facilitate a better understanding of the nutritional needs of this species and how that is likely to change, perhaps in relation to reproductive cycles and other seasonal events. • Reproduction: White-bellied pangolins are thought to reach sexual maturity at 18 months of age (Pagès, 1972a), after which they have continuous, year-round reproductive cycles (Pagès, 1965, 1972a and 1975). The gestation period may be as short as 140 days (Pagès, 1972b) or as long as ±209 days (Kersey, Guilfoyle, and Aitken-Palmer, 2018). It is unknown if this variation is linked to wild versus captive animals and/or environments (the latter was observed at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, USA), related to differences across habitats (primary forests of Gabon versus woodlands of Togo), or related to evolutionary lineages (Gabon versus Dahomey). Females have been observed mating soon after birth, entering into continuous cycles of pregnancy and birth (Pagès, 1972a). The young ween at 3–6 months of age. Further research into the fecundity and fitness of white-bellied pangolins will be informative for modeling expectations of future population growth and designing sustainable use-based management strategies, where appropriate to local context, conditions, and the needs of communities. 3.1.2 BLACK-BELLIED PANGOLIN (PHATAGINUS TETRADACTYLA) The black-bellied pangolin (pangolin à ventre noir in French), commonly also referred to as the long- tailed pangolin (pangolin à long queue in French), was described in 1766 from type locality “American Australia” (West Africa; Linnaeus, 1766). Aside from its previous assignment to the genus Manis

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(Meester and Setzer, 1972; Schlitter, 2005), the black-bellied pangolin was also previously included in the monotypic genus Uromanis (Pocock, 1924; Kingdon, 1997; McKenna & Bell, 1997). There are no previously described subspecies and no range-wide phylogenetic studies to date. Given this species’ broad distribution and its apparent complete absence from the Dahomey Gap, further research into cryptic diversity is warranted. 3.1.2.1 Brief Description Black-bellied pangolins are small, with adults weighing ±1.3–3.1 kg and attaining total lengths (including tail) of 81–121 cm (Gudehus et al., 2020). They are easily recognized and distinguished from the syntopic white-bellied pangolin by their dark black skin and hair, as well as different scale coloration and the presence of enlarged post-scapular (shoulder) scales (see Figure 3.1.2). Contrary to popular belief and their alternative common name (long-tailed pangolin), the tail of the black-bellied pangolin is not significantly longer than in white-bellied pangolin (Tahiri-Zagrët, 1970a; Gudehus et al., 2020). The body scales are arranged in a grid-like arrangement and are generally rounded, not tricuspid. The scales are distinguished from those of the white-bellied pangolin by being dark in color and bi- colored/two-toned: black or dark brown near the base fading into yellow or orange near the tip (Figure 3.1.3). The scales are much stronger and thicker than those of the white-bellied pangolin, and less numerous (on average, 588 scales, but range spans 542–637 scales; Gudehus et al., 2020; Ullmann et al., 2019). The only black-bellied pangolin scales that are likely to be confused with white-bellied pangolin scales are those on the underside of the tail and some of the smaller head or limb scales, which combined account for less than 5 percent of the total scale mass and so are of relative inconsequence for studies using scales alone as a basis for species identification (e.g., in trade; Shirley, unpublished data, 2019). To date, only a single, unpublished study has assessed black-bellied pangolin scale morphology and mass, and only from a limited number of specimens (Shirley et al., In Prep.); further research is needed to facilitate comprehensive assessments of pangolin species in trade. A complete, detailed description of this species, beyond the scope of need for this report, can be found in Gudehus et al. (2020). 3.1.2.2 Distribution In West Africa, black-bellied pangolins range from Sierra Leone eastwards through southeastern Guinea (Barrie & Kanté, 2006), Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and southwest Ghana (Grubb et al., 1998). Black-bellied pangolins are apparently absent from the Dahomey Gap countries of Togo and Benin, reappearing in western Nigeria. Their presence in Nigeria is probably underestimated because of possible confusion with the white-bellied pangolin (Angelici, Grimod, et al., 1999; Angelici, Luiselli, et al., 1999; Kingdon & Hoffmann, 2013b) (see Figure 3.1.5). This section presents records that extend this species known range into Mali. Outside of West Africa, Ingram, Shirley, et al. (2019) record the distribution of black-bellied pangolins as occurring eastward through southern Cameroon and throughout much of the Congo Basin forest block. They do not extend northward beyond southwestern CAR, eastward beyond DRC, and southward beyond Gabon and the Republic of Congo. There is high suspicion the species may be present in the Semuliki National Park of western Uganda (Kityo et al., 2016), which is a known Congo faunal and floral bleed through into East Africa. Further work is needed to determine this species’ presence in Cabinda, Angola (Kingdon & Hoffmann, 2013b; Gudehus et al., 2020).

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Figure 3.1.5: Distribution of the black-bellied pangolin. This map was created incorporating information learned as part of this project. The known range polygon was downloaded from the IUCN Red List Assessment for this species (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019). The range extension polygon was drawn based on new records from Guinea and Mali (see country information), while the potential range polygon was drawn based on current land cover classifications. Further exploration is warranted in these areas to determine the presence of this species. The base Africa satellite image was produced by the open source project OpenMapTiles.org.

The following additional distribution information was provided by range state stakeholders in response to the questionnaire: West Africa • Benin: No records. • Burkina Faso: No records. • Côte d’Ivoire: Black-bellied pangolins are present in Kabadoukou region in the triangle formed by the prefecture of Kaniasso, and the sub-prefectures of Tiemé and N’goloblasso, between the villages of Koro-Oulé (Kaniasso), Tahanso (Tiémé), and Karasso (N’goloblasso); and the areas of Odienné (Kabadougou), Fresco, Abengourou (Indénié Djuablin), Taï (Cavally), Guiglo (Cavally), Bouna (Bounkani), Daoukro, Adiaké, Man, Korhogo, Transua, Agnibilékro, Duékoué, Aboisso (Sud Comoé), Bokanda, Arrah, Bongouanou, Tabou, Adzopé (Massan), Agboville (Agneby-Tiassa), Grand Bérébi (San Pedro), Abidjan (Lagunes), Yamoussoukro (Lacs), and Danané (Tonkpi). • Ghana: With the exception of the northern regions, where not much is known about the species, black-bellied pangolins are known throughout Ghana, especially the forested region, although there are few records. Notable regions include Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Western-North, Ahafo (Asunafo South), Bono (Tano North), Bono East, Central, Volta, Oti regions; along with Atiwa, West Akim, Abuakwa South, Denkyembour, Suhum Kraboa Coltar, Lower Manya Krobo, Upper Manya Krobo, and Kwahu South districts. In 2017, black-bellied pangolins were reported in the Amanzule Wetlands (Frimpong, personal communication to D. Konzin, 2017) and along the Tano River in the Techiman Municipality (E. Amoah, personal communication to D. Konzin, 2019). Black- bellied pangolins are known from the Ankasa Conservation Area, Bawdie (bushmeat market in the Wassa Amenfi East Municipal of the Western Region; D. Konzin, personal communication), Kakum Conservation Area (Wildlife Division, 1996; Nik Borrow, unpublished data), and adjacent forest

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reserves (bushmeat markets at Assin Fosu and Assin Adiembra; D. Konzin, personal communication). • Guinea: Black-bellied pangolins are present in Forestiere, Moyenne, and Guinea Martine regions; the prefectures of Yomou, Macenta, N’Zérékoré, and Lola; and Fouta Djallon of the Kankan region up to the Mali border (I. Edwards, personal communication, 2020), which is an extension of the range as presented by Ingram, Shirley, et al. (2019). • Liberia: Black-bellied pangolins are widely distributed throughout the country, especially in the southeast and northwest, including Gbarpolu county, Sinoe county, and Grand Gedeh. • Mali: Black-bellied pangolins are neither previously known nor recorded from Mali. Edwards (2012) provides observations of a local farmer in the Sikasso region having opportunistically harvested a “tree pangolin” from his lands. Correspondence with the author provided photos verifying the species identity and further information on Malian records. The village reported by Edwards is just south of Misseni, right next to the Mali-Côte d’Ivoire border, and the species was also observed in western Mali in the Gangaran and Bafing territories south into the Fouta Jallon Highlands along the Mali-Guinea border (I. Edwards, personal communication, 2020). • Niger: No records. • Nigeria: Black-bellied pangolins are found through most of the mangrove forests in southern Nigeria, including Rivers, Cross River, Delta, Bayelsa, and Akwa-Ibom States; and in Oban and Okwangwo divisions of the Cross River National Park. They may be present in Gashaka LGA, Toungo LGA, Saki East, Atisbo, and New Bussa. • Senegal: No records. • Sierra Leone: Black-bellied pangolins are present in Koinadugu, Falaba, Karine, and Eastern Province. • Togo: No records. Central Africa • Cameroon: Black-bellied pangolins are confirmed in South, East, Centre, Littoral, and Adamawa; they most likely present in other regions. • Democratic Republic of Congo: Black-bellied pangolins are confirmed in Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Maniema, Tshopo, and Mai-Ndombe provinces (Kutu, Oshwe, and Kiri territories); and generally throughout the country. 3.1.2.3 Natural History Black-bellied pangolins are the least-studied pangolin species in the world, with no published studies to date specifically investigating aspects of their natural history and ecology. They are also the least- frequently encountered African pangolin species, with very few observations in general biodiversity inventories or incidental encounters by people in the field. This species is encountered in bushmeat markets, from which some information has been gleaned. This section summarizes what is known, pulling extensively from Gudehus et al. (2020), and indicates critical knowledge gaps that, once filled, will facilitate conservation and management for the species. • Habitats Used: Black-bellied pangolins seem to be widely distributed in most general forest types, ranging from moist tropical lowland (e.g., Upper Guinea forests), to swamp and coastal mangrove, up into savannah-forest mosaics, Guinea savannah woodland, and drier riparian forests. Black-

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bellied pangolins are often associated with swamp and riparian forests, although records from sites harboring diverse forest types show this may not be true. They are known to be present at sites ranging from the big forests of Sapo (Liberia), Taï (Côte d’Ivoire), and Kakum (Ghana) National Parks; to the swamp forests of the FMTE (Côte d’Ivoire) and coastal mangroves of Delta State (Nigeria); and north into the Comoé National Park (Côte d’Ivoire) and dry woodlands of Mali. Black-bellied pangolins are also regularly found in agricultural landscapes with forest replacement habitats, including teak, oil palm, and cacao plantations, as well as abandoned farm land in areas previously cleared of forest (Sodeinde and Adedipe, 1994; Angelici, Grimod, et al., 1999; Angelici, Luiselli, et al., 1999; Luiselli et al., 2015). Within these habitats, little is known about what drives micro-habitat and resource selection, although there are some preliminary observations suggesting that this species spends much of its time in the canopy layer (Gudehus et al. 2020) and is more abundant in areas less disturbed by people (M.H. Shirley and B.G.-M. Assovi, personal observation, 2018). Better understanding the specific factors that constrain black-bellied pangolin distribution and habitat selection is a key area for research. In light of the significant loss of forest habitat and conversion to subsistence and commercial agriculture, understanding this species use of and success in degraded and altered habitats will prove critical for its successful management. • Movements and Habitat Selection: Black-bellied pangolins are primarily diurnal and almost exclusively arboreal, as opposed to white-bellied pangolins, which are primarily nocturnal and only semi-arboreal. There are no published studies of home range, although ongoing work in Côte d’Ivoire and CAR suggest that this species also maintains small territories, ranging over no more than 60 ha, but more regularly 10–20 ha (Gudehus et al., 2020). Despite the radically different habitats in the two study sites, the ongoing research found frequent concurrence. Black-bellied pangolins appear to use regular pathways and resting spots, although not much is known about scent-marking for territorial purposes (Pagès, 1970). Black-bellied pangolins are generally quadrupedal, although their locomotion often resembles that of an inchworm instead of typical quadrupedal walking, crawling, and scampering. Although as they spend much of their time in the trees, their movement on the ground is quite ungainly (M.H. Shirley, personal observation). Both in the trees and on the ground, they are typically very slow moving and deliberate. Black-bellied pangolins are incredibly shy and sensitive to disturbance, freezing for hours at a time when they feel threatened. Further research into the spatial and movement ecology of this species will be important to future research, including potentially designing faunal reserves for pangolins and mitigating hunter offtake through increasing understanding of their risk of encounter. • Foraging Ecology: Black-bellied pangolins seem to be more specialized foragers than white-bellied pangolins, feeding almost exclusively on arboreal ants and (occasionally) other colonial nesting arboreal insects like sweat bees (Gudehus et al., 2020). Further research into prey species and foraging behaviors will provide a more solid foundation for the maintenance of individuals in captivity, including both short-term rehabilitation prior to release and long-term captive situations. Research into the nutritional value of different prey species and temporal changes in prey selection will facilitate a better understanding of the nutritional needs of this species and how that is likely to change, perhaps in relation to reproductive cycles and seasonality. • Reproduction: Black-bellied pangolins are thought to reach sexual maturity at 15 months of age (Pagès, 1970 and 1972a), after which they have continuous, year-round reproductive cycles (Kingdon & Hoffman, 2013b). The gestation period may be as short as 140 days (Pagès, 1970 and 1972b), but this is not yet confirmed. Females have been observed mating soon after birth, entering into continuous cycles of pregnancy and birth (Pagès, 1972a). The age at which the young ween is unknown, but they leave their mother before the next parturition. Further research into the

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fecundity and fitness of black-bellied pangolins will be informative for modeling expectations of future population growth and designing sustainable use-based management strategies, where appropriate to local context, conditions, and the needs of communities. 3.1.3 GIANT PANGOLIN (SMUTSIA GIGANTEA) The giant pangolin (pangolin géant in French) was described in 1815 from type locality “River Niger” (Illiger, 1815). Formerly in the genus Manis, the giant pangolin is one of two African ground-dwelling species in the genus Smutsia. Aside from their distribution, large size, and terrestrial habits, species in the genus Smutsia are diagnosed on the basis of a single external morphological character: the presence of short and sparse hairs on the ventral part of the body, compared to long and more dense hairs in other species. 3.1.3.1 Brief Description The giant pangolin is the largest pangolin species in the world, with adults weighing in excess of 30 kg and attaining total lengths (including tail) of 118.5–180 cm (Hoffmann et al., 2020). They are easily recognized, and distinguished from the syntopic white- and black-bellied pangolins, by their size (15– 20 times larger), elongated snout, and scale configuration (Figure 3.1.6). The body scales are arranged in an obliquely angled, linear grid, and the scales themselves are large and dense. The scales are distinguished from those of the white- and black-bellied pangolins by their size, shape, density, and smaller number (on average, 567 scales, but range spans 446–664; Hoffmann et al., 2020) (Figure 3.1.6).

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Figure 3.1.6: Giant pangolin and its scales. The giant pangolin is the largest pangolin species in the world, it has an elongated snout and thick armor made from large, plate-like scales (right). Photo credit: Naomi Matthews/Chester Zoo (left), Matthew H. Shirley/Project Mecistops (right).

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3.1.3.2 Distribution In West Africa, giant pangolins range from Senegal (although there is no evidence of its presence in The Gambia) eastward throughout Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia (including the vicinity of Mount Nimba; Coe, 1975), and Côte d’Ivoire (including the forested west and woodland northeast). It was previously recorded in Ghana, including the north in Mole National Park (Grubb et al., 1998) and the forested southwest, although may now be locally extinct. There is no information from Togo (Kingdon et al., 2013), although it was previously documented from areas of Ghana right across the border from the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park (Grubb et al., 1998). Giant pangolins were previously thought to be found across northern Benin, but may now be restricted to the W and Pendjari National Parks (Akpona and Daouda, 2011), although recent surveys have not detected the species there. The distribution of this species in Nigeria is unclear, but it may occur in the south and was camera-trapped in the southeast in Gashaka Gumti National Park in 2016 (S. Nixon, unpublished data). Giant pangolins may be the most north-ranging pangolin in West Africa, with previous sightings in Burkina Faso and Niger (Sayer & Green, 1984), although the species was not included by Lamarque (2004), and there are relatively recent unconfirmed records from southwestern Mali (I. Edwards, personal communication, 2020) (Figure 3.1.7).

Figure 3.1.7: Distribution of the giant pangolin. This map was created incorporating information learned as part of this project. The known range polygon was downloaded from the IUCN Red List Assessment for this species (Nixon et al., 2019). The potential range polygon was drawn based on potentially reliable new records from Guinea and Mali (see country information), also taking into account current land cover classifications. This species is considered likely locally extinct in Ghana and eastern Cote d’Ivoire (see country info). Further exploration is warranted in these areas to determine the presence of this species. The base Africa satellite image was produced by the open source project OpenMapTiles.org.

Outside of West Africa, Nixon et al. (2019) describe the distribution of this species as from the eastern bank of the Sanaga River in Cameroon, continuously throughout the Congo Basin into central Uganda (Kingdon et al., 2013), and east onto the lakeshore in western Kenya, close to the Uganda border (Kingdon, 1971). They have been reliably observed in the Mahale Mountains in western Tanzania and may occur in Gombe National Park (Foley et al. 2014). Giant pangolins have recently been confirmed

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in South Sudan (D. Reeder, unpublished data) and Akagera National Park in the east of Rwanda (D. Bantlin, unpublished data). The northern limits of the distribution are not well known but can be expected to broadly coincide with the limits of the tropical lowland rainforests and forest savannah mosaics. In CAR, giant pangolins were documented in Bamingui-Bangoran National Park (Spinage, 1988). The northern banks of the Kasai and Tshuapa Rivers apparently define its southern limits within the central forest block (Kingdon et al., 2013). There are no records from Burundi (ibid.). Giant pangolins were previously thought to be present on Bioko island (ibid.), but these are likely carcasses brought in from the mainland to be sold at market (Hoffmann et al., 2015; Ingram, Cronin, et al., 2019) (Figure 3.1.7). The following additional distribution information was provided by range state stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. West Africa • Benin: Giant pangolins were last reported more than 10 years ago in the protected areas of northern Benin, the Trois Rivieres and Sota Classified Forests (departments of Alibori and Borgou), Upper Ouémé and Monts Kouffè Classified Forests (departments of Borgou and Donga), and Agoua Classified Forest (Collines department). Giant pangolins are most likely extinct in these areas. One individual was observed in the Porga hunting area adjacent Pendjari National Park in 2013, which constitutes the last reported observation of this species in Benin. Giant pangolins were recently reported by local hunters in the Alibori forest near the village of Gonroukayemia (Zanvo et al., 2020). • Burkina Faso: No records. • Côte d’Ivoire: The only known giant pangolin areas in Côte d’Ivoire currently are Parc National de Taï and Parc National de Comoé (Bouna area). Historically, giant pangolins were more widespread than they are at present. • Ghana: Mammal surveys in Mole National Park (northern Ghana) recorded scales in lion scat (Wilson, 1993). Wilson reported on Robertson’s (1977) report of sighting the species in Mole 20 years prior. Other historic records place it in some forest reserves in the Western region (Tseganu, 2014). Giant pangolins were recorded in the Ankasa Conservation Area (Ghana Wildlife Division, 2000) and Kakum Conservation Area (Roell et. al., 1993). While not yet confirmed, giant pangolins are suspected in a sacred grove in the Twifo Ati Mokwa district of the Central Region (D. Konzin, unpublished data, 2017). Giant pangolins may be extinct in Ghana. • Guinea: Giant pangolins are present in Forestiere and Haut Guinea regions; Tougaly (Kansangui management area) in the Tougué prefecture; and the Fouta Djallon of the Kankan region up to the Mali border (I. Edwards, personal communication, 2020), which is an extension of the range as presented by Nixon et al. (2019). • Liberia: Giant pangolins are widely distributed throughout the country, especially in the southeast and northwest. • Mali: While previously not known or recorded from Mali, recent correspondence resulted in unconfirmed, but potentially reliable evidence of giant pangolins in western Mali in the Gangaran, including near Kita, and Bafing territories south into the Fouta Jallon Highlands along the Mali- Guinea border (I. Edwards, personal communication, 2020). • Niger: No records.

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• Nigeria: Most giant pangolin sightings are old reports from hunters (e.g., from Bayelsa and Delta States), with rare contemporary records. Giant pangolins were recorded in Gashaka Gumti National Park in 2016 (S. Nixon, personal communication). In 2017, giant pangolins were observed in the Omo Forest Reserve (Taraba State), and recently reported by a hunter in the Oban Division of Cross River National Park. • Senegal: No records. • Sierra Leone: Giant pangolins are mostly present in the Koinadugu, Falaba, Bambali, Kono, and Karine Districts, as well as the Eastern Province. • Togo: While there are no records, it would be premature to call giant pangolins extinct in the country (H. Segniagbeto, personal communication, 2020). Central Africa • Cameroon: Giant pangolins are present in the South, East, Centre, Littoral, Southwest, North, Adamaoua, and most likely in other regions as well. • Democratic Republic of Congo: Giant pangolins are confirmed in Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Maniema, Tshopo, and Mai-Ndombe provinces (Kutu, Oshwe, and Kiri territories), and generally throughout the country. 3.1.3.3 Natural History There are only two studies published to date specifically investigating aspects of the natural history and ecology of giant pangolins (Bruce et al., 2018; Lehmann et al., 2020; additional contributions by Pagès, 1970). Despite this, the giant pangolin is regularly encountered or observed, especially with the help of camera traps (Khwaja et al., 2019), allowing for an accumulation of observations in general biodiversity inventories and incidental encounters by people in the field. This section summarizes what is known, pulling extensively from Hoffmann et al. (2020), and indicates critical knowledge gaps that, once filled, will facilitate conservation and management for the species. • Habitats Used: Giant pangolins have among the most diverse habitat uses of all African pangolins, inhabiting primary and secondary forest, forest-savannah mosaics, seasonally inundated swamp forest, wooded savannah, gallery forests, and wet grasslands. Giant pangolins are present at sites ranging from the big forests of Sapo (Liberia), Taï (Côte d’Ivoire), and (formerly) Kakum (Ghana) National Parks; north into the Comoé (Côte d’Ivoire) and (formerly) Mole (Ghana) and Pendjari (Benin) National Parks; and potentially in the dry forests of southern Mali. Outside of West Africa, giant pangolins have been found in solid stands of bamboo (Foley et al., 2014), and isolated mosaic habitats in central Uganda (Hoffmann et al., 2020). While they are at times found in agricultural landscapes, they are believed to be passing through the areas and not remaining in them. They may be dependent on permanent water sources (Kingdon et al., 2013). In many places, this species is associated with swampy habitats and proximity to water (e.g., Cameroon and Gabon; Bruce et al., 2018). Gaining a better understanding of the specific factors that constrain giant pangolin distribution and habitat selection, as well as abundance in these habitats, is a key area for research. In light of the significant loss of forest habitat and conversion to subsistence and commercial agriculture, understanding this species’ use of and success in degraded and altered habitats will prove critical for its successful management. • Movements and Habitat Selection: Giant pangolins are primarily nocturnal and exclusively terrestrial. There are not yet published studies quantifying home ranges, but anecdotal information and preliminary research from throughout this species range suggest that there is considerable

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variability in the movement patterns and home ranges of this species (Hoffmann et al., 2020). In some populations, individuals appear to have small home ranges with regularly traversed circuits of repeatedly used resting sites (e.g., central Gabon; Pagès, 1970); in other sites, home ranges appear quite big and resting sites not regularly re-used (e.g., Nigeria [S. Nixon, unpublished data]; coastal Gabon [M.H. Shirley, personal observation]). Many observations additionally suggest that giant pangolins do not maintain exclusive territories and are quite tolerant of occupying burrows with other species (e.g., porcupines or mongooses; Hoffmann et al., 2020; Lehmann et al., 2020). Unlike their congener, the Temminck’s pangolin, giant pangolins are quadrupedal. Further research into the spatial and movement ecology of this species will be important to future management, including potentially designing faunal reserves for pangolins and mitigating hunter offtake through a better understanding of their risk of encounter. • Foraging Ecology: Giant pangolins seem to be rather generalist foragers, feeding on a variety of terrestrial termite and ant species. Early observations recorded giant pangolins feeding on over 11 different species of ant (Bequaert, 1922), and they are known to feed on more than six different families of termite (Hoffmann et al., 2020). They are also known to feed opportunistically on beetles and other colonially available insects. Further research into prey species and foraging behaviors may provide insights into factors limiting the distribution of this species and will provide a more solid foundation for the maintenance of individuals in captivity, including both short-term rehabilitation prior to release and long-term captive situations, should that need eventuality arise. • Reproduction: Very little is known about the reproductive cycles of giant pangolins. They seem to have aseasonal breeding (Hoffmann et al., 2020). Beyond that, studies have not revealed information about age to maturity, gestation period, or regularity of reproduction. Further research into the fecundity and fitness of giant pangolins will be informative for modeling expectations of future population growth and designing sustainable use-based management strategies, where appropriate to local context, conditions, and the needs of communities. 3.2 Cultural Significance of Pangolins in West Africa Due at least in part to their odd morphological characteristics and unique behaviors, pangolins have a rich cultural tradition and heritage in West and Central Africa, ranging from religious and medicinal symbols, to strong beliefs about their ethnopharmacological and sacred value, and as preferred sources of wildmeat protein. The “pangolin men” (bina luwawa) of the Lele people, just outside the Congo Basin forest of the DRC, described the pangolin as an animal with the body and tail of a fish; covered in scales; with four little legs; that climbs in trees; and, by virtue of giving birth to a single young at a time, patterns its reproduction more after the human than the fish or lizard with which its appearance so closely aligns (Douglas, 1957; Walsh, 2020). On the opposite side of the DRC, the Bembe people of the Kivu region remarked on the power of the pangolin to evade predation through its curling behavior; they say that women learned to carry their young by watching pangolins and that the overlatching thatch roofs on their homes were inspired by the design of pangolin scales (Gossiaux, 2000; Walsh, 2020). This section provides a brief summary of what has been previously published on the cultural significance of pangolins from this region, relying heavily on the extraordinary detail found in Walsh (2020) and Soewu et al. (2020). To facilitate future research and interactions with local communities, Table 3.2.1 provides local names for pangolins used across the region and Table 3.2.2 details ethnopharmacological and religious uses as reported in literature and provided by West African pangolin stakeholders. Among the more pervasive symbolic importance of pangolins is their link to fertility, including among the Guro people of Côte d’Ivoire (Deluz, 1994; Walsh, 2020). Pangolins and/or their scales are often

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used as symbols of protection against attack from lions (e.g., Tabwa people, Lake Tanganyika; Roberts, 1986; Douglas, 1990) and snakes or other wild animals (Sukuma, northern Tanzania; Wright, 1954). The linkage to fertility and protection is not just symbolic; it is believed that for the full benefit and power to be transferred, a pangolin must be killed and/or consumed. In contrast, the Lega (Kivu region, DRC) and the Hamba (Kasai, DRC) peoples hold giant pangolins sacred and it is forbidden to kill them (Biebuyck, 1953 and 1973; de Heusch, 1985; Walsh, 2020). In Cameroon, around the Campo Ma’an National Park (Mvae people), black-bellied pangolins are known as pangolin de mal chance or pangolin sorciere (bad luck or sorcerer pangolin); if one is seen, it is believed that there will soon be a death of a loved one (I. Goodwill, personal communication, 2020). Pangolins are considered totems by some Toma, Guerzé, and Manon people in Guinea Forestiere (Guinea, Questionnaire Respondents). Capitalizing on local cultural and traditional wildlife beliefs has proven effective for the conservation of other species throughout West Africa and the world (e.g., Ntiamoa-Baidu, 2008; Pungetti et al., 2012); this possibility merits further consideration in developing strategic conservation action for pangolins in West Africa moving forward. In DRC, for example, the Rega people hold pangolins sacred. If one is observed, the local chiefs kill it and eat it; if the one who observed it kills it instead, they risk death (J. Nyumu, personal communication, 2020). This level of belief may open the door to working with the local chiefs to change behavior based on the beliefs. However, this is currently undermined by a lack of comprehensive understanding of pangolins as symbols and in West African cosmology, especially compared to Central Africa (e.g., as illustrated by Walsh, 2020). The breakdown of cultural taboos protecting species can lead to increased hunting pressure, as was the case in western Côte d’Ivoire, where local protection afforded by totems has collapsed due to refugee movements and influx of outsiders due to conflicts in Liberia and within Côte d’Ivoire (Kingdon et al., 2013). Research requires a better understanding of the difference in non- consumptive cultural importance between West and Central Africa, and countries within these regions, and if these differences have any long-term bearing for pangolin conservation. Table 3.2.1: Local Names for Pangolins in Different Dialects of West Africa. Names provided by respondents to the questionnaire.

White-Bellied Black-Bellied Ethnicity/ Country Giant Pangolin Pangolin Pangolin Language Benin Lihoui (Lihui) Lihoui (Lihui) Lihoui (Lihui) Fongbé (Fon) Pangolin de nuit Pangolin de jour Pangolin geant French CAR Kokolo Kokolo Kelepa Ba’aka Kanjona ti bi Kanjona Kelepa Sango Kôklôkô Kôklôkô blé Kôklôkô ôkloè Baoulé Kôklôhocô Kôklôhocô Kôklôhocô Namaramani Namaramani Namaramani Malinké (Dioula) Korokara Korokara Korokara Djamala Ababa Ababa Ababa Attié Côte d’Ivoire Ewôlômon Ewôlômon Ewôlômon Agni Akpla Akpla Akpla Agni Mahassé Mahassé Mahassé Gouro Gnian Gnian Gnian Guéré Grougo Grougo Grougo Djimini Kaka Kaka Kaka Swahili DRC Kaka Kaka Kaka Lingala Nkoo Nkoo Ikanga/Ikonfree Kisakata

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied Ethnicity/ Country Giant Pangolin Pangolin Pangolin Language Nkalamonyo Nkalamonyo Enkaka Lokonda Nkanyama Nkanyama Nkake Mbelo Petit Pangolin Petit Pangolin Tatou Nationwide Ka Ka Fima Fang Gabon Likaka Likaka Pichi Awandji Kake Kake Pire Saké Aprawa Tuntum Aprawa Fitaa Twi (Akan) Aprawa Tumtum Ghana Apraa Apraa Akuapem (Akan) Pra Fante (Akan) Opra Asante Twi (Akan) Kaghaenwolo bhoîgui Kaghaenwolo leigui Koboe Toma Guinea Kawala djon wulen Kawala djon fiman Kawalaba Manain Bhala wolo kpôlu Bhala wolo tèhi Höö Guerze Ant(s) Bear Ant(s) Bear Big Ant(s) Bear Liberia Ant(s) Bag Ant(s) Bag Ant(s) Bag Ant(s) Eater Ant(s) Eater Ant(s) Eater Kooso-Kasa Kooso-Kaasa Kooso-Kaasa Bambara Mali Kooso-Kassa Kooso-Kassa Kooso-Kassa Bamanan Aaka Aaka Aaka Yoruba Akikaa Akikaa Akikaa Yoruba Nigeria Ekah Ekah Ekah Efik and Atam Ekianyor Ekianyor Ekianyor New Ekuri/Old Ekuri Katarh Katarh Katarh Efik and Atam Sierra Leone Korsoe Kono Liῡui- Liῡui Liῡui- Liῡui Adja Togo Liῡui- Liῡui Liῡui- Liῡui Ouatchi Aparawa Aparawa Kotokoli

The consumptive uses of pangolins in West and Central Africa are, seemingly, more pervasive and extensive than their symbolic uses. Pangolins have a long history of consumption as wildmeat across West Africa and they remain in substantial demand today (Ajayi, 1978; Akani et al., 2015; Bene et al., 2013; Boakye et al., 2015; Bi et al., 2017; Greengrass, 2016; Ordaz-Nemeth et al., 2017; Petrozzi et al., 2016; Soewu et al., 2020). Aside from their likely historic availability and ease of hunting, pangolin meat is consistently highly ranked among all available wildmeats and preferred by many people in the region (Anadu et al., 1988; Hoyt, 2004; Kümpel, 2006; Wright & Priston, 2010). Consuming or serving pangolin meat can carry great status: in Ghana and northern Nigeria, for example, pangolin meat is seen as meat of the royals or of the elite Nigerian Ekpe society (per Ghana and Nigeria Questionnaire Respondents). Section 4.5.2.2 includes a more extensive discussion of the local consumption of pangolin meat, including trade statistics and resulting threats. Beyond consumption for wildmeat, pangolins in West Africa are consumed extensively for traditional medicinal and religious purposes, as detailed in Table 3.2.2 (Soewu et al., 2020). Some estimates suggest that rural African communities have 80 times more access to traditional than western medicine (Abdullahi, 2011; World Health Organization, 2013). The ethnopharmacological uses of pangolins in West Africa are extensive and involve 28 different body parts, ranging from the whole pangolin to the xiphisternum and, most extensively, the scales. Traditional medicine practitioners believe that these pangolin parts treat anything from simple headaches to cancer and issues with reproductive health.

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Similarly, traditional religious, sacred, and mystical uses in West Africa involve 19 different pangolin body parts, also most extensively the scales. Traditional practitioners believe that pangolins and their parts are useful for a diversity of purposes, ranging from protection against spells to ensuring victory in financial and legal disputes. It is noteworthy, however, that little or no research has been done to confirm the effectiveness of the pangolin parts in achieving the medicinal or spiritual results mentioned by ethnopharmacologists and tradipractionners in West and Central Africa. Much of the literature for ethnopharmacological and traditional medicine use makes specific reference to white-bellied pangolin (e.g., Boakye et al., 2016; Akpona et al., 2008; Soewu & Adekanola, 2011; Boakye et al., 2014; Sodeinde & Adedipe, 1994). Despite this, it is often unclear if this is intentionally species-specific use, or if it is simply a question of availability and/or mistaken identification. Pangolins have also been recorded in the fetish markets of Mali, where heads, skin, and feet of black-bellied and giant pangolin are sold to the Marabaga Yoro in Bamako for traditional medicine purposes (Edwards, 2003 and 2012; I. Edwards, personal communication, 2020). As in West Africa, pangolins are a preferred wildmeat throughout Central Africa. In this neighboring region, pangolin harvest for meat consumption appears to be increasing (Kümpel, 2006; Bobo & Kamgaing, 2011; van Vliet et al., 2012) and may result in 400,000 or more pangolins being hunted annually (Ingram et al., 2018). The more extensive offtake for wildmeat consumption in Central Africa compared to West Africa is likely due to a combination of factors ranging from availability as prey to decreased availability of domestic meat, agriculture, and infrastructure. In contrast to West Africa, however, the ethnopharmacological and other traditional values of pangolins are significantly less in Central Africa (Soewu et al., 2020). There are few reports of local people believing that pangolin scales are effective treatments for stomach illness (Bobo & Ntum Wel, 2010), coughs (Mouté, 2010), and malaria (Bräutigam et al., 1994). In Cameroon, pangolin scales are used as tool and their skins to make drums (Bobo et al., 2015).

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Table 3.2.2: Traditional ethnopharmacological and religious uses of pangolins and their body parts in West Africa. Much of the information here is reproduced from Soewu et al. (2020), with reference to the original literature: Boakye et al., 2016 (a); Akpona et al., 2008 (b); Soewu & Adekanola, 2011 (c); Boakye et al., 2014 (d); Sodeinde & Adedipe, 1994 (e); and supplemented with information provided by range state respondents (Q). For the latter, the table indicates the country and ethnic group where possible. Bullet points in the middle and right columns correspond to each other. As stated above, scientific studies would be welcome to confirm or modify current views on the effectiveness of pangolin parts in local medicine and religious practices. There appears to be very little if any studies in this regard to date.

Body Part Ethnopharmacological (Ailment/Condition Treated) and Spiritual Uses (Prescribed for) Country • Treat: Menstrual pain, scrotal mass • Ghanaa Bile • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Skin scars, wound healing, rheumatism, joint pains and stiffness, convulsions, headache, • Beninb, Ghanaa, Nigeriac, Sierra Bone stroke, waist pain, asthma, bed-wetting, fever, broken leg, skin rash, breast cancer Leoned • Spiritual: Spiritual protection, protection against witchcraft • Ghanaa, Nigeriae, Sierra Leoned • Treat: Wound healing, elephantiasis, rheumatism, stomach disease, heart disease • Sierra Leoned Blood • Spiritual: Protection against witchcraft • Sierra Leoned • Treat: Heart disease, stomach disease, mental illness • Sierra Leoned Brain • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Asthma, stretch marks, heartburn, infertility, (dental cavity, intercostal neuralgia [Bali, DRC])Q • Ghanaa, Sierra Leoned, DRCQ Claws • Spiritual: Protection against witchcraft • Ghanaa, Sierra Leoned • Treat: Conjunctivitis, impotence, mental illness • Ghanaa, Nigeriac, Sierra Leoned Eyes • Spiritual: Kleptomania, spiritual protection • Ghanaa, Nigeriae, Sierra Leoned Female Sex • Treat: Ejection of the placenta • Nigeriac Organs • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Heel fissure, back pain, elephantiasis, athlete’s foot, broken bones • Beninb, Sierra Leoned Foot • Spiritual: Undefined spiritual purposesQ • TogoQ, Mali (Edwards, 2012) • Treat: Impotence, elephantiasis • Sierra Leoned Forefoot • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Beninb, Ghanaa, Nigeriac, Sierra • Treat: Infertility, headache, skin disease, toothache, heart disease, paralysis, stroke, asthma, hernia, Leoned fever, body aches, gonorrhea, claw hand, mental illness Head • Beninb, Ghanaa, Nigeriae, Sierra • Spiritual: Financial rituals, spiritual protection, good luck, safety, kleptomania, induction into wizard Leoned, TogoQ, Mali (Edwards groups, entrepreneurial prowess (tail tip and head), undefined spiritual purposesQ 2012) Heart • Treat: Prevention of miscarriage, stomach disease, heart disease • Beninb, Ghanaa, Sierra Leoned

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Body Part Ethnopharmacological (Ailment/Condition Treated) and Spiritual Uses (Prescribed for) Country • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Food poisoning • Nigeriac Internal Organs • Spiritual: Treat sexual poison “magun” • Nigeriae • Treat: Stomach disease, headache • Beninb, Sierra Leoned Intestines • Spiritual: Good luck • Sierra Leoned • Treat: No reported uses • - Leg • Spiritual: Spiritual protection, financial rituals • Ghanaa • Treat: No reported uses • - Limbs • Spiritual: Good fortune, financial rituals (limbs and internal organs) • Nigeriae • Treat: Asthma • Sierra Leoned Liver • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Hernia, headache, elephantiasis, athlete’s foot, infertility, impotence • Sierra Leoned Male Sex Organs • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Aid normal development in premature babies, stomach disease, rheumatism, epilepsy, hypertension, body pain, infertility, menstrual pains, coughing, prevention of miscarriage, convulsion, • Ghanaa, Sierra Leoned, NigeriaQ anemia, common childhood diseases • Nigeriae Meat or Flesh • Spiritual (flesh): Confer abilities for divination, good luck, protection, safety • Ghanaa, Sierra Leoned, NigeriaQ, • Spiritual (meat): Increase intelligence, spiritual protection, financial rituals, charms for chiefs, life TogoQ longevityQ • Treat: Skin rash, stretch marks, heel fissure, skin disease, knee pain, skin scars, heart disease, claw • Sierra Leoned Oil hand, body aches, elephantiasis • - • Spiritual: No reported uses • Treat: Muscular pain, back pain, headache, excessive menstrual bleeding, menstrual cramps, bed- • BeninQ, Ghanaa,Q, Nigeriac, wetting, stroke, chicken pox, epilepsy, heart disease, wound healing, dry skin, skin rashes, sores, Sierra Leoned, Côte d’IvoireQ, cracked heels, convulsions, arthritis, ear infection, stomach disorders, leprosy, aid normal GuineaQ, TogoQ, Republic of development in premature babies, elephantiasis, impotence, infertility, broken bones, waist pain, Congo (unspecified uses)Q, skin scars, stomach disease, inflammation of the navel, nail infections, arthritis, rheumatism, epilepsy, DRCQ, GabonQ3 Scales blood cleansing, stomach ulcer, stroke, venereal diseases, to ensure safe childbirth, mental illness, as • Beninb,Q, Ghanaa, Nigeriae,Q, an aphrodisiac/for male potency, (asthma, cough, measles, sore throat, burns, heart palpitation, Sierra Leoned, Côte d’IvoireQ, breast cancer, scabies, against children’s disease “oiseau” [Côte d’Ivoire], eczema [Ewe Togo])Q, TogoQ (malaria, uterine contractions, hemorrhoids, kyphosis, acute respiratory infection, typhoid [Bali, • LiberiaQ1, Sierra LeoneQ1, DRC])Q, (aphrodisiac [Gabon])Q3 DRCQ2

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Body Part Ethnopharmacological (Ailment/Condition Treated) and Spiritual Uses (Prescribed for) Country • Spiritual: Become cutlass-proof, spiritual protection, protection from witchcraft, good luck, high productivity on the farm/financial rituals, kleptomania, victory in legal disputesQ, prevent driver ant infestations (Baoulé of Béoumi, Kroumen of Taï)Q, fabricate magic bulletproof vests (Côte d’Ivoire, and Yoruba of Nigeria)Q, cure magic/mystical illnesses (Ashantis of Allangouanou, Côte d’Ivoire)Q • Other: fake nailsQ1, pest control on crop plantsQ2 Sex Organs (male • Treat: Infertility • Sierra Leoned and/or female) • Spiritual: Undefined spiritual purposesQ • TogoQ • Treat: Dermatosis • Beninb Skin • Spiritual: Protective amulets, fashionQ • GuineaQ, Mali (Edwards 2012) • Treat: Impotence, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, paralysis, claw hand, convulsions, fainting, stomach disease, elephantiasis, waist pain, heel fissure, protection against snake bites and scorpion • Sierra Leoned Tail stings • Nigeriae, Sierra Leoned • Spiritual: Entrepreneurial prowess (tail tip and head), kleptomania, high productivity on farm, spiritual protection • Treat: Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, epilepsy • Ghanaa, Sierra Leoned Toes • Spiritual: Spiritual protection • Ghanaa, Sierra Leoned • Treat: Asthma, (stomach aches, pneumonia, hip aches, “language in children,” epilepsy)Q • Beninb,Q Tongue • Spiritual: Protection against sexual spells or black magic, undefined spiritual purposesQ • BeninQ, TogoQ • Treat: Goiter • Ghanaa, Nigeriac Thorax • Spiritual: Prevention of rain • Nigeriae, Sierra Leoned • Treat: Stroke • Nigeriac Vertebral Bones • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Prevention of miscarriage • Beninb Waist • Spiritual: No reported uses • - • Treat: Prolonged or continuous menstrual bleeding, elephantiasis, leprosy, (undefined variety of • Ghanaa, Nigeriac, Sierra Leoned, subsequent uses in Guinea)Q GuineaQ Whole Animal • Spiritual: Financial rituals, conferring invisibility, good fortune, prosperity, undefined spiritual • Ghanaa, Nigeriae, Sierra Leoned, purposesQ TogoQ • Treat: Sexual impotency/weakness • BeninQ Xiphisternum • Spiritual: No reported uses • -

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3.3 Active or Planned Research and Other Interventions for Pangolins in West Africa WA BiCC asked stakeholders throughout West Africa to describe their ongoing or planned research and other interventions for pangolins in the region. Despite the general paucity of currently available data, WA BiCC found that a diversity of stakeholders, ranging from government agencies and public universities to local and international NGOs, were either already undertaking work on pangolins or planning to do so in the near future. The following sections provide available information on ongoing or planned research for countries and respondents. (For further details, these individuals and entities can be contacted directly via the information provided in Appendix 1.) 3.3.1 BENIN • CITES Management Authority: The Management Authority is planning to undertake a study on the feasibility of reintroducing pangolins into national parks and classified forests. No additional information provided as to when or how. It is unclear how this relates to the African Parks initiative described below. • African Parks (AP): Within the framework of the rehabilitation plan of the Pendjari National Park Complex, AP will implement a study in 2020 evaluating the feasibility of reintroducing white-bellied and giant pangolins into Pendjari National Park. • University of Abomey-Calavi: Dr. Djagoun is investigating the distribution of each species and their ecology, feeding ecology, hunting pressure, population genetics, ethnozoology, and illegal trade. 3.3.2 CÔTE D’IVOIRE • Office Ivoirien des Parcs et Reserves (OIPR): OIPR is implementing annual wildlife monitoring in Taï National Park, including through the collection of Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) data on wildlife sightings during ranger patrols. Detection of all three pangolin species confirmed. • Calao: Since 2017, Calao has been working to understand motivations underlying the local consumption of pangolins, local traditional knowledge about pangolins and local knowledge of laws that protect pangolins. In the area of Odienné, although pangolins are rarely seen, people consume the meat because it is “healthy.” Local communities are generally unaware that pangolins are protected by law and people tend to ignore local knowledge of population declines and consume them anyway. • Felix Houphouët-Boigny University (UFHB): The University established the TRACE-BROUSSE project to conduct inventories of the bushmeat markets and develop molecular identification tools for monitoring species found in the markets. The project discovered that pangolins are rare in their target markets, which may confirm pangolin population declines in Côte d’Ivoire.1 When encountered, market pangolins are most likely to be Phataginus sp.; Smutsia gigantea remains very rare. • Project Mecistops (currently of Florida International University): The program has undertaken research on ecology, natural history, health, nutrition, and ethnozoology of black- bellied and white-bellied pangolins since 2017. They are currently working in the FMTE and Taï

1 Their rarity may also relate to visibility and underground sales.

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National Park, have some minor experience in the Reserve Communautaire de Dodo, and will be expanding soon to Comoé National Park. This work is ongoing and results are not yet available. The project has tagged 16 black-bellied pangolins and four white-bellied pangolins with VHF radios and temperature and light dataloggers, and collected biological samples for health and nutrition analyses from all of these animals. The project has deployed animal-borne cameras on four different black-bellied pangolins, is implementing interviews in communities around these protected areas, and is working to develop new tracking technologies for pangolins using Long Range (LoRa) radio technology in collaboration with the Shuttleworth Foundation and Fauna & Flora International (FFI). The project conducted the first-ever assessment of species composition in trade of African pangolins, finding the white-bellied pangolins accounted for 90 percent scales, at least in Côte d’Ivoire. • Vision Verte: The NGO is investigating sociocultural aspects of pangolin conservation and the spatio-temporal distribution of pangolins. WA BiCC did not receive details as to how or where. The NGO is also studying how to use local customs and traditions for the conservation of threatened species, but provided no preliminary results. • Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF): Since March 2019, WCF has implemented ecological monitoring of the fauna of the Taï National Park using trap cameras installed throughout the park. Although WCF currently has some videos available of the three pangolin species, the number of videos remains too low to estimate abundance. Further analyses will be conducted at the end of the data collection. 3.3.3 GHANA • A Rocha Ghana: The NGO conducted surveys within the Atewa Forest Reserve using camera traps in 2017–2018. Cameras were deployed for one month at a time, covering a total of 86 deployment sites. They recorded six pangolins, five white-bellied and one black-bellied, and significant signs of illegal activities: hunter camps, farming, illegal gold mining (galamsey), illegal chainsaw use, and indigenous hunting traps. It is unknown whether this monitoring will continue. • AgroIntroductions Ghana: AgroIntroductions Ghana is conducting ecological studies, camera trapping, and research on hunting and trade dynamics of pangolins in the Southern Ecological Zone of Ghana. • Centre for African Wetlands (University of Ghana – Legon): The Centre is carrying out periodic monitoring of species traded as bushmeat (including pangolins) in major bushmeat market centers in Ghana. These bushmeat market surveys record numbers, weights, prices, and sources of all species delivered to the market centers. The Centre found that pangolins are still traded and appear in local bushmeat markets. • Daniel Konzin: Mr. Konzin is researching pangolin habitat associations and feeding ecology in the Kakum Conservation Area for a Master’s degree (University of Cape Coast). Mr. Konzin employs both transect and camera trapping survey methods and collects stomach contents of market pangolins to identify diet composition of both Phataginus sp. This research is ongoing; preliminary results show it is difficult to detect pangolins on transects, but targeted camera trapping can be productive. • Institute for Nature and Environmental Conservation (INEC): INEC is engaging herbalists, hunters, traders, youth, and African traditional medicine practitioners involved in pangolin hunting and trade to assess their motivations for exploiting these species and determine their perception of the current population and distribution of pangolins. INEC learned that local herbalists and

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African traditional medicine practitioners require pangolins for preparing cures for different ailments; other pangolin exploitation is largely for economic gain. Exploitation is increasing with growing Chinese buyers paying high prices for live pangolins. • Pangolin-GH: In 2019, Pangolin-GH worked on the status and distribution of Phataginus sp. in the Asukese Forest Reserve, conducted a conservation education series in basic schools in the Bono and Ahafo region, and formed Wildlife Clubs in primary schools to educate and promote pangolin conservation among the younger generation. The organization is conducting community surveys to document current uses of pangolins by local communities and found that local community members do not know that pangolins are vulnerable and protected by the wildlife law of Ghana, and that community members have indigenous ecological knowledge that can be used effectively manage pangolin habitats. In general, wide ranging conservation education programs are needed to motivate behavior and attitude change. 3.3.4 GUINEA • Fauna & Flora International (FFI): FFI is implementing biomonitoring in the Ziama Massif Biosphere Reserve. FFI is currently implementing a pangolin market study, which has found the sale of pangolin scales around Ziama for the first time. FFI will be implementing a tagging and telemetry study using new Global Positioning System (GPS)-LoRa tags in partnership with Project Mecistops and FFI-Liberia. 3.3.5 LIBERIA • Forestry Development Authority (FDA): The FDA does not have any research projects targeting pangolins. The FDA implements annual biomonitoring in protected areas, as well as random species data collection for targeted sites. Lessons learned from general biomonitoring compared to targeted species efforts is that targeted efforts can better prepare institutions to mitigate threats; pangolins should be targeted in the future alongside elephants, chimps, and pygmy hippos. • FFI: FFI is undertaking a pilot study to assess the conservation status of pangolin species in the Wonegizi-Ziama transboundary region between Liberia and Guinea, by determining their occurrence, abundance, distribution, and threats. FFI is using questionnaire surveys to document knowledge of communities regarding occurrence and perceptions of the three species and is testing methods for monitoring pangolins, including environmental DNA (eDNA) (with NatureMetrics) and telemetry (with Project Mecistops). The pilot phase was planned for December 2019–May 2020, after which time FFI will develop an effective pangolin conservation intervention and long-term monitoring program. • WCF: WCF is conducting biomonitoring (line transects and camera traps) in the corridor between Sapo National Park and Grebo-Krahn National Park (2012–2020), recces during community ecoguard missions in Grebo-Krahn National Park (2014–2020) and a bushmeat and pet trade survey in Monrovia and Paynesville (May and December 2019). For the latter, WCF found that the trade seems to be increasing. 3.3.6 NIGERIA • Charles Emogor (Wildlife Conservation Society [WCS], Cambridge University): Charles Emogor is conducting Ph.D. research on white-bellied pangolin in the Cross River National Park. This research will combine fieldwork and social surveys to generate critical information on the home range size, offtake, and local consumption of the white-bellied pangolin. The research will also investigate the perceptions different stakeholder groups have toward pangolins and gather

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critical information on the possible interventions to implement for pangolins. Lastly, the research will determine their area of occupancy in the Cross River National Park. • Chester Zoo: Until 2017, the Zoo conducted camera trapping and regular wildlife monitoring in limited forested region of southern Gashaka Gumti National Park. The National Park is the only site known in Nigeria with giant pangolins (discovered 2016), previously unknown to local guides and communities. The Zoo found that giant pangolin trapping rates were very low. White-bellied pangolins were captured on camera more frequently, and are known to local communities. The Zoo found evidence of predation on white-bellied pangolins by golden cats from scale fragments in golden cat scat and camera trap video of a golden cat attacking a pangolin. The Zoo found little evidence that pangolins were being targeted by hunters for bush meat or scale trade. The Gashaka Gumti National Park is likely the major remaining stronghold for pangolins in all of Nigeria. • Federal University of Technology: Dr. Odewumi Oluyinka Sunday and Mr. Ogunsina Adeyemi Mobereola are researching a variety of pangolin-related fields. These include: habitat preference and utilization patterns of pangolin in Old Oyo National Park and Idanre Forest Reserve; species composition and utilization of pangolins within Okomu National Park, Edo State; seasonal availability and trade of bushmeat in selected markets in Ondo State; pangolin habitat characterization and preference in Old Oyo National Park; and drivers of trade in wildlife species in Ondo State. • Pangolin Conservation Working Group Nigeria (PCWGN): PCWGN investigated parasite infection in pangolins in a bushmeat market to determine the role of parasites in pangolin populations, and examined knowledge of ethnomedicinal uses of pangolins among traders in the market. PCWGN found that all the pangolins examined had ectoparasite infection. They also found that pangolin hunting appears to be at its highest in the dry season. All pangolins PCWGN encountered in the market were white-bellied pangolins. • University of Stirling: The University will be monitoring white-bellied pangolins through tagging, as well as all pangolins for socio-economic and cultural importance for local communities in collaboration with Charles Emogor. The University provided no details about where or when. 3.3.7 TOGO • AGBO-ZEGUE ONG: The work currently in progress is in collaboration with the Direction of Forest Resources of the Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development and Protection of Nature. The NGO is assessing the presence, status of populations (frequency, abundance, and habitats), distribution, and threats to pangolin species in Togo. 3.3.8 CAMEROON • Central African Bushmeat Working Group: The Working Group is monitoring the bushmeat markets, at times via formal research and monitoring. They found that pangolins are still regularly sold in urban bushmeat markets. • Pangolin Conservation Network: Since 2016, the Network has conducted pangolin ecological/socioeconomic research in and around protected areas, including Dja Biosphere Reserve, Mbam et Djerem National Park, Campo Ma’an National Park, Deng Deng National Park, and Mpem et Djim National Park. The Pangolin Conservation Network is mostly testing the effectiveness of different methods in detecting pangolin presence, including transect sign surveys, camera trapping, nocturnal spotlighting walks, and questionnaires with local communities. Thus far, they found camera trapping to be the most reliable method for giant and white-bellied

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pangolins, particularly targeted camera trapping focusing and burrows and fallen trees. There is need to test arboreal camera trapping for black-bellied pangolins. Local ecological knowledge may be useful for targeted camera trapping to identify where to position camera traps. Transect sign surveys are not reliable, but can be used to identify where to place cameras. Giant pangolins signs are similar to aardvark and red river hog signs, which are also often in protected areas. Phataginus signs may sometimes not be identifiable because they are similar to bird signs. Nocturnal spotlighting yields poor results and is very risky with the presence of elephants. • TRAFFIC: The NGO is implementing international and domestic trade monitoring. 3.3.9 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC • Sangha Pangolin Project: The Project is implementing monitoring of rescued and released black- bellied pangolin by Ba’aka trackers, including recording basic ecological data from observations during all-day focal follows of released rehabilitated pangolins (since 2015). Starting in 2020, the Project is conducting transect surveys in Dzanga-Sangha National Park and implementing a community pangolin monitoring program. 3.3.10 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO • Université de Conservation de la Nature et de Développement de Kasugho: The US Fish & Wildlife Service awarded a capacity-building grant to the University for three teachers to undertake a master’s degree program whose dissertations focused on the conservation of pangolins in Maiko and Kahuzi Biega National Parks and the Tayna Nature Reserve. In 2019, they implemented research on the exploitation and marketing of pangolin-derived products using surveys of local communities, particularly hunters, around these protected areas and found that pangolins are exploited and marketed for bushmeat, medicinal treatments, and scale trade. International demand has a large influence on trade of giant pangolin scales. • Joseph Nyumu: Mr. Nyumu is researching the ecology and socioeconomic importance of pangolins. He is currently conducting research on the presence or absence of the three species of pangolins in the Yangambi region using camera traps. Further, Mr. Nyumu supported the research of three master’s degree students at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Kisangani to conduct research on the level of knowledge of pangolins and of trafficking in their products in the Maiko-Tayna landscape and Kahuzi Biega (see above). • Synergie Rurale – Action Paysanne (SyR-AP): SyR-AP is recruiting forest guards, often hunters or poachers who change their practices, and training them to identify and protect burrows of giant pangolins. In order to strengthen and improve pangolin protection techniques, socioeconomic and anthropological research is carried out to determine the usage of wild fauna and pangolin by community, tribes, and clans. SyR-AP has learned that the giant pangolin is a totem in the Mbelo and Sakata tribes, where its hunting is prohibited, as its consumption without authorization of the customary chief is believed to expose the consumer to death curses of a family member or mysterious house fire. SyR-AP also learned that the giant pangolins can stay in their burrows for almost three months. 3.3.11 GABON • Agence National des Parcs Nationaux (ANPN): ANPN is partnered with the Pangolins going extinct (PANG-GO) project of Dr. Philippe Gaubert at the Université Paul Sabatier. ANPN partnered with the University of Stirling to research the ecology of the giant pangolin and the use of isotopes for criminal analysis. This project is one of the first to put telemetry tags on giant

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pangolins, revealing much about the ecology and behavior of this elusive species. The results will help prioritize conservation measures at the national level and will provide relevant information on the ecology of giant pangolins in Gabon. • Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD)/Martin Hega: CIRAD and Mr. Hega collected data on multiple fronts about pangolins, including ecology, distribution, local uses, socio-economics, and wildmeat. WA BiCC regrets to report that Martin Hega passed away at the time of writing (28 July 2020), reportedly due to complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is as yet unclear if CIRAD or others will continue his important pangolin stewardship in Gabon. 3.3.12 UGANDA • Chester Zoo: Since 2018, Chester Zoo has been running a diverse pangolin ecology and conservation research program in Uganda, including conducting surveys in several national parks, implementing GPS telemetry with giant pangolins, and working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority on pangolin trade and security issues. 3.4 Brief Note on Pangolins, Coronavirus, and the Global Trade in Wildlife 2020 was marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2). The pandemic originated in Wuhan, China, with early epidemiological tracing indicating that the large Wuhan wet market may have played a central role. Sequencing the novel virus in attempt to gain a better understanding of its origins and transmission pathways indicates that SARS-CoV-2 is most closely related to coronavirus strains found in bats, although there is disagreement over whether it is the result of a natural recombination process between the bat and other species-specific coronaviruses, including turtles (Liu et al., 2020) and pangolins (Liu et al., 2020; Xiao et al., 2020). Early research identified 91 percent sequence similarity (Lam et al., 2020; Zhang et al., 2020) and 90.7–100 percent amino acid identity (Xiao et al., 2020) with Pangolin-CoV, a coronavirus found naturally in pangolins (Liu et al., 2019). Pangolin-CoV can be found in potentially high frequency, as was the case with both Chinese (Manis pentadactyla) and Sunda (M. javanica) pangolins sampled in trade (Xiao et al., 2020). Later reports showed that there was no evidence of coronaviruses or other zoonotic viruses in Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) entering the wildlife trade via Malaysia (Lee et al., 2020). Pangolins are natural reservoirs of betacoronaviruses (Liu et al., 2020). In the wild, some pangolin species may be regularly exposed to bats when maintaining their extensive underground burrow networks (Lehmann et al., 2020), potentially providing opportunities for cross-species coronavirus contact, transmission, and recombination. However, there is yet no strong or conclusive evidence that pangolins are a direct or intermediary host for the zoonotic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 into humans (Li et al., 2020). Despite the inconclusive nature of the research, the global media and animal welfare groups capitalized on the story that pangolins might be an intermediate host of SARS-CoV-19 (e.g., Nature News, PETA, Miami Herald, Mongabay). As a result, pangolins became the poster child for global calls to shutdown wet markets and more tightly regulate, or even shutdown, wildlife trade in its entirety. The Gabonese government issued a decree outlawing all trade in and consumption of bats and pangolins in March 2020. In July 2020, the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development released a Directive on increased control over wildlife trade that falls short of a full trade ban but details heightened enforcement of existing laws on illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam (Mongabay, Reuters). In February 2020, China declared it was forbidden to eat wildlife and shutdown many wet markets nationwide (English, Chinese).

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While these initiatives are potentially positive steps to better management of wildlife trade globally, it is as yet unclear how they will change the status quo to effect change for the security of Africa’s pangolins and other protected wildlife globally. Ending the illegal trade in pangolins could contribute to mitigating potential health risks associated with consuming wildlife. However, blanket bans are unlikely to benefit people or wildlife, and overlook the complexity of the wildlife trade. Improved wildlife trade regulation with a direct focus on human health may be a more sustainable solution. There is not enough known about the potential of zoonotic disease transmission from pangolins and other wildlife. The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for greater awareness about this risk, and the need to be proactive in implementing prevention or mitigation measures. In the end, conservation, health, and development agencies working in silos hinders prevention of future pandemics in the face of rapidly changing environments and human interactions with nature.

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4.0 STATE OF CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF WEST AFRICAN PANGOLINS What follows is a compilation of responses to the stakeholder questionnaire (Appendix 5) from range states and other relevant entities interwoven into the context of relevant literature for an assessment of the current state of conservation and management of pangolins in West Africa. This section also provides information relayed by a limited selection of stakeholders from Central Africa as a preliminary mechanism for strengthening the pangolin community linkages between these two regions. This information, combined with that in Section 3, is the basis upon which the SWOT analysis in Section 5 was conducted and the draft priority interventions in Section 6 were identified. This will facilitate the Parties of West and Central Africa meeting such recommendations in CITES and reporting back to the Secretariat, as well as advancing their own efforts to develop in situ pangolin conservation and management programs in accordance with CITES Res. Conf. 17.10. 4.1 Abundance and Population Trends of Pangolins in West Africa In 2017, the majority of West African range states reported that pangolin populations were either data deficient or in decline (Challender and Waterman, 2017). However, there is very little knowledge of the abundance and population trends of pangolins in West Africa, or anywhere in the world, with few exceptions. In this region, no stakeholder has yet implemented a targeted survey for any single pangolin species or population, much less monitored the state of that population over time. Further, until recently, pangolins have not been prioritized by researchers or biodiversity conservation NGOs that typically implement biomonitoring in protected areas. Regardless of the effort to date, one simple reality hindering estimation of pangolin population abundance is that pangolins are incredibly difficult to detect using normal wildlife survey methods. For example, there are many stakeholders involved in long-term, site-based, general biomonitoring throughout West Africa (e.g., Section 3.3), which includes use of SMART for species encounter data during ranger patrols in protected areas. However, few boast more than a handful of observations or camera trap records of pangolins. Camera traps, while ideal for most mammal fauna of interest in the region, do not adequately detect pangolins for further inference on abundance or population trends (Khwaja et al., 2019), at least not as deployed for standard biomonitoring in protected areas or as deployed to target species like elephants and great apes. Simply put, pangolins are shy and cryptic, often occupying upper canopy strata or spending significant amounts of time in underground burrows, and, in the case of the giant pangolin, perhaps occurring in naturally low population densities. The issue of detectability is so great that the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group published two peer- reviewed papers to try to provide advice on it. One assessed monitoring methods used to detect and survey species of ecological similarity to pangolins (Ingram, Wilcox, et al., 2019), while the other evaluated the efficacy of methods previously employed for pangolin surveys (Willcox et al., 2019). After these papers were published, the Pangolin Specialist Group convened an expert workshop (Cambridge, August, 2018) to assess the combined methods and provide more specific guidance via the Methods for monitoring populations of pangolins (Pholidota: Manidae) report, available as an Information Document (Inf. Doc., CoP18 Inf. 75) submitted to CITES CoP18 (IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, 2018) and via an upcoming manuscript (Morin et al., In Prep.). Although all three documents are great resources for those looking to design and implement pangolin monitoring programs, there remains significant work testing available methods, and developing new ones, before a best approach and standard practice for pangolin population estimation and long-term monitoring

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can be identified. To date, appropriate methods have been neither identified nor employed for pangolin population estimation or monitoring, in West Africa or elsewhere, with few exceptions. Despite this, pangolin populations in West Africa are clearly declining based on available evidence, resulting in recent changes to the IUCN Red List status for all three West African species in 2019 (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019; Nixon et al., 2019; Pietersen et al., 2019). There are several metrics by which these assessments were made, notably using the degree of ongoing and observed exploitation, both locally and for international markets, and habitat loss and degradation in the region. Pangolins are subject to widespread and often intensive exploitation for bushmeat and traditional medicine on a local and regional scale within West Africa, as well as between West and Central Africa, and are often cited as a meat of preference due to their taste. Recently, harvest of pangolins has exceeded local consumer demand, where individuals are collected for the international, and now illegal, trade of scales to supply the Traditional Asian Medicine markets. West Africa has suffered severe losses and degradation of habitat largely driven by high human population densities and extensive infrastructure (e.g., road networks) compared to Central Africa. See Section 4.5 for a summary of information and a discussion of these threats and others. While informative, and certainly representative of the global picture, the 2019 assessments were unable to incorporate quantitative or qualitative information from the ground. Though this was largely due to a lack of quantitative data, regional stakeholders provide a wealth of experience and insight with these species, the threats to them, and administrative and management systems in place. The following sections summarize available knowledge of the status of each West African pangolin species and relay additional information on the local status of each species provided by respondents to the questionnaire. WA BiCC asked range state stakeholders to assess how common/abundant these species are in the wild (1 to 5, where 1 is effectively extinct in the wild and 5 is very, very common) and the population trajectory of wild populations (1 to 5, where 1 is precipitous decline, 2 is decline, 3 is stable, 4 is growth, and 5 is exponential growth) for their country based on their best understanding of the evidence and the complex conservation situation on the ground (Figure 4.1.1, next page).

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Figure 4.1.1: West African range state assessments of abundance and population trajectory for the three West African pangolin species. Each labeled dot represents the sum opinion of the diverse stakeholder group for each West African range state regarding the current abundance (horizontal axis) and population growth (vertical axis) of national populations for white-bellied (top left), black-bellied (top right), and giant pangolins (bottom). These graphs include preliminary indications from stakeholders in Central Africa, although these should be viewed cautiously due to the significant variation in response from a very limited set of actors, and because of the likely existence of spatial variation within each of these large, heterogeneous countries. See Sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2, and 4.1.3 for more detail on each country for each species.

4.1.1 STATUS OF WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLIN (PHATAGINUS TRICUSPIS) The white-bellied pangolin is the most-frequently encountered of all the African pangolins species, both in the wild and in the bushmeat trade, and is seemingly capable of occurring in moderate densities in appropriate habitat and sites where exploitation is not unchecked (Kingdon & Hoffmann, 2013a). Akpona et al. (2008) estimated a density of 0.84 individuals/km² during the dry season in natural forest and monoculture plantation in and around the Lama Forest Reserve (Benin). Fa and Purvis (1997) suggested white-bellied pangolins could exist at densities as high as 10.9 individuals/km², but this estimate must be viewed with caution and is likely an overestimate based on small sample size and poor data. Reports from hunters in the region indicate that this species has declined in availability;

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where white-bellied pangolins were recorded as rare in the Ashanti region of Ghana (Alexander et al., 2015), not uncommon in the Akposa Traditional Area in the Volta Region of Ghana (Emieaboe et al., 2014), rare in southern Benin (Djagoun & Gaubert, 2009), and declining and very rare in southeastern Nigeria and Ogun State (Soewu & Ayodele, 2009; Akani et al., 2015; Akeredolu et al., 2018). There is some evidence to suggest that bushmeat market studies have previously underestimated the prevalence of trade and harvest rates from the wild for this species (Boakye et al., 2016). A recent study on seized scales in Côte d’Ivoire suggests that white-bellied pangolins may account for as much as 89 percent (by mass) of all scales traded illegally from Africa to Asia (M.H. Shirley, unpublished data). The IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group recently found that globally the white-bellied pangolin meets the IUCN Red List criteria for Endangered under Criteria A2c+4cd (EN; Pietersen et al., 2019). In the assessment, the assessors clarified that listing under criteria A4cd is a precautionary approach, especially in consideration of this species’ representation in illegal, international trade; rates of habitat loss in the recent past (one generation, since 2012); and the probable lack of abatement of these threats moving forward (two generations, to 2033). Governance and law enforcement changes on a level necessary to prevent the overexploitation of white-bellied pangolins, and indeed all pangolin species, are unlikely to occur by 2033. This assessment was made in light of increasing Chinese investment in West Africa, which likely facilitates trafficking; weak evidence for efficacy of demand reduction efforts in both Africa and Asia, and human population growth projections for sub-Saharan Africa (United Nations, 2019). The full Red List assessment can be accessed here. Range state stakeholders reported that white-bellied pangolins were uncommon to abundant depending on the country. Differences in perception seem most likely attributable to habitat diversity and integrity in the different countries. For example, the Upper Guinea forest countries (e.g., Guinea, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana) may still hold reasonable numbers of this species, while the more arid Dahomey Gap countries report it as less common. Stakeholders in Central Africa reported white-bellied pangolins to be abundant in general with relatively stable populations. Regardless of perceptions of abundance, all stakeholders agreed that white- bellied pangolin populations in West Africa are declining, in some cases at a precipitous rate. West Africa • Benin: There was little consensus among stakeholders, where government, academic, and NGO stakeholders variably ranked this species as very rare (1) to uncommon (2) and common (3), depending on the region in question, although all agreed that all populations are likely declining precipitously (1). They further clarified that from the south of Benin to the limit of Dassa Zoumè (central Benin), white-bellied pangolins are more common (ranked as uncommon [2]) than in the north of Benin south to Dassa Zoumè, where they considered it to be very rare (1). • Burkina Faso: No information; species not likely present. • Côte d’Ivoire: Academic and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as not uncommon (2–3) and likely declining in abundance (2). • Ghana: Government, academic, and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as common or even abundant (3–4) and likely declining in abundance (2), with some localized populations likely in precipitous decline (1; e.g., Brong Ahafo region). • Guinea: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is common (3) but in likely population decline (2).

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• Liberia: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is abundant (4) or even very abundant (5), but that its populations are likely in decline (2). • Mali: No information; species presence unconfirmed. • Niger: No information; species not likely present. • Nigeria: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is common (3), although there was some disagreement as to whether populations were likely declining (2) or precipitously declining (1), with differences of opinion possibly attributable to site-specific variation and experience across this ecologically diverse country. • Senegal: No information; species not likely present. • Sierra Leone: Government and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as either common (3) or abundant (4), but noted that its populations are likely in decline (2). • Togo: Government, academic, and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as common (3) to abundant (4), but note that populations are likely in decline (2). They further clarified that white- bellied pangolins are relatively frequent in the forest units of Togo, where they are not easily detected, although hunting and habitat loss are still frequent. Central Africa • Cameroon: Government stakeholders reported this species as very abundant (5), and appears to be exhibiting population growth (4). NGO stakeholders were in some disagreement, reporting this species to be anywhere from common to very abundant (3–5) and others uncommon, and that its populations are likely in decline (2) or precipitous decline (1). • Central African Republic: Non-governmental stakeholders reported this species as common, even abundant (3–4), but populations are likely in decline (2). • Democratic Republic of Congo: Academic stakeholders reported this species as very abundant (5) with likely stable populations (3). Non-governmental stakeholders reported this species to be abundant to very abundant (4–5) with stable populations (3) or likely in decline (2). • Gabon: Government and NGO stakeholders reported this species as very abundant (5) with either increasing or stable populations (3–4). 4.1.2 STATUS OF BLACK-BELLIED PANGOLIN (PHATAGINUS TETRADACTYLA) The black-bellied pangolin is the least frequently encountered of all the African pangolins species, both in the wild and in the bushmeat trade, possibly reflecting its occurrence in little-penetrated habitats (e.g., canopy) and/or reflecting its rare nature and low densities (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019). Recent targeted research on this species in Côte d’Ivoire has informally found black-bellied pangolins at a density of ±0.015 individuals/ha in a swamp forest habitat with a low, but constant, level of subsistence hunting pressure (M.H. Shirley & B.G.-M. Assovi, unpublished data, 2019). Shirley and Assovi found that capture rates in more access-restricted sections of the forest are higher (±0.26 individuals/ha), suggesting that this species is susceptible to disturbance and hunting. In some West African countries, black-bellied pangolin presence has only been confirmed via hunter catch records and presence in bushmeat and traditional medicine markets (e.g., Ghana; Boakye et al., 2016). These records, however, are not a good indicator of status in the wild (e.g., Akani et al., 2015) and therefore provide little value as a point of reference. A recent study on seized scales in Côte d’Ivoire suggests that black-bellied

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pangolins may only account for 10 percent of all scales traded illegally from Africa to Asia (M.H. Shirley, unpublished data). The IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group recently found that globally the black-bellied pangolin meets the IUCN Red List criteria for Vulnerable under Criteria A2cd+4cd (VU; Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019). Black-bellied pangolins are significantly threatened by local consumption; illegal, international trade; and high rates of habitat loss in the recent past (two generations, since 2005). These threats are unlikely to abate moving forward (one generation, to 2026). This species likely only qualifies as Vulnerable because of the availability of vast, relatively untouched habitats throughout Central Africa, where black-bellied pangolins occupy canopy habitats and are less threatened from harvest than white- bellied and giant pangolins. The assessors specified that populations in West Africa in all likelihood have both higher rates of current and recent past decline (>50 percent), as well as proportionately greater losses into the future (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019; see also Figure 4.1.1, which illustrates this discrepancy). Such declines would result in a regional Red List assessment of Endangered (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019). The full Red List assessment can be accessed here. Range state stakeholders reported black-bellied pangolins as being rare to not uncommon, though they are potentially common in Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. By all accounts, black-bellied pangolins are completely absent from the more arid Dahomey Gap countries, and very rarely encountered in Nigeria. Stakeholders in Central Africa reported this species to generally be common with relatively stable populations. Regardless of perceptions of abundance, all stakeholders agreed that black-bellied pangolin populations in West Africa are declining, in most cases at a precipitous rate. West Africa • Benin: No information; species not likely present. • Burkina Faso: No information; species not likely present. • Côte d’Ivoire: Academic and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as not uncommon (2–3) and likely declining in abundance (2). • Ghana: Government, academic, and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as not uncommon (2–3) and likely declining in abundance (2), with some localized populations likely in precipitous decline (1; e.g., Brong Ahafo region). • Guinea: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is common (3) but likely in population decline (2). • Liberia: Government and NGO stakeholders showed some disagreement, variably estimating this species as uncommon to abundant (2–4), but unanimously agreeing that its populations are likely in decline (2). • Mali: No information. • Niger: No information; species not likely present. • Nigeria: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is rare to uncommon (1– 2), with populations likely precipitously declining. • Senegal: No information; species not likely present. • Sierra Leone: Government and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as uncommon (2) and noted that its populations are likely in decline (2) or precipitous decline (1).

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• Togo: It is unknown whether this species occurs in Togo; most records indicate that black-bellied pangolins are not present. Government, academic, and NGO stakeholders cautiously state that if they are present, they are very rare (1), with populations likely declining precipitously (1). Central Africa • Cameroon: Government stakeholders reported this species as abundant (4) with stable populations. While NGO stakeholders agreed that black-bellied pangolins are not uncommon or even common (2–3), that their populations are likely in decline (2) or even precipitous decline (1). • Central African Republic: Non-governmental stakeholders reported this species as uncommon (2) with populations likely in decline (2). • Democratic Republic of Congo: Academic stakeholders reported this species as common (3) with likely stable populations (3). Non-governmental stakeholders reported this species to be abundant to very abundant (4–5) with stable populations (3) or likely in decline (2). • Gabon: Government stakeholders reported this species as common to abundant (3–4) with stable populations (3). 4.1.3 STATUS OF GIANT PANGOLIN (SMUTSIA GIGANTEA) The giant pangolin is the second-least frequently encountered in the wild pangolin species in West Africa, and it is virtually never detected in bushmeat studies in this region, probably reflecting its low natural density and primary occurrence in relatively undisturbed habitats (Nixon et al., 2019). Nevertheless, giant pangolins are the most widely distributed pangolin species in West Africa, also showing the most diverse use of habitats—likely because they are terrestrial and not limited to forest habitats. In West Africa, this species still occurs in forested habitats like those found in Taï and Sapo National Park; savannah woodland, such as in Comoé National Park; and, at least formerly, in more arid Sahel habitats of the W-Arly-Pendjari (WAP) Protected Area Complex. Camera trapping efforts from throughout the range suggest that giant pangolins have very low detectability (p < 0.02) and low occupancy rates (naïve estimate psi < 0.13) (Foley et al., 2014; Khwaja et al., 2019). However, these estimates are likely to improve through targeted efforts, increasing the ability to assess giant pangolin population abundance in the future (Bruce et al., 2017; Nixon et al., 2019). Giant pangolins are generally believed to be rare and populations are thought to be declining across their range. While they represented <1 percent of scale mass in a seizure in Côte d’Ivoire (M.H. Shirley, unpublished data, 2019), informal observations of seizures originating from Central Africa suggest this species is much more predominant (20–35 percent or more) in trade from this neighboring region. The IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group recently found that globally the giant pangolin meets the IUCN Red List criteria for Endangered under criteria A2cd+4cd (EN; Nixon et al., 2019). Giant pangolins are significantly threatened by local consumption; illegal, international trade; and high rates of habitat loss in the recent past (three generations, since 1974). These threats are unlikely to abate moving forward (one generation, to 2034). For these assessments, giant pangolin generation length was assumed to be 15 years, compared to 7 years for the two Phataginus sp., and hence the longer timeframe considered by the assessment. Although not noted in the Red List assessment, populations in West Africa in all likelihood have both higher rates of current and recent past decline (especially due to rates of deforestation and habitat loss in this region since 1974, three generations in the past), as well as proportionately greater losses projected into the future (Nixon et al. 2019; see also Figure 4.1.1 and country reports below). Such declines would likely result in a regional Red List assessment of Critically Endangered (CR) for West Africa (Nixon et al., 2019). The full Red List assessment can be accessed here.

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Range state stakeholders reported that giant pangolins were essentially all but extinct in the wild for most range states, with rare to uncommon status in the forest blocks of Guinea, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. By all accounts, giant pangolins are locally extinct in Ghana, and possibly in Benin and Togo as well—if they ever occurred in the latter—and they are very rarely encountered and highly localized in Nigeria. Stakeholders in Central Africa gave widely variable reports about giant pangolin, perhaps reflecting considerable heterogeneity across this region. Regardless of perceptions of abundance, all stakeholders agreed that giant pangolin populations in West Africa are generally in precipitous decline, with rare fingerholds in Taï National Park and other Upper Guinea forest patches. West Africa • Benin: Government, academic, and NGO stakeholders all report the status of this species in Benin as uncertain. Giant pangolins are only confirmed from the area of Pendjari National Park (Sayer & Green, 1984), where they were last recorded in 2013. Beninois stakeholders rank this species as very rare (1) and likely in precipitous decline (1). • Burkina Faso: No information, species not likely present or with only very restricted distribution (e.g., WAP Protected Area Complex). • Côte d’Ivoire: Academic and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as uncommon (2) and likely in precipitous decline (1) nationally, with local Taï National Park populations only in decline (2). • Ghana: Government, academic, and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as very rare (1) or uncommon (2), and suggested it was either extinct in Ghana or in precipitous decline (1). Giant pangolins have not been recorded in Ghana with certainty in over 20 years. • Guinea: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is not uncommon (2–3), but likely in precipitous population decline (1). • Liberia: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is not uncommon (2–3), and unanimously agreed that its populations are likely in decline (2). • Mali: No information. • Niger: No information; species not likely present or with only very restricted distribution (e.g., WAP Protected Area Complex). • Nigeria: Government and NGO stakeholders agreed that this species is all but extinct in the wild to rare (1–2), with populations likely in precipitous decline (1). • Senegal: No information; species not likely present or with only very restricted distribution (e.g., Niokolo Koba National Park area). • Sierra Leone: Government and NGO stakeholders ranked this species as uncommon (2) and note that its populations are likely in decline (2). • Togo: It is unknown whether this species occurs in Togo; most records indicate that giant pangolins are not present. Government, academic, and NGO stakeholders cautiously state that if present, giant pangolins are very rare (1), with populations likely declining precipitously (1). Central Africa • Cameroon: Government stakeholders reported this species as uncommon (2) and likely in precipitous decline (1). NGO stakeholders showed considerable disagreement, with some

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suggesting giant pangolins are very abundant (5), but most thought them to be rare to uncommon (1–2), and that giant pangolin populations are likely in decline (2) or precipitous decline (1). • Central African Republic: Non-governmental stakeholders reported this species as rare (1) with populations likely in decline (2). • Democratic Republic of Congo: Academic stakeholders reported this species as uncommon (2) with populations likely in decline (2). There was significant disagreement among non-governmental stakeholders, who reported this species to be very abundant (5) or uncommon (2) with either stable populations (3) or likely in precipitous decline (1). There may be some regional variation within DRC driving this variation in reporting. • Gabon: Government stakeholders reported this species as not uncommon (2–3) with populations likely in decline (2) or precipitous decline (1). 4.2 Pangolins in Protected Areas in West Africa Protected areas are among the most important tools for protecting biodiversity in West Africa and globally. The Comité Inter-états de Lutte contre la Sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS), a joint project of USAID and the United States Geological Survey, identified over 2,000 nationally protected areas in West Africa, which cover ±9.6 percent of the region’s surface area (CILSS, 2016). The World Protected Areas Database lists approximately 2,515 protected areas in both West and Central Africa. In West Africa, the sites vary quite significantly in size, ranging from <1 km2 to >97,300 km2. Only approximately 10 percent of the sites fall into IUCN management categories I–IV, with the remaining being mostly small forest reserves (Mallon et al., 2015; CILSS, 2016). Among the region’s more important protected areas several transboundary initiatives that are large (and therefore critical to supporting viable populations of larger species and ensuring dynamic ecosystem processes), provide connectivity between habitats, enhance resilience to the effects of climate change, engage local communities, and strive to harmonize legislation across borders (e.g., Mallon et al., 2015). These complexes include the WAP Protected Area Complex (Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger), a transboundary biosphere reserve protecting ±32,250 km2 of West Africa’s highly biodiverse Guinea savanna ecosystem, and the Taï-Grebo-Sapo Transboundary Forest Complex, a less formalized grouping of national parks and corridors protecting ±5,775 km2 of West Africa’s highly diverse Upper Guinea forest. Protected land classification is very dynamic in this region, with additional areas going through the process of gazettement annually (e.g., Moyen Bafing National Park in Guinea). This extensive network of protected areas provides important refuge for West Africa’s pangolins, often housing the only intact habitat patches and, in some cases, the only adequate protection from the threat of poaching. Because of historic biodiversity inventories and ongoing biomonitoring (e.g., using SMART) in national parks, there are a fair number of published and unpublished records of the three West African pangolin species in protected areas throughout the region. Appendix 2 contains these records with responses provided by regional stakeholders to inventory the current confirmed and suspected presence and absence of pangolins in West Africa’s protected areas. Figures 4.2.1, 4.2.2, and 4.2.3 illustrate the current and suspected presence of white-bellied, black-bellied, and giant pangolins (respectively) in West African protected areas. Appendix 3 contains preliminarily indicative maps for Central Africa. WA BiCC found records that white-bellied pangolins were present historically and are either confirmed or suspected to still be present contemporarily in ±196 (7.79 percent) protected areas, were never present in ±332 (13.2 percent) protected areas, and thought to be lost from at least ±14 (0.56 percent) protected areas in West and Central Africa. Black-bellied pangolins were present

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historically and are either confirmed or suspected to still be present contemporarily in ±139 (5.52 percent) protected areas, were never present in ±483 (19.2 percent) protected areas, and thought to be lost from at least ±9 (0.36 percent) protected areas in West and Central Africa. Giant pangolins were present historically and are either confirmed or suspected to still be present contemporarily in ±133 (5.29 percent) protected areas, were never present in ±141 (5.61 percent) protected areas, and thought to be lost from at least ±40 (1.59 percent) protected areas in West and Central Africa. Although the numbers presented above for confirmed losses are preliminarily encouraging, they should be viewed cautiously. The reality is that pangolins are incredibly cryptic and, with the exception of the giant pangolin, are rarely captured on camera traps (e.g., Khwaja et al., 2019) and are not easy for most protected areas personnel to identify with confidence. No available database of protected areas indicates the status and ecological intactness of the region’s protected areas, many of which are known to be entirely converted to industrial agriculture or lost to settlement and pastoralization (Section 4.5.4). Therefore, pangolins have certainly been lost from many more areas than currently indicated. This great deal of uncertainty is also reflected in the generally sparse records of pangolins in the region’s protected areas. Simply no data exists on pangolin presence/absence from 1,973–2,201 (78.45–87.51 percent) protected areas throughout the region. Many of these protected areas are not without threat of incursion, degradation, administrative deficiencies, and degazettement (Section 4.5.4). While many of these sites may provide a significant regional opportunity for pangolin conservation, the very first critical step is confirming presence/likely presence in each extensive national network to identify potential hotspots of pangolin abundance for protection. Pangolin populations in these hotspot protected areas would benefit from consistent monitoring and targeted law enforcement and anti-poaching efforts.

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Figure 4.2.1: Map of white-bellied pangolin in West African protected areas. This map was created compiling records of species presence/absence from the literature (see Chapter 3) and input from regional stakeholders via the questionnaire. The protected area polygons were downloaded from the IUCN World Database on Protected Areas and the various World Resources Institute forest atlas websites for Central Africa. The species range polygons are as in Figure 3.1.4. Protected areas coded as “suitable / historic presence” are largely limited to sites with historic but no contemporary data or opinions of regional stakeholders, many more protected areas than those likely have suitable habitat. Protected areas outside of the range but inside of known range states were coded as No Data to encourage targeted exploration to help refine the range limits of this species. Protected areas where the species is indicated as Never Present should be viewed cautiously.

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Figure 4.2.2: Map of black-bellied pangolin in West African protected areas. This map was created compiling records of species presence/absence from the literature (see Chapter 3) and input from regional stakeholders via the questionnaire. The protected area polygons were downloaded from the IUCN World Database on Protected Areas and the various World Resources Institute forest atlas websites for Central Africa. The species range polygons are as in Figure 3.1.5. Protected areas coded as “suitable / historic presence” are largely limited to sites with historic but no contemporary data or opinions of regional stakeholders, many more protected areas than those likely have suitable habitat. Protected areas outside of the range but inside of known range states were coded as No Data to encourage targeted exploration to help refine the range limits of this species. Protected areas where the species is indicated as Never Present should be viewed cautiously.

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Figure 4.2.3: Map of giant pangolin in West African protected areas. This map was created compiling records of species presence/absence from the literature (see Chapter 3) and input from regional stakeholders via the questionnaire. The protected area polygons were downloaded from the IUCN World Database on Protected Areas and the various World Resources Institute forest atlas websites for Central Africa. The species range polygons are as in Figure 3.1.7. Protected areas coded as “suitable / historic presence” are largely limited to sites with historic but no contemporary data or opinions of regional stakeholders, many more protected areas than those likely have suitable habitat. Protected areas outside of the range but inside of known range states were coded as No Data to encourage targeted exploration to help refine the range limits of this species. Protected areas where the species is indicated as Never Present should be viewed cautiously.

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4.3 Legislation in West African Range States 4.3.1 NAMING CONVENTIONS IN NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEGISLATION Section 3.1 of this report provided an overview of the most up-to-date understanding of pangolin systematics and taxonomy. From a scientific standpoint, the world’s pangolins are broken into three genera: Manis (Asian pangolins), Phataginus (small, tree-dwelling African pangolins), and Smutsia (large, ground-dwelling pangolins). From a policy standpoint, both international and national legislation has yet to catch-up to the science. In the CITES appendices and Res. Conf. 17.10, all pangolins globally are still referred to under the generic name Manis. Throughout West Africa, most national legislation still refers to these species under the generic name Manis, although there is one very outdated reference to Uromanis and one reference to Smutsia (both in Senegal). At CITES CoP18, discussions about updating the nomenclature for pangolins in the Appendices of the Convention text took place, and there are efforts underway to ensure that this change is proposed at CoP19. Informal discussions with the nomenclature specialist of the Animals Committee (Dr. Peter Paul van Dijk) suggests that this proposal, which is supported by an extensive body of scientific literature, would most likely be adopted by the Parties. The Management Authorities for the West African Parties should be aware of this possibility and be ready to make the reciprocal changes in their national legislation to Phataginus and Smutsia. 4.3.2 PANGOLINS IN CITES All eight species of pangolins globally are currently listed in Appendix I of CITES, prohibiting all international, commercial trade in them, their parts and derivatives. This change in listing was proposed and adopted by consensus (i.e., unanimous agreement) of the Parties at CoP17 (Johannesburg, 2016). The listing went into effect on January 2, 2017. Prior to this listing, African pangolins had a relatively uncomplicated history in CITES (Challender & O’Criodain, 2020). At its inception, Temminck’s pangolins were included in Appendix I and Asian pangolins in Appendix II. At CoP9 (Fort Lauderdale, 1994), Temminck’s pangolin was downlisted to Appendix II, and the other three African species (as Manis tricuspis, M. tetradactyla, and M. gigantea) were proposed for inclusion in Appendix II. Instead, the Parties adopted an Appendix II genus listing for Manis spp. for inclusion of all eight pangolins globally in in the Convention. At CoP16 (Bangkok, 2013), both white-bellied and giant pangolins were selected for Review of Significant Trade (Res. Conf. 12.8 (Rev. CoP17) following concerns over evidence of increasing trade. Both species were subsequently excluded from the Review of Significant Trade process when they, along with all six other pangolin species, were uplisted into CITES Appendix I. Following their Appendix I listing, pangolins became the center of a debate that resulted in decisions with implications reaching far beyond pangolin-specific issues. During the 69th Standing Committee meeting (SC69, Geneva, 2017), several Parties raised the question of stocks and stockpiles and pangolin scales accumulated before the uplisting. The Resolution providing guidance on this issue (e.g., Res. Conf. 13.6) did not clearly address stocks and stockpiles of specimens upon the change in appendix. Some Parties argued that stocks and stockpiles acquired prior to the change should be exempted from the trade ban, while other Parties argued that allowing these stocks and stockpiles to be traded would open a door for laundering because there was no way to distinguish specimens collected before the change in appendix from those collected after. This is especially the case for pangolins where no national registries for stocks and stockpiles of scales exist. The SC adopted a recommendation that Parties should treat specimens of pangolins, including stockpiles, as Appendix I specimens and regulate trade in accordance with Article III of the Convention until a decision could be made on the issue by the Parties at CoP18. Following debate at CoP18, the Parties adopted revisions to Res. Conf. 12.3

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(Rev. CoP18) on Permits and Certificates (paragraph 10) and Res. Conf. 13.6 (Rev. CoP18) on Implementation of Article VII, paragraph 2, concerning ‘pre-Convention specimens’ (paragraph 1(c)) that explicitly state that specimens are subject to the applicable provisions at the time of import, export, re-export, and introduction from the sea and not at the time the specimens were collected. This significant departure from prior interpretations closes a critical loophole in the convention text for all species as a result of the debate over pangolin scales removed from the wild prior to January 2, 2017. Also at CoP18, the Parties adopted Decision 18.315 on the Nomenclature of Manidae spp., which directs the Animals Committee to examine the taxonomy and nomenclature of pangolins (Manidae spp.) and will propose a way forward to clarify a listing of pangolins on the Appendices. There are two major issues are stake with this decision. First is the question of standard nomenclature for pangolins and listing the African species in the genera Phataginus and Smutsia, as discussed above in Sections 3.1 and 4.3.1. Second, a concern was raised that, because pangolin listings only involve individual species in Appendix I and the genus Manis spp. remains in Appendix II, any newly described species of pangolin would either not be automatically listed in any Appendix (in the case of Phataginus or Smutsia) or by default be listed in Appendix II following the genus listing. As a result, the newly listed pangolins would be vulnerable to legal commercial trade until such time as the Parties could adopt a listing proposal at a future CoP. The recent work of Gaubert et al. (2016) provides preliminary evidence for cryptic, species-level diversity within the white-bellied pangolin (described in Section 3.1.1). Similar evidence exists for the Asian pangolin species (Gaubert et al., 2020); further research is likely to demonstrate similar evolutionary processes within at least the black-bellied pangolin, if not all four African pangolins (i.e., white-bellied, black-bellied, giant, and Temminck’s pangolins). This issue is likely to be resolved by a proposal to list the Family Manidae in Appendix I, which would ensure automatic Appendix I status for all future newly described species. 4.3.3 PANGOLINS IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICAN DOMESTIC LEGISLATION WA BiCC asked West African regional stakeholders to describe national laws providing pangolin protection and describe any associated legislative mechanisms (e.g., the conditions under which hunting is legal for partially protected species). For the most part, national legislation of each country specifically recognized each of the three native pangolin species and listed them as either Integrally Protected or Partially Protected (Table 4.3.1). The one notable exception is Sierra Leone, where only Smutsia pangolins are Integrally Protected, although it is not legal to hunt juvenile individuals of any species, including Phataginus sp. Similarly, Guinea-Bissau lists black-bellied pangolin as Integrally Protected even though this species is not known to be distributed here, but it does not list giant pangolin, which is present in the country. Nigeria, Togo, Senegal, and Sierra Leone are the only countries to afford protection to non-native species. Nigeria and Togo do this through text that specifies all species of pangolin, which would presumably also mean Asian species, while Senegal and Sierra Leone do so by simply listing some species that are not present. Côte d’Ivoire and Togo are the only countries in the region that only afford some pangolins species Partially Protected status, although in practice pangolins are Integrally Protected in both countries. In the case of Côte d’Ivoire, all wildlife hunting for any purposes has been closed by Ministerial decree since 1974, and Article 123 of the Ivorian constitution states that ratified international treaties and agreements supersede national laws (although there is some debate about the application of this article to wildlife law). A 2004 Ministerial decree in Togo ensured that Annexes 1, 2, and 3 of their national laws automatically mirror CITES Appendix I, II, and III; when pangolins were uplisted to CITES Appendix I, they were effectively uplisted to Annex 1 of Integrally Protected Species.

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Penalties for infractions related to wildlife crime vary widely (Table 4.3.1; IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, 2019). Fines range from none in Senegal and as low as only 2,500 FCFA (+/- $5 USD as of writing this study) as a minimum fine in Côte d’Ivoire (maximum: 300,000 FCFA; +/- $540 USD) to 50,000,000 FCFA (+/- $90,000 USD) as a maximum fine in Togo. Prison sentences range from minimum of two months in Côte d’Ivoire (maximum: two years) to maximum sentences of five years in Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo; most countries have only six months to one year sentences as options. With the exception of Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, no country in West Africa has penalties that would categorize wildlife crime as “serious crime” as defined by the UN Convention on Transnational Organized Crime (United Nations, 2004). As noted by one range state respondent, international demand will not be curbed as long as the law is not dissuasive. When the maximum a trafficker risks is 12 months in prison and a $500 fine, the equivalent of barely 30 kg of pangolin scales, trafficking becomes a low-risk, high-reward option. Domestic legislation enabling the implementation of CITES, which may form part of the wildlife laws or may be a separate set of legal instruments, in West African range states also vary substantially. The CITES National Legislation Project (NLP), as directed by Res. Conf. 8.4 (Rev. CoP15) on National laws for the implementation of the convention, seeks to identify those Parties whose domestic measures do not provide them with the authority to: 1. Designate at least one Management Authority and one Scientific Authority; 2. Prohibit trade in specimens in violation of the Convention; 3. Penalize such trade; and 4. Confiscate specimens illegally traded or possessed. The Secretariat reviewed the legislation of Parties as part of the NLP in November 2019, updating the list of Parties that fall into NLP category 1, 2, or 3. Among the West and Central African range states, only Cameroon, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Senegal met the criteria for inclusion in category 1: countries with legislation that is believed generally to meet the requirements for implementation of CITES. Of the remaining countries, virtually all are in an advanced stage of modifying existing or drafting new legislation for review by the Secretariat prior to submitting it to their nationally designated processes for ratification.

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Table 4.3.1: Legal status of pangolins in West and Central Africa. In the table, IP is Integrally Protected, PP is Partially Protected, NP is Not Protected, question marks (?) represent unknown information, and dashes (-) represent species not represented in the law. CITES NLP refers to the National Legislation Project. Laws and decrees are listed in the working language of each country to facilitate further use of the information. The information in this table was supplied by respondents to the questionnaire. Where there were discrepancies in information provided, the following table provides the information from government respondents. For some countries, information was garnered from IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group (2019).

White-Bellied Black-Bellied Giant Pangolin Country Pangolin Pangolin Notes Status Date Status Date Status Date West Africa • Loi 93-009 du 02 juillet 1993 portant régime des forêts • Loi 2002-16 du 18 octobre 2004 portant régime de faune Benin IP 2002 - - IP 2002 • CITES NLP: cat. 2, CITES law drafted but not yet submitted. • Penalties: $200–900 USD and 1–3 years in prison. • No information; pangolin presence questionable, and likely not represented in Burkina Faso ? ? ? ? ? ? national legislation. • CITES NLP: cat. 2, no draft CITES legislation. • Loi n° 94-442 du 16 Août 1994 portant modification de la Loi n°65-255 du 4 Août 1965 relative à la protection de la Faune et à l’exercice de la chasse Côte d’Ivoire PP 1994 PP 1994 IP 1994 • Hunting closed since 1974 through Ministerial decree. • CITES NLP: cat. 3, legislation draft in review but not submitted. • Penalties: $5–500 USD, 2 months to 2 years prison. • No information; pangolins not present and likely not represented in national Gambia ------legislation. • CITES NLP: cat. 2, draft bill final and validated awaiting submission. • Wildlife Conservation Regulations 1971 L.I 685 • Wild Animals Preservation Act of 1961 (Act 43) Ghana IP 1971 IP 1971 IP 1971 • CITES NLP: cat. 3, bill in Parliament review, needs implementing acts. • Penalties: $200–500 USD, 6 months prison. • Loi Ordinaire n° 2018/0049/AN portant code de protection de la faune sauvage et Guinea IP 1997 IP 1997 IP 1997 de règlementation de la chasse • Article 47 de la loi no L 97/038/An du 9 décembre 1997

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied Giant Pangolin Country Pangolin Pangolin Notes Status Date Status Date Status Date

• CITES NLP: cat. 2, in trade suspension, little implementing law. • Penalties: No information available. • Decree Law No. 2/2004 • CITES NLP: cat. 1, sufficient for implementation. Guinea-Bissau IP 2004 IP 2004 - - • Penalties: No information available. • Black-bellied pangolins not known to occur; giant pangolin not protected despite being known to occur. • National Wildlife Conservation and Protected Area Management Law 2016 • CITES NLP: cat. 3, under trade suspension, new law currently in draft form but Liberia IP 2016 IP 2016 IP 2016 already applied. • Penalties: $500 USD, 6 months to 1 year. • Loi No. 95-31 fixant les conditions de gestion de la faune sauvage et son habitat (note that law is likely already or will soon be out of date). • CITES NLP: cat. 2, minor gaps to be addressed before achieving cat. 1. Mali IP 1995 IP 1995 IP 1995 • Penalties: 10.000 – 300.000 FCFA ($20-550 USD), 1 – 6 months prison. • All pangolins listed as Manis spp., so presumably includes non-native species and trade. • Pangolins are not present in Niger, but any trade via Niger would fall under national legislation. • Constitution du 25 novembre 2010 • Loi N ° 2019-47 du 24 octobre 2019 portant répression des infractions relatives au Commerce International des Espèces de Faune et de Flore menacées d’Extinction (Loi CITES du Niger) Niger ------• Loi N° 98-07 du 29 avril 1998, fixant le Régime de la Chasse et la Protection de la Faune • Loi N° 98-56 du 29 décembre 1998, portant loi cadres relative à la gestion de l’environnement • Loi N° 2004-040 du 08 juin 2004, portant Régime forestier au Niger • CITES NLP: cat. 3, though pending cat. 1 because of new law.

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied Giant Pangolin Country Pangolin Pangolin Notes Status Date Status Date Status Date

• Penalties: No information available. • Schedule I in Endangered Species Act (ESA 2016) • Schedule 1 of Nigeria’s Decree (Law) No. 11: Control of International Trade in Endangered Wild Species of Flora and Fauna, 1985 Nigeria IP 1985 IP 1985 IP 1985 • CITES NLP: cat. 1, sufficient for implementation . • Penalties: 300,000–500,000 NGN ($830–1,400 USD), 3–5 years prison. • Also protects Temminck’s pangolin. • Article D36 du Code de la Chasse et de la Faune • CITES NLP: cat. 1, sufficient for implementation. Senegal - - IP 1986 IP 1986 • Penalties: 1–5 years prison. • Code recognizes pangolins of the genus Smutsia and Uromanis, thus white-bellied pangolins may not be protected at all. • Wildlife Conservation Act (1972) • CITES NLP: cat. 3, wildlife and CITES implementation laws drafted but not yet submitted or enacted. Sierra Leone - - - - IP 1972 • Penalties: No information available. • Phataginus sp. not protected, except young individuals. • Temminck’s pangolin protected. • Ordonnance N°4 du 16 janvier 1968 réglementant la protection de la faune et l’exercice de la chasse • Article 1er de la Loi n°2008-005 du 30 mai 2008 portant loi-cadre sur l’Environnement • Article 62 de la Loi n°2008-005 du 30 mai 2008 - les espèces endémiques, rares ou Togo PP 1968 - - PP 1968 menacées ainsi que leurs milieux naturels font l’objet d’une protection renforcée • Decree N°002 MERF of March 25, 2004, defining the modalities of application of the CITES convention in Togo, Article 6, states that appendices 1, 2, and 3 (classification of species) are automatically amended to match amendments to CITES Appendices 1, 2, and 3, thus pangolins are treated as Integrally Protected. • CITES NLP: cat. 2, draft bill ready for submission.

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied Giant Pangolin Country Pangolin Pangolin Notes Status Date Status Date Status Date

• Penalties: 50,000–50,000,000 FCFA ($170–85,000 USD), 6 months to 5 years prison. Central Africa • Law No. 94-01 of 20 January 1994, Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Regulations • Arrête n° 0648/MINFOF DU 18 Dec 2006 fixant la liste des animaux des classes de protection A, B, et C Cameroon IP 2017 IP 2017 IP 2006 • Lettre Circulaire No. 0007/LC/MINFOF/DFAP/SDVEF du 11 Jan 2017 relative à l’exportation du pangolin • CITES NLP: cat. 1, sufficient for implementation. Penalties: 3M–10M FCFA ($5,000–17,000 USD), 3–10 years prison. • Ordonnance n° 84.045 Portant Protection de la Faune Sauvage et Règlementant l’Exercice de la Chasse (under revision since 2015) Central • Customary hunting is legal and under virtually no regulation; firearms, poison, cable African NP ? NP ? IP 1984 snares, brush fires, or night hunting are not allowed. Republic • CITES NLP: cat. 3, draft legislation ready for submission. • Penalties: 200,000–1M FCFA ($350–1,700 USD), 3 months to 1 year prison. • Loi du 11 février 2014 relative à la conservation de la nature (JO RDC 14/003) • Loi 82-002 sur la chasse en RDC • Arrêté n°056 portant règlementation du commerce international des espèces de la Democratic faune et de la flore menacées d’extinction Republic of PP 2014 PP 2014 IP 2014 • Arrête n° 014/cab/min/env/2004 du 29 avril 2004 relatif aux mesures d’execution de Congo la loi n° 82-002 du 28 mai 1982 portant règlementation de la chasse • CITES NLP: cat. 1, sufficient for implementation. • Penalties: 1.5M FCFA ($2,550 USD), 6 months to 3 years prison. • Law Nº7/2003, Environmental Regulations Equatorial ? ? ? ? ? ? • CITES NLP: cat. 1, sufficient for implementation. Guinea • Penalties: No information available. • Loi n°016/2001 portant Code forestier en République Gabonaise Gabon PP 2011 PP 2011 IP 2011 • Loi n°042/2018 portant Code Pénal en République Gabonaise

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied Giant Pangolin Country Pangolin Pangolin Notes Status Date Status Date Status Date

• Arrêté n°0024/PR/MEFMEPCODDPAT portant interdiction de la chasse, la capture, la détention, la commercialisation, le transport et la consommation des pangolins et des chauves-souris • Previously legal to hunt March 15 – September 15, 2 individuals/hunter/day, no cable snares, guns need permit • Traditional hunting for consumption and sale at village level previously legal. • CITES NLP: cat. 2, draft legislation ready for submission. • Penalties: $200–18,000 USD, and 3–6 months prison. • Though still listed as Partially Protected, all hunting and trade in Phataginus sp. are now illegal by Ministerial decree due to COVID-19. • Decree No. 6075 of 9 April 2011 Republic of • Act No. 37-2008 on Wildlife and Protected Areas PP 2011 PP 2011 IP 2011 Congo • CITES NLP: cat. 2, draft legislation ready for submission. • Penalties: No information available. • Repealed Game Preservations Act • Wildlife Act 2000 • CITES NLP: cat. 3, enabling legislation ratified, implementing legislation in draft form. Uganda IP 2000 IP 2000 IP 2000 • Penalties: $35–35,000 USD, 5–7 years prison. • Law protects all native pangolins species, including Temminck’s and black-bellied if present.

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4.4 Law Enforcement for Pangolins in West Africa WA BiCC asked West African regional stakeholders to describe wildlife law enforcement capacity, training, and pangolin-related actions. There is significant variation between the range states in terms of wildlife and CITES Management Authority agency law enforcement legal mandates and capacity. In most countries, these agencies have established either loose cooperation or formal partnerships with other national law enforcement agencies. In many cases there are significant cross-sectoral partnerships for wildlife law enforcement, notably with the Eco-Activists for Governance and Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Network. Unfortunately, there is as yet little access to training, legal and species awareness across government enforcement agencies, or technology at ports (Table 4.4.1). No country in the region appears to have a formalized database for pangolin seizures and other wildlife crime or law enforcement, although some respondents provided information on pangolin-related wildlife crime arrests and prosecutions to date (Table 4.4.2), including the Cameroon government (Table A4.2) and Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA; Table A4.3). See Section 4.5.4 for a more comprehensive discussion of the threat of diminished wildlife law enforcement capacity and action regarding pangolins in West Africa.

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Table 4.4.1: Law Enforcement Partnerships and Capacity in West and Central Africa. The information in this table was supplied by respondents to the questionnaire. For Intergovernmental Partnerships, “ad hoc” and “unspecified” mean that joint operations and cooperation are carried out but not under the guise of formalized agreements. For Cross-Sectoral Partnerships, the following table indicates formal collaboration with a chapter of the EAGLE Network (EAGLE), African Parks (AP), Guinée - Application de la Loi Faunique (GALF), or Other local and international NGOs (see Section 4.4.2). For Training/Capacity Building, agencies had either very occasional trainings and no formal curriculum (1) or no formal curriculum but regular trainings and/or programs in progress (2). For Databases, “ad hoc” means some relatively easily compiled wildlife enforcement or seizure records by government, and “NGO” indicates records accessible via NGO enforcement partner. No country reported any government-managed databases. For Detection Dogs Available, asterisk indicates dog team present in protected area but not for port enforcement.

Intergovernmental Cross-Sectoral Training/ Port Technology Detection Dogs Country Databases Partnerships Partnerships Capacity Building Available Available West Africa Benin Ad Hoc EAGLE, AP 2 NGO X-Ray Yes Burkina Faso Côte d’Ivoire Unspecified EAGLE, Other 2 NGO X-Ray No Gambia Ghana Other 2 None X-Ray No Guinea GALF, Other 1 NGO None No Guinea-Bissau No Liberia Highly Structured Other 1 Ad Hoc None No Mali Niger Formalized No 1 None X-Ray No Nigeria Highly Structured Other 1 Ad Hoc X-Ray No Senegal EAGLE 2 NGO X-Ray No Sierra Leone None No Togo Ad Hoc EAGLE 2 Ad Hoc X-Ray Yes Central Africa Cameroon Structured EAGLE 2 NGO X-Ray No Central African Republic AP, Other 1 None X-Ray Yes* Democratic Republic of Congo Structured AP, Other 1 None X-Ray No Equatorial Guinea Gabon Structured EAGLE, Other 2 NGO X-Ray Yes Republic of Congo EAGLE, Other X-Ray No Uganda X-Ray

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4.4.1 EXISTING INTERGOVERNMENTAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT WA BiCC asked regional stakeholders if there were any governmental partnerships for wildlife law enforcement in their country (e.g., between a wildlife management agency and a specific police agency) and to provide any additional information about these partnerships specifically and wildlife law enforcement in general. Generally speaking, the wildlife and CITES Management Authorities of West Africa are in cooperation with other local, national, and international law enforcement agencies. These include national police, customs and border patrol, and local International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) offices. Unfortunately, respondents did not make it clear when the wildlife, protected areas, and CITES authorities had police powers of investigation and arrest within their mandate, or if they are obligated to implement operations with other governmental agencies. Further information is required. The following information was provided by stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. WA BiCC did not modify responses except to synthesize and summarize the provided information. West Africa • Benin: There are no formal intergovernmental partnerships for wildlife law enforcement, but there is close collaboration between wildlife management agencies and national law enforcement agencies. These government collaborations strive to: 1) organize and facilitate capacity-building workshops on wildlife law enforcement and 2) raise awareness for wildlife law and crime for the justice department, police, and customs services (in particular CITES). The Republican Police are very committed to supporting the forests and wildlife agency with arrests of suspected traffickers. There seems to be some collaboration among Customs, Forestry police, and national veterinary services for freight leaving Benin. • Burkina Faso: No information available. • Côte d’Ivoire: The Direction de la Faune et des Ressources Cynegetiques (DFRC) is in partnership with the Unité de Lutte Contre la Criminalite Transnationale (UCT), Cellule Aeroportuaire Anti-Trafic, INTERPOL, and all other control services. It was not specified whether these partnerships are formalized or exist under less-structured collaborative agreements. It is unclear the extent to which the DFRC has police and arrest authority independent of these agencies. • Ghana: The government did not provide any information about intergovernmental partnerships, thus the legal context for law enforcement in Ghana is not clear for the purposes of this document. One non-governmental respondent concluded that the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission undertook all wildlife law enforcement under its own mandate. • Guinea: No information provided about intergovernmental partnerships. • Liberia: The FDA partners with the National Central Bureau of Liberia (INTERPOL), Transnational Crime Unit, Liberian National Police, Environmental Protection Agency, Liberia Revenue Authority (Customs) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) through the Wildlife Crime Task Force (WCTF). The FDA seems to have police and arrest authority independent of these agencies (Figure 4.4.1). • Mali: No information available. • Niger: The Ministry of the Environment is in partnership with national enforcement agencies like customs, police, the Garde Nationale, and the National Gendarmerie.

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• Nigeria: Collaboration between the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), INTERPOL, Customs, the National Park Service and the Ministry of Justice has resulted in some increased awareness nationally about the ban on illegal trade of pangolins. This is evidenced by the seizure of large quantities of scales and other wildlife products by the Customs Service in recent years at the airport, seaports, and land borders. • Senegal: No information provided. • Sierra Leone: There is some cooperation on the part of Sierra Leonean stakeholders with Interpol. It is unclear the extent to which the country’s wildlife authority has police and arrest authority independent of other police agencies. • Togo: As part of the policy to combat crime linked to the trafficking of specimens of wild animals in Togo, stakeholders created an ad hoc committee that brought together the Ministry of Water and Forests (MINEF), police, Customs, Gendarmerie, Interpol, and the Central Office for the Suppression of Illicit Drug and Laundering Trafficking. At the Port Autonome de Lomé, the Unité Mixte de Contrôle de Conteneurs has a mandate to control wildlife products, and the Lomé international airport has a Cellule Aeroportuaire Anti-Trafic. It is unclear the extent to which MINEF has police and arrest authority independent of these agencies. Central Africa • Cameroon: The Ministry of Water and Forests (MINFOF) has a signed agreement with the Ministry of Defense and generally collaborates with other law enforcement agencies in the country without formal agreements. It is unclear the extent to which MINEF has police and arrest authority independent of these agencies. • Democratic Republic of Congo: The Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) implements wildlife law enforcement in collaboration with the national police in the cities and at border crossings, airports, and ports. • Gabon: ANPN is in partnership with the Gendarmerie Nationale for the forest brigade, and both implement patrols with Eaux et Forets agents.

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Figure 4.4.1: Organogram of the Wildlife Law Enforcement Capacity and Implementation in Liberia. The Liberia FDA has a legal mandate for law enforcement action and has established the WCTF in partnership with other governmental authorities and NGOs, as well as the Law Enforcement Subcommittee of the Species Working Group.

4.4.2 EXISTING CROSS-SECTORAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT WA BiCC asked regional stakeholders if there were any cross-sectoral partnerships between government and non-governmental partners for wildlife law enforcement in their country (e.g., between a wildlife management agency and a conservation or law enforcement NGO) and to provide additional information about these partnerships and wildlife law enforcement in general. Most countries in the region have cross-sectoral partnerships for wildlife law enforcement, including capacity building. Notably, five out of the nine confirmed pangolin range states have EAGLE network chapters. Beyond EAGLE, which conducts investigations and joint arrests with government authorities, cooperation with NGOs seems to largely center on awareness-raising, education, and technical capacity building (see Section 4.4.3). In most cases, the legislative foundations for non-governmental law enforcement in West Africa seem to be weak. The following information was provided by stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. WA BiCC did not modify responses except to synthesize and summarize the provided information. West Africa • Benin: There is a partnership between the Ministère du Cadre de Vie et de Développement Durable and the NGO Nature Tropicale. Nature Tropicale supports the program Appui à l’Application des Lois sur la Faune et la Flore au Bénin (AALF-B), a chapter of the EAGLE network. AALF-B provides technical support to the decentralized water and forestry services in carrying out arrest operations and illegal trade monitoring. AALF-B has also participated in the establishment of the canine unit

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with financial assistance from the International Fund for Animal Welfare. AP is in partnership with the government for rehabilitation and management of the Pendjari National Park complex, including a law enforcement strategy. The law enforcement strategy is characterized by effective assurance of the integrity of the protected area, a community development plan relying on education and behavior change, and tourism development for alternative livelihoods. • Burkina Faso: No information provided. • Côte d’Ivoire: MINEF and the DFRC have partnerships with multiple NGOs that contribute in some way to law enforcement. EAGLE has a Côte d’Ivoire chapter, and they are the principal wildlife law enforcement NGO partner. EAGLE principally implements their work through the Ivorian UCT. Other NGOs (including WCF, Project Mecistops of the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, ONG AMISTAD, ONG Vision Verte, the Comité de Protection des Animaux de Côte d’Ivoire and Akatia) have support of wildlife law enforcement both in protected areas and as part of their mandate and partnership agreements with the Ivorian government. • Ghana: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and A Rocha Ghana are in partnership with the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission for wildlife law enforcement, although Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and A Rocha Ghana do not have a strict wildlife investigation or law enforcement mandate. • Guinea: The NGO WARA launched Guinée - Application de la Loi Faunique (GALF) in February 2012, in close partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Ministry of State for Justice, the National Central Bureau of INTERPOL, and other government agencies to establish and strengthen the enforcement of wildlife law. • Liberia: The FDA has two different partnership groupings for wildlife law enforcement. Within the WCTF, the Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary and the Liberia Chimpanzee and Rescue Program (LCRP) participate as the lead organizations of the Wildlife Confiscation Unit. Within the SWGL, the NGOs WCF (coordinator), FFI, Conservation International and LCRP are members of the Law Enforcement Subcommittee, whose principal mandate is to provide training and technical advice to the FDA and the WCTF (see Section 4.4.3, Figure 4.4.1). There is also a Transboundary Law Enforcement Technical Working Group, presumably a similar partnership, but stakeholders provided no detailed information. • Mali: No information available. • Niger: None. • Nigeria: The WCS has established some links to the Nigeria Customs Service and NESREA, but these are still in the early stages of formalization. It is unclear to what degree the Nigerian Conservation Foundation facilitates wildlife law enforcement. • Senegal: EAGLE Senegal works actively at land and airport borders in collaboration with the environment ministry, the police, customs, and the gendarmerie to implement investigations and arrests in wildlife crime. EAGLE Senegal is available to these special units via a 24-hour telephone number for confirmation of processed products and support for arrests and legal follow-up. • Sierra Leone: No information available. • Togo: The Forest Administration works with the NGOs EAGLE-Togo and AGBO-ZEGUE ONG.

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Central Africa • Cameroon: The government works in partnership with the LAGA, which is the founding chapter of the EAGLE Network; TRAFFIC; WCS; the World Wildlife Fund (WWF); and the Zoological Society of London. • Central African Republic: The government works in partnership with WCS, WWF, and AP. • Democratic Republic of Congo: The ICCN is supported by WWF, WCS, the Jane Goodall Institute, FFI, Lukuru Foundation, and AP. • Gabon: A number of international NGOs operate in Gabon, including WCS, WWF, Panthera, and the Jane Goodall Institute. Locally registered NGOs like the Organisation Ecotouristique du Lac Oguemoué and Projet des Grands Singes de Moukalaba Doudou (PROGRAM) also support wildlife law enforcement efforts, although stakeholders did not provide specific information. Conservation Justice, a chapter of the EAGLE Network, is the main wildlife law enforcement non-governmental partner. They have not implemented any pangolin-related operations to date but have remarked that pangolin scales are increasingly for sale. 4.4.3 TRAINING AND CAPACITYBUILDING FOR WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT WA BiCC asked regional stakeholders to describe training and capacity-building efforts for wildlife law enforcement taking place in their countries. There is an extreme deficit of wildlife law awareness and capacity within the relevant enforcement agencies of West Africa. To date, standard trainings for customs, border patrol, and specialized trafficking police units contain no curriculum on wildlife and CITES law. These agencies receive intermittent training on these topics from the wildlife agencies and the CITES Management Authority. Increasingly, cross-sectoral partnerships with NGOs have led to, or are leading to, increased training opportunities in these domains. However, WA BiCC found virtually no indication of transboundary collaboration and integration of training opportunities. The following information was provided by stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. WA BiCC did not modify responses except to synthesize and summarize the provided information. West Africa • Benin: There is no curriculum for CITES education in the standard training for MINEF or customs agents. The WA BiCC program supported the CITES Management Authority to train trainers from MINEF and Customs, judges, and prosecutors on the application of CITES. Several US Embassy programs have also contributed to the training of border control agents. AALF-B has organized training for the agencies responsible for border control on the wildlife laws and techniques for concealing wildlife products and by-products used by traffickers. The Beninois government highlighted the importance of establishing a mixed training group to ensure the relay and sustainability of these early achievements. It is unclear if these trainings include support materials, specimen identification guides, or anything specific about pangolins. There does not appear to be a national seizure or wildlife law enforcement database. • Burkina Faso: No information available. • Côte d’Ivoire: There is no curriculum for CITES education included in the standard training of MINEF or customs agents. The DFRC has provided species and specimen identification guides to other law enforcement authorities, which include information on pangolins. The Elephant Protection Initiative provided training and capacity building for the Ivorian government in ivory

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evidence storage and curation, including databasing. The government could use this foundation to establish similar protocols for pangolins. In partnership with the DFRC, Project Mecistops is implementing training for MINEF, customs, and border patrol agents in CITES law and species identification, including providing supporting materials and identification guides, with an emphasis on pangolins. There does not appear to be a national seizure or wildlife law enforcement database. • Ghana: Stakeholders offered no information on a CITES education curriculum within the standard training for Forestry Commission or customs agents. The group provided vague information on past trainings for customs and immigration officials on wildlife law, but it is unclear who conducted the trainings and if they included species and product identification, supporting materials, or any information on pangolins. There does not appear to be a national seizure or wildlife law enforcement database. • Guinea: There is no curriculum for CITES education included in the standard training of MINEF or customs agents. The Guinean government commented that data on seizures and other enforcement is not available due to the lack of government specialists and of means for statistical surveys, monitoring of markets and points of sale. Both GALF and WCF have provided trainings for customs and ports officials, wildlife brigades, and park managers on wildlife laws, including identification of pangolin parts. There does not appear to be a national seizure or wildlife law enforcement database. • Liberia: There is no curriculum for CITES education included in the standard training of customs agents. The FDA, as CITES focal point, has not yet implemented training for any other national enforcement authority. The WA BiCC program sponsored FDA personnel to complete the CITES M.Sc. program with the idea that they would become trainers and raise CITES capacity within the FDA. However, there is concern that the sponsored persons have not been working toward achieving this objective. Under the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund grant to FFI (2019–2022) and a European Union (EU) IWT grant to WCF, LCRP, the Society for the Conservation of Nature Liberia, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, there are plans to conduct training in CITES protocols for FDA and enforcement agencies (e.g., police, customs, immigration, and port/airport authorities) and develop a national training program. They will use the Born Free CITES guidelines and identification guide as training materials. Pangolins are focal species in these funded, burgeoning efforts. There is currently no national seizure or wildlife law enforcement database, but ad-hoc information may be available at FDA and the sanctuaries. Since 2019, FFI has been collating illegal activities/trade information and the current IWT Challenge Fund will support the development of a National IWT database. • Mali: No information available. • Niger: There have been some trainings with enforcement agencies (e.g., customs, police, Garde Nationale, and the National Gendarmerie) on wildlife crime. However, authorities consider these trainings insufficient because they did not include key players, like the airport and border control. • Nigeria: There is no curriculum for CITES education included in the standard training of wildlife or customs agents. Stakeholders provided vague information about trainings that had taken place with other agencies, including on pangolins, but they indicated that efforts to date have been insufficient and provided no details. WCS has conducted some workshops to raise awareness of the pangolin trade and to determine ways to increase pangolin trafficking detection. The group is building synergies with the Nigeria Custom Service and NESREA to expand this mandate. PCWGN is planning training events for NESREA, but no resources are available yet.

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• Senegal: There is no information about a curriculum for CITES education included in the standard training of wildlife or customs agents. EAGLE Senegal actively conducts many trainings with national law enforcement agencies, especially at major ports, and for special anti-trafficking units. These trainings include pangolin species and CITES. • Sierra Leone: No trainings reported. • Togo: There is no curriculum for CITES education included in the standard training of MINEF or customs agents. As part of the WA BiCC program, Togolese agents have participated in regional training workshops for officials responsible for border control (such as customs, immigration, port authorities, airport authorities, and magistrates) on CITES obligations. In addition, within the framework of the West Africa Coastal Areas Management (WACA) Program, planning for national training for border control officers for CITES obligations in underway, but the workshop has not yet been organized. AGBO-ZEGUE ONG formulated a project proposal for “Strengthening the application of laws on wildlife trafficking in Togo,” in collaboration with the CITES Management Body and the CITES Scientific Authority, and submitted it to the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management (BIOPAMA) program in February 2020. The project would help Togo to respond to the current weakness of the implementing laws on wildlife if selected. Capacity-building workshops for agents at different levels were offered. As part of the planned training workshop, AGBO- ZEGUE ONG would train agents from the various sectors involved to better identify the species concerned by the illegal trafficking in specimens of wild animals including pangolins. Central Africa • Cameroon: TRAFFIC and WWF provide training, although other NGO respondents claimed these efforts were largely insufficient. TRAFFIC recently created a module on Wildlife Criminality and CITES for the Garoua Wildlife School. • Central African Republic: Some training may have been conducted, but none specifically including pangolins. • Democratic Republic of Congo: There is not a standard agent training framework for staff of customs, immigration, port authorities, or airport authorities, among others. At least one training has been conducted for customs agents. The University of Kisangani’s Faculty of Science is the CITES Scientific Authority for birds, but there is no data on individuals exporting birds, despite information contained in CITES documenting parrots leaving the DRC with false documents. Many wildlife control officers are unaware of the updates to the wildlife law reflected in the 2006 Ministerial Wildlife Order and the CITES appendices, thus training is sorely needed. • Gabon: There is a major anti-poaching and wildlife trafficking program in Gabon that includes all of the institutions involved. The Elephant-Gabon project, funded by the French Development Agency, is planning training to build capacity on CITES for all agents of the Ministère des Eaux, des Forêts, de la Mer, et de l’Environnement. The first two trainings were scheduled for December 2019, but they were postponed for reasons of agenda conflict and then again because of the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Direction de la Faune et des Aires Protegees coordinates all these activities and initiatives, with technical support from ANPN, the CITES Scientific Authority of Gabon. Training on the identification of protected species and their parts, including pangolins, is part of the modules that will be covered during training planned in 2020. Additionally, ANPN will inaugurate its own wildlife genetics laboratory for forensic purposes. Pangolins, like elephants, are among the target species for which sample processing will be prioritized. Previous

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trainings may have been implemented with the customs and border control police forces, particularly with the formation of the sniffer dog service. 4.4.4 INVENTORY OF AVAILABLE PORT TECHNOLOGY FOR DETECTION OF PRODUCTS WA BiCC asked regional stakeholders to identify any technology or special capacity to detect wildlife and wildlife products at the major air- and seaports in each country. There is a wide range of capacity at ports in this region, ranging from simplistic facilities without even basic x-ray scanners to countries that include scanners, detection dog teams, and special anti-trafficking units. Increasing the technical and technological capacity for detection of wildlife trafficking at major and minor ports and those of entry/exit will be critical for West Africa moving forward. The following information was provided by stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. WA BiCC did not modify responses except to synthesize and summarize the provided information. West Africa • Benin: Benin’s airports and ports are equipped with x-ray scanners that facilitates inspection of baggage and shipments of goods. There seems to be some collaboration among Customs, Forestry police, and national veterinary services surrounding freight leaving Benin. Since 2016, there have been at least three major seizures of goods containing pangolin and other wildlife products and by-products at the airport. A canine unit was recently deployed to the airport for detection of wildlife products, including pangolin scales. • Burkina Faso: No information provided. • Côte d’Ivoire: The ports do not have any special technology but employ standard (x-ray?) scanners. Stakeholders reported no detection dog units in the country. • Ghana: The ports do not have any special technology but employ standard (x-ray?) scanners. Stakeholders reported no detection dog units in the country. • Guinea: There is no technology of any kind at the airport, only “trained agents.” Stakeholders reported no detection dog units in the country. • Liberia: There is no technology of any kind at the airport, only “trained agents.” There is a general feeling that false certificates easily pass at the ports. Stakeholders reported no detection dog units in the country. • Mali: No information available. • Niger: The ports do not have any special technology but employ standard (x-ray?) scanners. Stakeholders reported no detection dog units in the country. • Nigeria: The ports do not have any special technology, but most employ standard (x-ray?) scanners. Most (sea)ports do not even have basic scanners. Trained Customs Service agents have seized large quantities of scales and other wildlife products in recent years at the airport, seaports, and land borders. Stakeholders reported no detection dog units in the country. • Senegal: Stakeholders provided no information on existing technology at the airport. Baggage searches of targeted passengers to Asia are organized regularly, and arrest operations are carried out at airports and land borders in collaboration with EAGLE. Stakeholders reported no detection dog units in the country. • Sierra Leone: Stakeholders reported no technology available at the ports nor detection dog units in the country.

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• Togo: Since 2015, airports and seaports have been equipped with modern equipment for detecting wildlife products leaving the country (no details provided). There is a detection dog unit and an anti-trafficking special unit that includes wildlife in their mandate at the airport. Central Africa • Cameroon: The ports do not have any special technology but employ standard (x-ray?) scanners, informants, and profiling. There are no detection dog units in the country. • Central African Republic: The ports do not have any special technology. WWF is using a sniffer dog team in Dzanga-Sangha National Park that is capable of detecting pangolins and scales. • Democratic Republic of Congo: The ports do not have any special technology. • Gabon: The ports do not have any special technology but employ standard (x-ray?) scanners. There is a sniffer dog program for use at the country’s ports; these dogs are trained to detect pangolin parts.

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Table 4.4.2: Preliminary Database of Law Enforcement Action for Pangolin-related Wildlife Crime. Though this likely underestimates the actual law enforcement action for pangolins in West Africa, this information can provide the start of a database for the region. Evid? indicates whether the seized product is still in evidence, as opposed to having been destroyed or released. Perp. Description provides basic information on the perpetrators, if available. All of the information in this table was provided by respondents to the questionnaire.

Arrest? / Year Where? Product Evid? Perp. Description Comments Prosecute? Benin 2 Guineans A: Yes EAGLE Operation. Scales were being sent to China. Trafficker sent to 2016 Cotonou 70 kg scales Yes 1 Beninois P: Only 1 prison for 12 months and paid 200,000 FCFA. 2 live A: Yes 2017 Dassa-Zoumè No 3 individuals Pangolins were released into university gardens. pangolins P: All 3 Cotonou 513 kg 1 Chinese A: Yes The Chinese national never appeared in court but was sentenced to 2018 Yes Airport, Cargo scales 2 Beninois P: Yes 36 months and 42M FCFA fine. The Beninois paid unknown fines. Côte d’Ivoire 3 tons 8 Ivorians, Burkinabes, and A: Yes Four of the suspects were released for unknown reasons (likely 2017 Abidjan No scales Guineans P: Yes administrative issues) 2018, 576 kg A: Yes Abidjan No 6 Vietnamese and Chinese Jan. scales P: Yes 2018, 150 kg A: Yes Abidjan No 1 Ivorian Trafficker was in the network of the 2017 seizure. Oct. scales P: Yes 2 live A: No 2018 Abidjan No ? Pangolins were released into Banco. pangolins P: No 2019, 148 kg A: Yes Agboville No 2 Ivorians EAGLE Operation Aug. scales P: Yes 4 live A: No 2019 Abidjan No ? Pangolins were released into Banco. pangolins P: No 1 live A: No 2020 Abidjan No ? Pangolin was released into Banco. pangolin P: No Guinea 3 live A: Yes 2018 Ziama No 3 local hunters pangolins P: Yes

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Arrest? / Year Where? Product Evid? Perp. Description Comments Prosecute? Liberia 2014, A: Yes ? 25 kg scales Yes ? Jan. P: No 2020, A: No Interior 30 kg scales Yes ? Jan. P: No 1 live black- 2020, A: Yes Pangolin was going to be sold as bushmeat. Libassa rehabilitated and R-2 Area bellied No 1 Liberian Jan. P: ? released the animal. pangolin Niger 2019, 600+ kg A: Yes Investigation is ongoing. It is unclear whether the traffickers will be Niamey ? ? Oct. scales P: No prosecuted. Nigeria 2011, 1 bag dried A: Yes ? Yes 1 Chinese Case settled out of court. July parts P: No 2016, 92.2 kg A: No MMIA Ikeja Yes ? Bags of scales found abandoned. April scales P: No 2017, 70.2 kg A: No MMIA Ikeja Yes ? Bags of scales found abandoned. Aug. scales P: No 2018, 1,993 kg A: Yes ? Yes 1 Chinese Case is ongoing. Feb. scales P: No Nnamdi 2018, A: Yes Azikwe 1 kg scales Yes 1 Malaysian (?) Case settled out of court. April P: No Airport 2018, 961.7 kg, A: Yes ? Yes 1 Chinese Case settled out of court. July scales P: No 2018, 79.6 kg, A: Yes DHL Lagos Yes 1 Malaysian (?) Case settled out of court. Aug. scales P: No Togo 2016, A: Yes ? 7 kg scales No 1 trafficker May P: No

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Arrest? / Year Where? Product Evid? Perp. Description Comments Prosecute? 2018, 37.74 kg A: Yes Trafficker was sent to court, but no further information on Lomé Yes ? Dec. scales P: No punishments. Cameroon 2017, 5,400 kg A: Y Douala ? 2 Chinese Jan. scales P: Y At least 4 traffickers, from 2018, 718 kg A: Y Douala ? DRC, Cameroon, CAR and Aug. scales P: ? Nigeria 2019, 1,700 kg A: Y Douala ? 2 Cameroonians Mar. scales P: Y

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4.5 Threats to Pangolins in West Africa In West Africa, pangolins are confronted by a number of substantial threats, ranging from habitat loss to overexploitation for both local consumption and international markets to enforcement and administrative deficiencies. Thanks to recent initiatives by the IUCN, USAID, UNODC, and the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund, among others, several comprehensive reports are available that extensively analyze these threats to biodiversity in the region. While it is beyond the mandate of this report to duplicate these previous efforts, this section succinctly summarizes the available information and discusses any aspects and nuance that apply specifically to pangolins. WA BiCC highly encourages readers of this report to familiarize themselves with the following documents: • Challender, D.W.S. and Waterman. C. (2017). Implementation of CITES Decisions 17.239(b) and 17.240 on Pangolins (Manis spp.). Prepared by the IUCN for the CITES Secretariat. Accessible here. • CILSS. 2016. Landscapes of West Africa – A Window on a Changing World. U.S. Geological Survey EROS, 47914 252nd St, Garretson, SD 57030, United States. Available in English and French. • Coad, L., Fa, J.E., Abernethy, K., van Vliet, N., Santamaria, C., Wilkie, D., El Bizri, H.R., Ingram, D.J., Cawthorn, D.M., and Nasi, R. 2019. Towards a sustainable, participatory and inclusive wild meat sector. Bogor, Indonesia: CIFOR. Accessible here. • Ingram, D.J., Shirley, M.H., Pietersen, D., Godwill, I. I., Sodeinde, O., Moumbolou, C., Hoffmann, M., Gudehus, M., and Challender, D. 2019. Phataginus tetradactyla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species ver 2019: e.T12766A123586126. Accessible here. • IUCN. 2015. Ecosystem Profile: Guinean Forests of West Africa Biodiversity Hotspot. Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund. Available in English and French. • Mallon, D.P., Hoffmann, M., Grainger, M.J., Hibert, F., van Vliet, N. and McGowan, P.J.K. 2015. An IUCN situation analysis of terrestrial and freshwater fauna in West and Central Africa. Occasional Paper of the IUCN Species Survival Commission No. 54. Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK: IUCN. x + 162pp. Accessible here, including supplementary information. • Nixon, S., Pietersen, D., Challender, D., Hoffmann, M., Godwill, I. I., Bruce, T., Ingram, D.J., Matthews, N., and Shirley, M.H. 2019. Smutsia gigantea. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species vers 2019: e.T12762A123584478. Accessible here. • Pietersen, D., Moumbolou, C., Ingram, D.J., Soewu, D., Jansen, R., Sodeinde, O., Keboy Mov Linkey Iflankoy, C., Challender, D., and Shirley, M.H. 2019. Phataginus tricuspis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species ver 2019: e.T12767A123586469. Accessible here. • UNODC. 2020. Wildlife Crime: Pangolin Scales. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Accessible here. • UNODC. 2019. West and Central Africa Wildlife Crime Threat Assessment. United Nations on behalf of the CITES Secretariat. Accessible here. • UNODC. 2016. World Wildlife Crime Report: Trafficking in protected species. United Nations, New York, x + 97pp. Accessible here. As part of the questionnaire, WA BiCC asked regional stakeholders to evaluate a specific set of threats to pangolins (Table 4.5.1), which were derived from the 2019 IUCN Red List assessments (Ingram, Shirley, et al., 2019; Nixon et al., 2019; Pietersen et al., 2019). Participants were instructed to give the

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threat a score of 1–5, where 1 is lowest threat and 5 is highest threat, and that multiple threats could carry the same score. Regional stakeholders identified habitat loss from logging and subsistence and commercial agriculture, overexploitation from international demand for scales and non-application of and non-compliance with wildlife laws as the most significant threats to pangolins in West and Central Africa. Below, the report summarizes what is known and believed about these threats for West African pangolins and their populations and supplement published accounts with the additional perspectives of regional stakeholders.

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Table 4.5.1: Threats to Pangolins in West Africa as Assessed by Regional Stakeholders. WA BiCC instructed participants to score (not rank) each threat 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) and indicated that multiple threats could carry the same score. The table provides regional stakeholders' importance scores. To best capture differences that may be underpinned by regional environmental heterogeneity and pangolin species distribution, the following table disaggregates countries into three groups: Dahomey (Benin and Togo), Forested (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone), and Other (Senegal and Niger). In addition, WA BiCC included the category CA to illustrate preliminary impressions from stakeholders in Central Africa (Cameroon, CAR, DRC, and Gabon), and WA for all West African countries together where few details were provided for the “Other” threats.

Threat Score (1 to 5) Comments Habitat Loss and Degradation Dahomey: 4 • Benin: Charcoal production. Forested: 4 Logging/Forestry • Côte d’Ivoire: Low due to lack of forest; pangolins little affected by habitat modification. Other: 5 • Togo: High threat in ecological zones II, III, and IV, where state reserves are exploited. CA: 4 Dahomey: 4 Subsistence Forested: 5 • Côte d’Ivoire: Burning to open plots in forest. Agriculture Other: 1 • Togo: Outside protected areas, demographic dynamics lead to exploitation of natural pangolin habitat. CA: 2 Dahomey: 4 • Côte d’Ivoire: Shifting cultivation; export agriculture damaging to biological diversity as it replaces forest, Commercial Forested: 4 especially in the forested south and cashew plantations in the north. Agriculture Other: 1 • Togo: It is very important especially in the forest area of Togo where cash crops are grown such as coffee and CA: 1 cocoa. Dahomey: 0 Industrial or Forested: 1

Subsistence Pollution Other: 0 CA: 1 Dahomey: 1 • Nigeria: Not yet reported in pangolin habitat but would be a mild threat. Forested: 3 • Cameroon: Mining workers are settled in rural areas and demand pangolin meat; Asian workers also demand Mining or quarrying Other: 5 scales. CA: 3 • DRC: Mining workers eat almost exclusively wildmeat. • Benin: Grazing. WA: 2 • Côte d’Ivoire: Artisanal gold mining and charcoal production. Other CA: 0 • Guinea: Brushfires. • Nigeria: Bush burning.

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Threat Score (1 to 5) Comments • Sierra Leone: Wild forest fires. • Togo: Charcoal production and non-timber forest product harvesting lead to pangolin poaching. Hunting, Harvest and Trade • Benin: often seen in traditional markets. Dahomey: 3 • Côte d’Ivoire: not a traditional product. Local or National Forested: 2 • Liberia: Not for national use, but increasingly for Chinese national residents. Traditional Medicine Other: 3 • Nigeria: Pangolin scales highly priced and sought ingredient for juju. or Religious Use CA: 1 • Sierra Leone: Traded to Guinea for traditional uses, but likely low key. • Togo: Not very important. Dahomey: 3 Household Forested: 3 • Côte d’Ivoire: Hunting closed since 1974, yet pangolin hunting continues. Consumption Other: 3 • Togo: Incidental take during subsistence agriculture and logging. CA: 2 Dahomey: 3 Subsistence Forested: 5 • Sierra Leone: Emerging threat by foreign buyers from Guinea, Nigeria, and Gambia. Commercialization Other: 0 • Togo: Specialist pangolin hunters can kill up to 10 individual animals in an excursion. CA: 2 Dahomey: 2 • Benin: Not heavily practiced. National-Level Forested: 5 • Côte d’Ivoire: Rare, but pangolins still available in Abidjan, Toumodi, and Yamoussoukro, among others. Commercialization Other: 0 • Sierra Leone: Less priority compared to bigger species (e.g., buffalo) in national sales. CA: 3 Dahomey: 5 International Forested: 5 • Ghana: Local traders suggest high demand by Chinese in Ghana who pay high prices. Demand Other: 5 • Togo: There is very little international demand for pangolins in Togo. CA: 5 Climate Change Dahomey: 2 Forested: 3 • Guinea: Risk of increasing brushfires. Habitat Modification Other: 0 • Togo: Risk of increasing brushfires. CA: 2 Dahomey: 1 Prey Availability Forested: 1

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Threat Score (1 to 5) Comments Other: 0 CA: 1 WA: 1 Other CA: 0 Administrative • Benin: Visible sales with no control; lack of uniform prosecution/penalties; and lack of awareness, training, and Dahomey: 4 equipment for law enforcement officers. Non-application of Forested: 5 • Côte d’Ivoire: People do not know the laws. Wildlife Law Other: 5 • Togo: Wildlife law is too old and must be re-written. CA: 5 • DRC: Laws so little in application that poaching is just hunting. Dahomey: 4 Non-application of Forested: 5 • Togo: No actual protected areas law. Protected areas only legislated under general environment and forestry Protected Areas Law Other: 0 codes. CA: 4 Dahomey: 1 • Benin: CITES laws are respected. Non-compliance with Forested: 5 • Côte d’Ivoire: No actual domestic legislation for CITES, in process of drafting and ratifying. CITES Law Other: 5 • Togo: No actual domestic legislation for CITES, in process of drafting and ratifying. CA: 5 • DRC: Customs and border patrol agents are not aware of these laws. WA: 1 Other CA: 0

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4.5.1 HABITAT LOSS AND DEGRADATION Habitat loss and degradation, both historic and ongoing, is likely the single largest threat to pangolins in West Africa. This region has lost > 90 percent of its forest cover (Maley, 1996; CILSS, 2016), largely for conversion to agriculture, driving declines in pangolin populations due to loss of habitat and harvest of pangolins in plantations. Habitat loss and degradation in this region is the result of a combination of forces, including logging/forestry, agricultural development, pollution, mining, and urban development. Regional stakeholders concluded that, all considered, habitat loss is the greatest threat to pangolins, although they ranked the varying causes differently (Table 4.5.1). Logging and subsistence and commercial agriculture were generally perceived as severe threats across the region; mining was only perceived as a significant threat in the westernmost countries despite significant industrial and artisanal mining throughout the Upper Guinea forests. Although West Africa is estimated to have lost 84 percent of its forest cover prior to 1974 (Maley, 1996; Myers et al., 2000; Hansen et al., 2013; CILSS, 2016), forest removal for wood, plantations, farming, and other uses from 1975 to 2013 resulted in the loss of 25 percent (±58,000 km2) of all forest. Losses over this same period were more pronounced for the Upper Guinea forests, which were reduced by 37 percent. Liberia, which was once nearly entirely covered with rain forests (Bakarr et al., 2004), currently has the greatest extent of forest (± 37 percent coverage). Côte d’Ivoire lost 60 percent (±22,000 km2), Ghana lost 24 percent (±4,000 km2), and Nigeria lost 45 percent (±9,570 km2) in the 38-year period evaluated by CILSS (2016). These forest ecosystems have been converted to a series of forest fragments interwoven with agricultural and degraded forested lands, resulting in some countries having ultimately lost up to 98 percent of their natural forest cover (e.g., Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana; Mayaux et al., 2013; Achard et al., 2014; Knauer et al., 2014; Liu et al., 2017). Of additional concern for the evaluation of pangolin populations and allocation of future conservation action in the greater region are the clear differences in habitat loss between West and Central Africa. As shown above, West Africa has suffered severe losses of forest habitat in recent decades, where annual losses were 0.9 percent between 1990 and 2000 and 0.3 percent between 2000 and 2010 (Mayaux et al., 2013). These rates of deforestation are three times higher than in the Congo Basin forests, for example (ibid.). West Africa also has higher human population densities (Tatem, 2017), which drive higher annual deforestation rates, and smaller patches of roadless areas (Ibisch et al., 2016) than Central Africa. Central Africa is not without significant deforestation. In 2018 DRC had the second highest loss of tropical primary forest in the world, though Ghana (60 percent) and Côte d’Ivoire (26 percent) ranked first and second in percent increase in forest loss from 2017, respectively (IUCN, 2015; Mallon et al., 2015; World Resources Institute, 2019). The differential threat of habitat loss, fragmentation, and human population growth results in higher threat to pangolins in West Africa than Central Africa. The Phataginus species, particularly white-bellied pangolin, may be able to adapt to some degree of habitat modification, as is evidenced by their use of crop trees and plantations (e.g., Akpona et al., 2008). However, further research is warranted to gain a better understanding of comparative pangolin ecology between natural and modified landscapes to determine the drivers of success in these different habitats (e.g., Pietersen & Challender, 2020). Stricter management of plantations for wildlife friendliness would have to be implemented to prevent offtake of individuals found in these habitat types. Giant pangolins in general are found across a variety of habitats not classified as forest (e.g., bushland) and thus may not be as susceptible to forest loss.

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4.5.1.1 Logging and Forestry In reality, due to extensive historic losses, commercial logging and forestry are not the dominant drivers of habitat loss and deforestation in most of West Africa today—simply put, there is very little unprotected forest left (IUCN, 2015). In contrast, selective logging is the most extensive extractive industry today in Central Africa. It is estimated that 30 percent of forests are under logging concessions and, as of 2010, Central African countries were responsible for 3 percent of the tropical timber production globally (Laporte et al., 2007; Bayol et al., 2012). Although extensive, commercial logging has not resulted in large-scale loss of canopy cover (Ernst et al., 2013), the more significant concern has to do with secondary impacts of logging activity (e.g., Abernethy et al., 2013). Timber concessions come with increased human populations (e.g., loggers) and increased incursion into previously undisturbed forests (e.g., logging roads), which both disturb habitat and facilitate hunting (Wilkie et al., 2000; Laurance et al., 2006). Logging roads in particular influence forest disturbance and unregulated human access and account for >38 percent of the entire road network in Central Africa, with increases in road construction opening an additional 29 percent of Central African forests to increased human pressure (Laporte et al., 2007). Not all is lost, however. Efforts in collaboration with logging companies throughout West and Central Africa, particularly under pressure for valuable Forest Stewardship Council certification (Nasi et al., 2012) have shown that appropriately managed forestry concessions can extend the conservation estate for threatened species (e.g., Clark et al., 2009; Laurance et al., 2006; Mallon et al., 2015). In reality, sustainable management of biodiversity in West and Central Africa will require cooperation among multiple stakeholder groups, including extractive industries, to design and implement management plans involving both production and conservation of forests and their threatened species residents. Beyond industrial scale logging, fuelwood extraction can be a major cause of forest degradation, and it is estimated that nearly 90 percent of all wood harvested from African forests ends up as fuelwood and charcoal (IUCN, 2015). Up to 83 percent of sub-Saharan Africans are dependent on fuelwood for cooking energy, including 95 percent of Beninois, 91 percent of Ghanaians, and 85 percent of Sierra Leoneans (Daurella & Foster, 2009; IUCN, 2015). Respondents from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo cited fuelwood collection and charcoal production as important components of the logging/forestry threat in the region. 4.5.1.2 Agriculture In contrast to logging and forestry, in West Africa commercial and subsistence agriculture are the primary causes of deforestation, with ± 80 percent of the original forested landscape now a forest- agriculture mosaic (Norris et al., 2010). Agriculture is the basic driver of West Africa’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of the majority of people (Gyasi & Uitto, 1997). Between 1975 and 2013, the area covered by crops doubled in West Africa for a total of 1,100,000 km2 (22.4 percent of the land surface; CILSS, 2016). Globally, Nigeria experienced the greatest change in absolute increase in arable cropland, while Sierra Leone, Guinea, and The Gambia were all in the top five countries in which annual crops expanded at the greatest rate over the period 1999–2008 (Phalan et al., 2013). Most farms are small (1–5 ha), reflecting both a scarcity of land, especially in heavily populated areas, and limited access to technology among rural households (Stock, 2012). These increases in crop land correspond to increases in human population density through birthrate and migration (van Vliet et al., 2012). For example, road infrastructure developed for the timber industry facilitated an influx of agricultural migrants from the savanna regions of Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Mali, which led to expansion of cocoa and coffee production in forested Côte d’Ivoire

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(Norris et al., 2010). Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are among the top ten largest producers of palm oil globally, with the industry increasing throughout West Africa (Monnier, 2013; Mallon et al., 2015). Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Nigeria are ranked first, second, and fourth in global production of cacao, respectively. 4.5.1.3 Pollution – Industrial or Subsistence Sources Chemical pollution of the environment is rampant in West Africa and emanates from sources like mining and oil exploration, including small-scale alluvial mining and commercial sand extraction; pesticides commonly used to control disease vectors and in smallholder agriculture; fertilizers at industrial and subsistence scales; and domestic and industrial pollutants like sewage and industrial waste from large cities (Laleye & Entsua-Mensah, 2009; Stiassny et al., 2011). Although the primary impacts of pollution are most obvious for freshwater-dependent species (Smith et al., 2009; Brooks et al., 2011), there are some reports of pollution and poisoning impacting terrestrial fauna (e.g., Ogada, 2014). The potential impact on pangolins is unclear, but most likely is negligible and limited to impacts on their ant and termite prey. Further research is warranted. 4.5.1.4 Mining or Quarrying There is an unprecedented mineral boom underway in Africa (Weng et al., 2013), with much of the recent increase in foreign investment, largely from China and India, linked to extractive industries (Foster et al., 2009; Zhang & Wilkes, 2010; Mallon et al., 2015). Gold is the largest mineral resource in West Africa, with artisanal and small-scale industrial gold mining providing livelihoods for several hundred thousand people in Mali, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Ghana. Other substances extracted include diamonds, iron ore, bauxite, phosphate, and uranium (IUCN/PACO, 2012; Jalloh et al., 2013). Several countries have major open-pit mines, including Mount Nimba and Mount Putu (Liberia), Simandou (Guinea), Tonkololi (Sierra Leone), and the 14-million tons/year Sangaredi bauxite mine in Guinea (Mallon et al., 2015). Aside from the environmental footprint impacts, mining impacts the environment and species in much the same was as logging concessions—road construction, increased human populations, and hunting. However, unlike for forestry concessions, there is very little literature assessing the effects of mining on wildlife in West and Central Africa. In Central Africa, particularly from the Shell oil concessions of Gabon, there is some evidence that extractive-use areas can be managed to support wildlife, mimicking the positive effects of protection in national parks (Croes et al., 2007; Blake et al., 2008; Kolowski et al., 2010). Although, in these same concessions, without strict control, wildmeat hunting can be exacerbated (Thibault & Blainey, 2003). In contrast, and despite the significant potential for the mining sector to contribute to biodiversity conservation, most mining companies in West Africa work without meeting any sustainability requirements and, therefore, remain a threat to protected areas and biodiversity (Lanjouw, 2014). In the case of the Mont Nimba World Heritage Site, part of the reserve was degazetted to enable mineral exploitation—further reinforcing the threat this industry holds to wildlife in West Africa (Mallon et al., 2015). Mining contributes a significant (> 20 percent) portion of the gross domestic product of Ghana (gold, burgeoning crude oil), Guinea (bauxite, diamonds, gold, cement, salt), Guinea-Bissau (phosphate, bauxite, other industrial minerals), Liberia (iron ore, gold), Nigeria (oil, gas), and Sierra Leone (diamonds, rutile, gold, bauxite, iron ore; Brncic et al., 2010; Jalloh et al., 2013; Bermúdez-Lugo, 2014a,b,c,d,e,f; Mallon et al., 2015). The impact of mining and other geo-extractive industries on pangolins is unknown, but it is likely that there will be severe localized impacts throughout the region through loss of habitat, increased exploitation in uncontrolled concessions, and opening up new access to habitats. Regional stakeholders considered this to be a minimal to mild threat (Table 4.5.1). Further research is warranted, and efforts

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should be made to liaise with the environmental teams of mining projects to develop policies that minimize and/or mitigate these impacts, particularly through national and financier-based environmental impact assessment, mitigation, and offset processes. 4.5.1.5 Other Two other significant drivers of habitat loss and degradation are worth mentioning. First, West and Central Africa both have very rapid rates of urbanization—above 3 percent for nearly all countries in the region (Mallon et al., 2015). From 1975 to 2013, settled or built-up areas increased by 140 percent in West Africa, covering 36,400 km2 (0.7 percent land surface; CILSS, 2016). Two of Africa’s three megacities (>10 million) are in the region—Lagos, Nigeria (21 million) and Kinshasa, DRC (11.9 million). Urbanization can have both positive and negative effects on biodiversity. Expanding urban footprints remove and degrade habitat, and urban populations require natural resources in the absence of income. In Kinshasa, for example, charcoal consumption was estimated at ~4.8 million m3 of wood, affecting forested areas up to 300 km away (Schure et al., 2012). It is unclear whether wildmeat demand increases or decreases in earnest with increasing urbanization, but this is certainly complicated by accessibility and employment rates, among other factors. Urban demand for pangolin bushmeat is discussed in Section 4.5.2. Second, several range state stakeholders observed that wildfire and brush burning might pose mild threats to pangolins (Table 4.5.1). Fire is a natural component of many ecosystems and certainly had a profound influence on forest canopy composition in West Africa historically (Swaine, 1992). However, fire regimes created by humans result in significant changes to vegetation communities and therefore directly impact biodiversity. In West Africa, fire is used to clear fields for agriculture, controlling pests, improving dry season grazing, hunting, and deterring wild animals (e.g., Hough, 1993). It is unclear what impact wildfires and bush burning could have on pangolins, and further research is warranted. 4.5.2 HUNTING, HARVEST AND TRADE Pangolins have been hunted, harvested, and traded for food and traditional medicine in West Africa throughout history, with records dating at least as far back as the early eighteenth century (Labat, 1730; Lawrence, 2020). In contemporary West Africa, pangolin meat is often considered a delicacy or a luxury meat of the royal and upper classes; otherwise, it is often simply preferred for its taste over other wildmeats, and many ethnic groups and traditional practitioners value their scales and other body parts for purported medicinal and religious or ceremonial effects (Table 3.2.2; Section 3.2). For example, Akeredolu et al. (2018) report that in Nigeria, actors along the supply chain indicated the main reasons for trade of pangolins were as a commodity of foreign exchange (31 percent), for local consumption (28 percent), for cultural and ethno-medicinal purposes (20 percent), for use in juju/voodoo (11 percent), and for decoration (10 percent). The sustainability of these local consumptive uses is uncertain, especially when combined with the devastating effects of habitat loss (Section 4.5.1). However, the increasing focus on pangolins as a commodity for the international market, particularly the demand for scales in Asia, may be driving precipitous declines today on top of local use. Regional stakeholders all considered consumptive use a threat to pangolins, yet only identified offtake to meet international demand in scales as a grave threat. Local subsistence use for meat and medicinal reasons was only viewed as a mild threat (Table 4.5.1). 4.5.2.1 Traditional African Medicinal and Religious Use Although there is a solid understanding why people in West and Central Africa harvest pangolins for medicinal and religious use (Table 3.2.2), there is very little understanding about the extent of harvest

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for these purposes. Regional stakeholders evaluated it as only a moderate threat to pangolins (Table 4.5.1). The available data on this trade comes almost exclusively from monitoring traditional practices markets in the region, which are often not the same as markets where wildmeat is sold. In one study in Ogun State, Nigeria, dealers sold an average of 1.06 carcasses per dealer per month—amounting to 178 whole white-bellied pangolins over a four-month period (Soewu & Ayodele, 2009). In other studies assessing the ethnopharmacological value of pangolins in West Africa, no data was reported on the number of specimens traded (e.g., Boakye et al., 2014 and 2015). Wildlife-based treatments are a critical component of Traditional African Medicine, and it has been estimated that as much as 80 percent of Africa’s population relies on traditional medicine (e.g., Renckens & Dorlo, 2013; World Health Organization, 2013). In West Africa, traditional belief systems may not provide for options to treatments based on specific species, which is particularly the case for folk and spiritual illnesses (Boakye et al., 2014). Further research is required to assess the relationship between pangolin harvest for traditional uses and as wildmeat to determine the degree to which these pressures are overlapping or independent. Also required is exploration into the strength of the interest in or dependence on pangolins as part of traditional African medicinal and spiritual treatments in order to better understand alternatives and underpin demand reduction and behavior change efforts if/where needed. 4.5.2.2 Domestic Consumption and Commercialization of Wildmeat All three pangolin species are regularly recorded in bushmeat markets in the region (e.g., Colyn, Dudu, & Mankoto, 1987; Colyn, Dudu, & Mbaelele, 1987; Bräutigam et al., 1994; Fa et al., 1995; Bowen-Jones, 1998; Ayeni et al., 2001). There is very little data from which to estimate actual offtake for domestic consumption, largely because pangolins are variably consumed at the forest gate, household, local, and national levels—all of which would require different approaches to data collection. In West Africa in particular, there is very little data on household and village or other local-level consumption. Regional stakeholders ranked domestic consumption of pangolin wildmeat as only a moderate threat at the household level, but as the highest threat with increasing commercialization at the national level (Table 4.5.1). Research and monitoring at bushmeat markets in West Africa has not been regular or of great scale, at least not compared to Central Africa (see below). As a result, there are relatively few records of pangolin bushmeat compared to the apparent extent of the issue and reported consumer preference for pangolin meat (e.g., Anadu et al., 1988; Akani et al., 2015). For example, Bi et al. (2017) only detected seven pangolins (Phataginus sp.) in a six-month period adjacent to a single classified forest in southeast Côte d’Ivoire but were unable to conclude if this low number had to do with availability or reflected demand or harvest effort. In contrast, Boakye et al. (2016) recorded 341 pangolins (live and carcasses) traded by farmer-hunters, chopbar operators, and wholesalers in Ghana between September 2013 and November 2014. Of those they were able to observe and identify, 82 percent were white-bellied pangolins and 18 percent were black-bellied pangolins. Very little data are available on pangolin wildmeat prices for this region, though they were at one time identified as the second most expensive bushmeat in Nigeria (Anadu et al., 1988). Regional respondents from Liberia and Sierra Leone confirmed the existence of an ongoing trade in pangolin wildmeat and, worryingly, increasing offtake to supply demand by foreign nationals, including consumption by Chinese nationals in local restaurants and to buyers from Mali and Guinea (largely for traffic of scales to China). In contrast, wildmeat research in Central Africa is quite well-developed with a long history and, in some cases, long-term monitoring data of individual markets. Research in Cameroon (Fa et al., 2006) and Equatorial Guinea (Kümpel, 2006) showed white-bellied pangolins to be the fourth- and fifth-most

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harvested species. In Gabon, this species was the third-most requested wildmeat species in markets (Bräutigam et al., 1994) despite, or perhaps because of, its infrequent availability (Steel, 1994). Giant pangolins, in contrast, represent relatively little of the sales of pangolins on an individual basis (e.g., 10 percent around Kisangani, DRC; Colyn, Dudu, & Mankoto, 1987; Colyn, Dudu, & Mbaelele, 1987), but because of their much larger size, this may equate to as much as 67 percent of the pangolin biomass, as was observed in Gabon in 2004 (Kingdon et al., 2013). From a review of 161 studies, Ingram et al. (2018) estimated that 0.4–2.7 million pangolins are hunted each year in Central African forests, although they cautioned that the annual harvest rate is likely closer to 420,000 individuals yearly in line with previous studies (e.g., Fa & Peres, 2001). Worryingly, they estimated that this figure has increased by 150 percent over the past four decades. At least some of this increase in demand is directly related to increasing resident and laborer Asian communities where, in Gabon for example, hunters report that Asian industry workers sought meat from pangolins more than any other species (Mambeya et al., 2018). Ingram et al. (2018) estimated that the market price of Phataginus spp. In West and Central African urban markets increased 2.3 times, while that of giant pangolins increased 5.8 times between 1990 and 2015. These figures are congruent with Mambeya et al. (2018), who estimated 74 percent and 212 percent price increases of Phataginus spp. And giant pangolins, respectively, in the urban markets of Libreville (Gabon) from 2002 to 2014. In Nigeria, giant pangolins have become increasingly available at bushmeat markets since 2003, mostly as a result of white-bellied pangolins becoming harder to source locally (D. Soewu, unpublished data, in Nixon et al., 2019). However, given the rarity of this species in Nigeria (see Section 3.1.3), these specimens must be coming from Cameroon and elsewhere in Central Africa. Trends of increasing harvest rates, increased prices above expectations from inflation alone, and increased regional movement of pangolins for consumption (e.g., Ingram, Cronin, et al., 2019) suggest either increased demand for pangolin meat and/or more difficulty obtaining pangolins because of population declines. Of greater concern is that figures from bushmeat markets, even those with reliable and long-term monitoring, are likely to underestimate the actual offtake of pangolins because of alternative supply chains (Boakye et al., 2016; Ingram et al., 2018). For example, Fa et al. (1995) suggested that only 10 percent of harvested giant pangolins made it to market in Bioko. In Liberia, Kingdon et al. (2013) found that only 25 percent of the pangolin harvest is sold because local hunters kept it for household consumption. Limited evidence of international trade within the continent suggests that not all pangolin derivatives for sale in regional wildmeat markets are of domestic origin (e.g., Bräutigam et al., 1994; Soewu & Ayodele, 2009), meaning that monitoring trends in wildmeat markets may not correlate to trends in wild populations (Coad et al., 2019). 4.5.2.3 Illegal International Trade Thanks to the generous assistance of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group and information supplied by the range states, this report includes a dataset of known pangolin scale seizures originating from, or thought to have originated from, Africa since 2009 (Table A4.1 in Appendix 4). WA BiCC found records for ±139 seizures totaling ±230,758 kg of illegally traded African pangolin scales seized somewhere on the continent, in Europe, or (most often) in East and Southeast Asia. Based on this seizure data only, WA BiCC estimates that, since 2009, a minimum of 850,602 individual pangolins were taken from the wild illegally in Africa to supply largely east and Southeast Asian markets. Regional stakeholders evaluated illegal, international trafficking of pangolins and their scales as the highest threat to West African pangolins (Table 4.5.1). Since 2014, there has been an estimated 10-fold increase in seizures of pangolins globally, with a notable shift of primary source from Asia to Africa, particularly West and Central Africa (UNODC, 2020).

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Figure 4.5.1: Proportion of Seizures by Suspected Region and Country of Origin for Seizures of African Pangolin Scales from 2009 to early 2020. Proportions in the top tile were estimated based on seizure location and/or shipment information (e.g., registered port of export). Regions are: West Africa (from Benin westwards), Nigeria (shipments from Nigeria, expected to include scales from West and Central Africa), Central Africa (Cameroon, CAR, DRC, Congo, and Uganda), General (East and North African port of export/seizure, and those from unknown points of departure), and Southern Africa (Angola, Mozambique and South Africa). The bottom are Figures 4 and 5 reproduced from UNODC (2020), with data source listed as World Wildlife Seizure (World WISE) database and CITES.

From the information available, WA BiCC estimates that the final point of departure of 51 of these seizures was (or would have been) from West Africa (Figure 4.5.1), including 27 from Nigeria alone, amounting to an estimated 447,224 individual pangolins. Of the remaining seizures, 64 likely originated from Central Africa, including 31 from Cameroon alone, which would imply that the three pangolin species also found in West Africa were among those seized (Figure 4.5.1). Yet the origin of the cargo (i.e., country of export) is unknown in most cases, certainly not with any degree of reliability. In virtually all cases, even those where the cargo origin is known with certainty, there is virtually no information to confirm the provenance of the scales. There are currently at least three different projects attempting to use genetic markers to determine species and provenance of scales in trade:

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PANGO-GO at the Institut de Recherche pour la Developpement, the Pangolin Trafficking Project at UCLA’s Congo Basin Institute, and the Center for Conservation Biology at the University of Washington. Estimating the number of pangolins involved in these seizures is currently impeded by the lack of published scale masses of African species and virtually no understanding of species composition in trade. The IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group previously used a scale mass of 0.3605 kg/individual as an average across all eight pangolin species (based on Zhou et al., 2012) to convert seizure masses to number of individuals in the absence of accurate conservation parameters for each species or groups of species. This figure would equate to an estimated 640,104 individual pangolins. The numbers change if only the African pangolin species are considered. Shirley et al. (In Prep.) estimated the average scale mass for white-bellied (0.19932 kg) and black-bellied (0.31624 kg) pangolins; estimates for giant (3.6 kg) and Temminck’s (2.5 kg) pangolins are available from Challender et al. (2020). Based on this, if all the seizures were exclusively composed of Phataginus spp., the number would be as high as 1,107,547 individuals, compared to 64,099 if only giant pangolin scales were seized. In reality, seizures from West and Central Africa are composed of varying mixtures of white-bellied, black-bellied, and giant pangolins. As such, WA BiCC then estimated the total number of individuals based on the best, informed estimates of species composition and using scale weights relevant to the African species (Figure 4.5.2). On the conservative end, if all three species are considered to be equally represented by mass, this results in an estimated minimum 644,000 individuals. Another approach to estimation is dividing seizures into geographic categories of likely scale origin based on shipment data. This approach accounts for differences in regional species availability. For example, based on sorting of 2,003 kg of scales seized in Côte d’Ivoire, Shirley et al. (In Prep.) estimated that white-bellied pangolins comprise 89 percent of trade by mass from West Africa, while black-bellied and giant pangolins comprise only 10 percent and 1 percent of trade by mass, respectively. This is congruent with previous studies in bushmeat markets that reported white-bellied pangolins to be by far the most-commonly available pangolin species in African bushmeat markets (Bräutigam et al., 1994, Kingdon et al., 2013, Boakye et al., 2016, Heinrich et al., 2017).

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Figure 4.5.2: Modeled Species Composition (by Mass) for each Regional Source of African Pangolin Scales Seized from 2009 to early 2020. Regions are: Central Africa (Cameroon, CAR, DRC, Congo and Uganda), West Africa (from Benin westwards), Nigeria (shipments from Nigeria, expected to include scales from West and Central Africa), General (East and North African port of export/seizure, and those from unknown points of departure), and Southern Africa (assumed 100% Temminck’s pangolins, not pictured).

Data compiled by Ingram et al. (2018) suggests that giant pangolins comprise only 3.5 percent of individual pangolins sold in bushmeat markets throughout Central Africa, which would correspond to ±34 percent of the available scale mass. Observations, photos, and videos of large seizures from Nigeria and Cameroon (e.g., in Singapore) suggest that giant pangolin scales were more prevalent in these shipments. Estimates based on records from Colyn, Dudu, & Mankoto (1987); Colyn, Dudu, & Mbaelele (1987); and Kingdon et al. (2013) suggest that this could be lower (0.6–11 percent), and more aligned with the estimated scale mass proportion from Côte d’Ivoire. WA BiCC divided Africa into five relevant pangolin source regions and ascribed different proportions of each species expected to comprise seizures (Figure 4.5.2). WA BiCC set the species composition of each group based on

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perceptions of species abundance in the wild, published records from bushmeat markets, and observations of seizures to date. This approach resulted in a conservative estimated minimum 850,602 pangolins. To compound matters further, seizure data is inherently biased by detection and reporting, among other issues (e.g., Underwood et al., 2013), and there is no available data on the fraction of illegal scale shipments that are detected and ultimately seized compared to those that evade authorities. While this report’s database covers 2009–2020, less than half of these seizures took place prior to the change in legal status of pangolins from Appendix II to Appendix I on CITES in January 2017, making it highly likely that there were undocumented and unseized shipments prior. If it is assumed that 100 percent of illegal shipments were detected and seized, then 644,000–850,602 individual pangolins were harvested for this illegal trade during the period from 2009 to early 2020. However, if the database presented here represents even 50 percent of the illegal trade, then this increases the estimates to 1,288,000–1,701,204 individual pangolins during this period. If this only represents 10 percent of the illegal trade, as has been previously estimated for ivory trade (e.g., Wasser et al., 2007), then as many as 6,440,000–8,506,020 individual pangolins were removed from the wild for the illegal trade during this period. To be clear, it is simply not known what proportion of illegally traded scales were seized. It is as yet unclear if the trend over this 10-year period, which appears to be increasing trade, represents an increase in seizure and reporting rates (in which case the estimates presented here are likely significantly underestimated), or an increase in smuggling attempts (in which case they are less underestimated). Either way, the numbers are staggering. 4.5.2.4 Preliminary Understanding of Trafficking Routes One of the most significant issues confronting control of the illegal, international trade of pangolin scales is the lack of understanding of the supply chains and trafficking routes. A number of publications, including reports from TRAFFIC, UNODC, C4ADS, and independent investigative journalists, have attempted to shed light on this issue through localized interviews and evaluation of global seizure data (see sources in Table 4.5.2). The available anecdotes and data suggest that pangolins are hunted by local community members and scales later consolidated by local traders and intermediaries until large enough volumes are amassed to merit transporting them on to urban collection sites (UNODC, 2020). Within source countries, pangolin scale shipments are often associated with the movement of forestry and agriculture products. From there, they are consolidated into air or maritime cargo, often concealed with legal shipments of frozen meat, agricultural products, and plastic waste, among other items, and shipped around the world (Figures 4.5.3 and 4.5.4; Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transport of Endangered Species [ROUTES] Partnership, 2019; Hornor et al., 2019; UNODC, 2020; Wildlife Justice Commission, 2020). Understanding the supply chains, sourcing sites, and trafficking routes (including intermediary points) better will be critical to devising future interdiction strategies.

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Figure 4.5.3: Pangolin Trafficking Routes Deduced from Seizures from 2007–2018 (All) and 2009–2019 (Air Transport). Figures replicated from the UNODC (2020, top) and ROUTES (2019, bottom) reports on illicit pangolin commercialization and transport.

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Figure 4.5.4: Major Pangolin Trade Routes Based on Trafficking Incidences Between 2010–2015. Figures reproduced from Heinrich et al. (Heinrich et al., 2017) showing the top 29 trade routes implicated 5 or more times in seizure data (top) and trade routes implicated in large seizures (bottom) of > 100 body parts (blue), > 1,000 kg (red), or > 500 whole animals (yellow). See the original report for full figure details.

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Table 4.5.2: Sources of Information on Preliminary Understanding of Supply Chains and Trafficking Routes for Pangolin Scales Globally and within/from West and Central Africa. Although the understanding of this global wildlife market is only in its infancy, several efforts have been made to start characterizing the supply chains from source through to final point of sale, including trafficking routes and how scales are being amassed and smuggled in such large quantities. Sources chronological.

Source UNODC: Wildlife Crime Report: Pangolin Scales (2020): Trafficking is done by sea, air, land and parcel post (occasionally). Shipments may not be well concealed, but have been found under frozen meat and ice, hidden in logs using candle wax, and stuffed inside steel barrels of other goods. Hornor et al.: Tipping the Scales: Exposing the Growing Trade of African Pangolin’s into China’s Traditional Medicine Industry (2020): Bulk pangolin scale shipments often exit the continent through coastal countries in Central and West Africa. Seventy percent of trafficking instances tied to Africa rely on air transport. Eighty-one percent of the total weight of pangolin scales are trafficked via the ocean. Wildlife Justice Commission: Scaling up: The Rapid Growth in the Industrial Scale Trafficking of Pangolin Scales 2016-2019 (2020): The top three most-persistent smuggling routes connect the top six players in pangolin trafficking: Nigeria, Vietnam, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and DRC. Ingram, Cronin, et al.: Characterising Trafficking and Trade of Pangolins in the Gulf of Guinea (2019): Between 2012 and 2018, 55,893 kg of pangolin scales were apprehended in 33 seizures, with Cameroon and Nigeria being the most common export countries for international trafficking of pangolin scales. ROUTES: Runway to Extinction: Wildlife Trafficking in the Air Transport Sector (2019): Pangolin scales and certain marine species like dried seahorses and abalone are usually moved in large quantities, and are therefore often hidden in air freight. Heinrich et al.: The Global Trafficking of Pangolins: A Comprehensive Summary of Seizures and Trafficking Routes from 2010-2015 (2017): An average of 33 countries and territories were involved in international pangolin trafficking per year. Notably, an average of 27 new trade routes were identified each year, highlighting that wildlife trafficking occurs through a highly mobile trade network with constantly shifting trade routes.

4.5.2.5 Evolving Global Legal Context The most significant demand for illicitly traded pangolin products, regardless of source or species, comes from China and Vietnam to fuel Traditional Asian Medicinal practices. Pangolins and their products have featured in Chinese and Vietnamese pharmacopeia for millennia, with some of the first records from China during the Liang dynasty +/- 500 CE (common era; Xing et al., 2020). While pangolin derivatives are were outlawed in Vietnam, they were still legally featured as an ingredient of Chinese medicines into 2020. In June 2020, however, the Chinese government announced that pangolins have been removed from the official Chinese pharmacopeia (Chinese; English). The original reports were misleading, because pangolin scales are still listed as ingredients in at least eight patent medicines (EIA Report). Patent medicines are certified and sold through legal supply chains in China, meaning that traditional medicine manufacturers will still be able to manufacture medicines containing scales. Scales will continue to be sold through legal channels. The result is that little will change in reality from the status quo, although the symbolic removal of pangolins from the main part of the pharmacopoeia may be a source of cautious optimism. Outside of pangolin range, in August 2020, conservation groups in the United States filed a petition with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to formally certify China for illegally trading in pangolins under the Pelly Amendment of the Fishermen’s Protective Act. If certification under the Pelly Amendment is granted, the U.S. Government can sanction China, including banning all wildlife—and potentially other product—imports from China to the US. Such pressure has been applied by the U.S. Government in the past to reinforce CITES and its implementation by other signatory Parties.

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4.5.3 CLIMATE CHANGE The African climate, like that of the rest of the world, has observed significant changes in surface temperatures and rainfall patterns throughout the twentieth and into the twenty-first centuries (Niang et al., 2014). In West Africa, this manifested as a significant wet period (1930–1960), droughts in the 1970s and 1980s, followed by increasing rains in the 1990s and 2000s (Mallon et al., 2015). Climate models agree on future changes and variability in rainfall and temperature patterns associated with human-induced climate change, which are very likely to drive important future changes in terrestrial ecosystems on the continent (Janes et al., 2015). Regional stakeholders generally considered the threat of climate change to be fairly mild (Table 4.5.1). The Protected Areas Resilient to Climate Change in West Africa project recently assessed climate projections for West Africa (Janes et al., 2015) and conducted an analysis of the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of species in the region to the potential impacts of climate change (Carr et al., 2014). Their findings provide high confidence in a general warming trend and likely increasing frequency of unusually hot events, requiring increasing attention to resilience strategies to mitigate negative consequences for ecosystems and livelihoods (Janes et al., 2015). In contrast, the projected rainfall scenarios are highly variable and somewhat equivocal, or at least showing no clear consensus across the region due to differences across the highly variable ecosystems and ecoregions in the region, where some areas will show increasing rainfall while others decreasing (Janes et al., 2015). Similarly, climate models for Central Africa predict an increase in temperature and drying (James et al., 2013), although with no increased risk of extremely high or extremely low precipitation (Otto et al., 2013). Despite an increasing drying trend across West and Central Africa since the 1970s (Zhou et al., 2014), there is some evidence that Congolian and Upper Guinean forests may be more resilient to water deficits than the Amazonian forests, for example (Asefi-Najafabady & Saatchi, 2013). Relevant to this report, Carr et al. (2014) found that West African mammal species show a medium to high sensitivity to climate change and appear poorly able to adapt, with the presence of physical barriers that could prevent dispersal posing a particular problem. Half of mammal species are projected to experience reduced climate suitability in the West Africa’s protected areas by 2099 (Baker & Willis, 2015). Generally, climate change might lead to changes in microhabitat suitability and prey availability, thereby impacting home ranges, ranging patterns, and population densities (e.g., Abernethy et al., 2013; Chapman et al., 2005). There is some preliminary, unpublished information on Temminck’s pangolins (Smutsia temminckii) from the arid regions of Namibia that suggest significant behavioral changes adapting to increased aridity that made them more vulnerable to poaching (e.g., more diurnal movements and foraging; C. Brown, unpublished data, 2020). The extent to which these findings apply to the pangolin species of West Africa, either as a group or individually, is unclear. From what is known about West African pangolins, they are all distributed across a diverse range of habitats and sites in the region; prey on a fairly diverse prey base, even if specialized; and are already alternatively diurnal and nocturnal (see species accounts in Section 3.1). This may indicate a higher inherent resilience than many other more localized or habitat specialist mammal species in the region. Further research is warranted. 4.5.4 ADMINISTRATIVE Strong legislation is a critical basis for sustainable and effective wildlife and protected areas management and law enforcement. Mallon et al. (2015) provide a country-by-country review of the national legislation impacting wildlife; highlighting gaps; and providing important references to national legislative texts, biodiversity and development plans, and other documents beyond what was covered in Section 4.3. Their conclusion was that existing legislation related to wildlife and wider biodiversity

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is largely inadequate in West and Central Africa, although there is a fair amount of country-to-country variation. Further, the weakness of many national legal frameworks hinder range states’ abilities to fulfill their obligations to international agreements to which they are signatory, like CITES. The current legal framework provides minimal potential for response to emerging threats to wildlife that may require multilateral, coordinated legal response. Some of these problems are explained by the reality that the legal structures and legislative mechanisms implemented by West and Central African countries at the time of independence were either taken directly or modeled off of European systems designed for a very different relationship with wildlife and the environment. Understandably, the significant periods of upheaval, political strife, and development in the short time since independence have meant that legal reform for wildlife and the environment has simply not been prioritized (Mallon et al., 2015). West Africa is enormous, culturally and politically diverse, arguably the poorest region in the world, underdeveloped, experiencing high levels of human population growth, and highly susceptible to corruption for all of these reasons (summarized in UNODC, 2019). There seems to be general acknowledgement of this issue, and range state stakeholders generally identified non-application of and non-compliance with wildlife, protected areas, and CITES law as significant threats to pangolins in West and Central Africa. Several actors, including CITES and USAID, are working to overcome this challenge in West Africa. In 2016, the Parties to CITES directed the Secretariat to commission a wildlife crime threat assessment for West and Central Africa. In 2018, the ECOWAS member states recommended the development of a West African Strategy on Combating Wildlife Crime (WASCWC). Subsequently in 2018, ECOWAS member states drafted Developing a Coordinated Response to Wildlife Trafficking in West Africa (WA BiCC & ECOWAS, 2018a), as well as Combatting Wildlife Trafficking in West Africa: A Guide for Developing a Counter Wildlife Trafficking Response (WA BiCC & ECOWAS, 2018b). The threat assessment, produced by the UNODC and presented to CoP18, concluded that effective responses to wildlife crime are inhibited by a lack of capacity, ranging from financial and personnel, to awareness, and insufficient legal mandates, among others (UNODC, 2019). At CoP18, Nigeria and Senegal, co-Chairs of the WASCWC Steering Committee, submitted an update about the development of the WASCWC (CoP18 Inf. 47). A full, final working draft should have been finished before the end of 2019, with updates to be shared at SC73 (Geneva, October 2020). In the meantime, and with the support of Cross-Sectoral Partnerships (CSPs, see Section 4.4.2), significant progress is being made to improve legislative and law enforcement capacity in the region. For example, WA BiCC held two workshops in 2017 to educate judges and lawyers on how to prosecute wildlife crime (Balinga, 2017). NGO partners with the governments of Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire are implementing training workshops with government partners on CITES and wildlife law starting in 2020 with funding from IWT grants from the UK, US, and EU (see Section 4.4.2). 4.5.4.1 Non-Application of and Non-Compliance with Wildlife Law Non-application of and non-compliance with wildlife law is pervasive throughout West Africa. This is evidenced by, for example, continued existence of well-known, publicly accessible wildmeat markets and points of sale along national transportation routes where protected species are easy to come by or wildlife continues to be sold out of season. Many of these are sites of data collection for published research. In the rural areas of many countries, cable snares are sold openly in markets and hunters walking with unlicensed firearms are common sights. As with markets, many hunters and hunting camps are well-known to the research and non-governmental wildlife conservation communities, and their techniques and trends often receive published attention. To date, there has been virtually no law enforcement action, including arrests or prosecutions, for pangolins in West Africa despite the

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prevalence of these species in trade (e.g., Table 4.4.1; Challender & Waterman, 2017). There appears to be more effort for wildlife law enforcement in some Central African countries (e.g., Table A4.2 and Table A4.3; see also UNODC, 2019). One significant key issue identified by Mallon et al. (2015) was determining whether legal texts are actually in force. As of 2015, the African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, despite being agreed upon in July 2003, was not yet in force because not enough countries had ratified it. Similarly, Nigeria presented a Biodiversity Bill to Parliament in 2009 that had not yet been passed in 2015. Several countries have guiding legal principles in Codes (e.g., Code Forestiere), but require additional texts (orders or decrees) to provide the mechanism by which various aspects of the Code are implemented and/or enforced. Many activities involving harvesting of natural resources are legal if licensed and illegal if unlicensed, although access to licensing is nearly impossible in rural areas (UNODC, 2019). Natural resource legislation is often spread across many sectors, lacks adequate application texts, and often includes inconsistencies and even contradictions across the policies of the different sectors—or even within a set of policies of a single sector (USAID-Guinea, 2008; Mallon et al., 2015). For example, it was illegal to hunt wildlife using poisons in 83 percent of African countries, but the regulations governing pesticides are inadequate to prevent their use for hunting purposes and there is virtually no enforcement (Ogada, 2014; Mallon et al., 2015). Similar remarks could be made about cable snares or the near impossibility of licensing firearms in rural communities. This complexity and lack of clarity is not trivial, both for technical agents responsible for implementation (including prosecutors and judges) and the general public. This latter was cited by several range state questionnaire respondents who stated that this makes both compliance and enforcement nearly impossible and complicated for cultural reasons. Beyond this, wildlife authorities in West Africa are significantly underfunded (UNODC, 2019) and, as government agencies, simply not eligible for many of the funds available from the international donor community—both of which were identified by regional range states as the major limitations to implementing priority conservation interventions for pangolins (Section 4.7.1). The availability of funds from international donors is further complicated for countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria that have different wildlife and protected areas management agencies, which are even in different ministries in the case of Côte d’Ivoire. Funders prioritize support that reinforces protected areas and their management agencies over wildlife agencies charged with the management of wildlife outside of protected areas or the implementation of CITES. In their Combating Wildlife Trafficking in West Africa: A Guide for Developing a Counter Wildlife Trafficking Response, the ECOWAS member states outlined six priorities and 47 recommended interventions which, if achieved, would turn the tide against wildlife crime in West Africa. The CITES Secretariat, through its website on Enforcement, provides additional helpful guidance to help pangolin range states increase wildlife law enforcement application. They include, among others, INTERPOL guidance on sharing information with law enforcement agencies, UNODC guidance on addressing corruption for wildlife management authorities, World Bank guidance on the costs and combat of illegal trade, and UNODC guidance on drafting legislation to combat wildlife crime. The UNODC and the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime provide a wealth of resources for criminal investigation and other related tools. 4.5.4.2 Non-Application of Protected Areas Law There are a significant number of protected areas of varying sizes and categories across West Africa (Section 4.2). Due to extensive rates of deforestation that have left West Africa’s protected areas as

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largely isolated with abrupt changes in habitat at their boundaries, protected areas are vital for wildlife conservation in West Africa. The threats to these protected areas mirror those to biodiversity in general, and are particularly exacerbated by weak governance and ineffective management. As for application of wildlife laws, West Africa’s protected areas are plagued by insufficient resources, lack of capacity, and limited political will (IUCN, 2015; Mallon et al., 2015; UNODC, 2019). This is reflected in West Africa’s World Heritage Sites, where 67 percent of West Africa’s natural World Heritage Sites are inscribed on the list of World Heritage in Danger. A comparison of the conservation successes of protected areas of West and Central Africa found that West African parks (e.g., Taï, Marahoue, Kakum, and Bia National Parks and the Ankasa Resource Reserve) had lower conservation success than protected areas in Central Africa (e.g., Cross River, Korup, Dja, Dzanga-Sangha, Odzala, Lopé, and Monte Alen National Parks and the Okapi Wildlife Reserve; Struhsaker et al., 2005). Conservation success was characterized as low levels of threat and violation, status of fauna and flora, disturbance of vegetation, and presence of exotics. It should be noted that poaching was a major problem at all sites (ibid.). The IUCN Programme on African Protected Areas & Conservation (PAPACO) and the Convention on Biological Diversity PoWPA action plans evaluate protected area effectiveness in West Africa. Although many of these evaluations are now outdated, they continue to paint a picture of fewer well- managed protected areas in West Africa than in Central Africa (Mallon et al., 2015). Regional stakeholders responding to the questionnaire confirmed this ongoing issue (Appendix 2), where they indicated complete degradation of most of the region’s IUCN category V and VI protected areas (e.g., classified forests), even functional loss of some national parks (e.g., Mont Peko and Marahoue, in Côte d’Ivoire). Improved protected area effectiveness will require stronger government commitment ensuring appropriate legislation is in place and that protected areas are adequately resourced (Watson et al., 2014; UNODC, 2019). Better understanding of the traditional practices and rights of protected area fringe communities, and consideration of those in protected area management, may lead to reduced conflict with people throughout the region (IUCN, 2015; Mallon et al., 2015). Previous work has offered suggestions on means of increasing the effectiveness of protected areas where there is a will to do so (e.g., Plumptre et al., 2014). Increasing or strengthening CSPs for protected areas management will increase technical capacity and funding availability, as has already been demonstrated around the region (Section 4.7.2). Pangolin range states in West Africa have collectively voiced their support for these outcomes (e.g., Combating Wildlife Trafficking in West Africa: A Guide for Developing a Counter Wildlife Trafficking Response) and some agencies responsible for protected areas management, like the OIPR (Côte d’Ivoire) and the Centre National de Gestion des Réserves de Faune (CENAGRAF, Benin), have taken considerable steps to improve parks management. OIPR is supported by a substantial endowment managed by the Fondation pour les Parcs et Reserves de Côte d’Ivoire, while CENAGRAF signed an agreement with AP for the long-term management of Pendjari National Park. Finally, although half the countries meet or exceed the target nationally, the total coverage does not achieve the 17 percent target for protected lands identified in Aichi Target 11 of the 2011–2020 Strategic Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to which all countries are signatories (IUCN, 2015; Mallon et al., 2015). While there is certainly an argument for achieving this target, there are also arguments to suggest that resources may better be used otherwise (Rodrigues et al., 2004). One such example would be developing and achieving conservation targets that are based on appropriate outcomes for species and habitats of specific interest to the region (like pangolins). Another example includes shifting resources from lost protected areas to reinforce other sites that offer greater conservation value, or simply trading these sites and designating new sites that have been less impacted despite their lack of protection today (e.g., Fuller et al., 2010).

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4.5.4.3 Non-Application of and Non-Compliance with CITES Law Non-application of and non-compliance with CITES law is rampant in West Africa. This is evidenced by, among other things, the estimated 141,228 kg in 37 different consignments of African pangolin scales seized by authorities in Asia since the Appendix I listing for pangolins took effect on January 2, 2017 (Appendix 4). As a result, the countries of West and Central Africa have been under CITES trade suspension more than any other region globally—comprising nearly 50 percent of suspensions (UNODC, 2019). These trade suspensions are not only the result of histories of illegal trade in protected and Appendix I species, but also in legal but non-compliant trade in regulated species (e.g., in Benin and Ghana). Many countries in the region simply do not have the trained personnel to submit trade data as part of annual reporting commitments, much less respond to recommendations of the Secretariat in the context of the Review of Significant Trade or implement non-detriment findings for trade in Appendix II species. Beyond this, only three countries in West Africa (Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Senegal), and three countries in Central Africa (Cameroon, DRC, and Equatorial Guinea), have national legislation that are generally believed to meet the minimum requirements to implement CITES as evaluated by the National Legislation Project. For species like pangolins, and many items traded as wildmeat and for artisanal purposes, there are historic problems with intra-regional trade and the near complete lack of control of movement of specimens across regional borders. For example, many of the shipments of pangolin scales identified in Appendix 4 were seized in a secondary country, like those in Niger (from Nigeria), Nigeria (from Cameroon), Côte d’Ivoire (from Liberia and Guinea), and Cameroon (from throughout Central Africa). Regional stakeholder respondents confirmed this is not just an issue with scales, but with meat and medicinal products as well. Exploitation of pangolins in Sierra Leone has recently been to satisfy demand of buyers from Mali and Guinea, for example. There has been little effort to date to educate and train border control and customs authorities at land crossings in the region in CITES and wildlife law; identification of species, parts, and derivatives; and search and seizure techniques for wildlife (Section 4.4.3). To facilitate enforcement action in range states, USAID developed Pangolin Species Identification and Reference Materials. Decisions 18.239 and 18.240 from CoP18 are designed to provide Parties with the legal and technical support they need to enforce and prosecute pangolin-related wildlife laws. This document, for example, will ideally lead to improved CITES enforcement capacity for pangolins in the ECOWAS range states, and Parties in West and Central Africa are encouraged to continue their facilitation of all such future efforts. 4.5.4.4 Other Since their independence, many countries in West and Central Africa have been rife with civil war, internal conflicts, insurrection, the presence of illegal armed groups, and spill-over from conflicts in neighboring countries (ACLED, 2014; Mallon et al., 2015). This level of political instability impacts biodiversity and protected areas in significant ways, often through the livelihoods of local people dependent on natural resources. While some conflicts can be positive for wildlife (e.g., by limiting access to areas where vegetation and wildlife can flourish; Dudley et al., 2002; McNeely, 2000 and 2003; Hanson et al., 2009; Brncic et al., 2010), most impacts are highly negative (e.g., Yamigawa, 2003; Nackoney et al., 2014). Militants and, increasingly, armed civilians often resort to overuse of wildlife in conflict zones, where bushmeat hunting typically increases due to a breakdown in law enforcement and reduced availability of alternative food (de Merode et al., 2007; Campbell et al., 2008; Beyers et al., 2011; Mallon et al., 2015). In these times, wildlife and protected areas management structures often collapse entirely, with the retreat of local staff and international scientists (Fischer, 2004).

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Increasing commercial activity and global connectivity through development of seaports also threaten biodiversity, especially species like pangolins for which trafficking is a major threat. Recent investments by foreign firms (e.g., Bolloré and the China Road and Bridge Corporation) are leading to increased port infrastructure with new deep-water and bulk export ports having been constructed at Lomé and Pointe Noire, with additional plans for port reform and improvement in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea. Although the economic benefits of such infrastructure development are substantial, the direct and indirect impacts for wildlife can be devastating if efforts are not made to increase awareness for wildlife trafficking, increase technical and personnel capacity for control, and decrease susceptibility to corruption (Mallon et al., 2015). 4.6 Pangolin Rescue and Rehabilitation in West Africa Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, including for pangolins, is an increasingly critical intervention for threatened species conservation (Guy et al., 2013), especially for species in trade. The ultimate goal of these programs for most species is to mitigate the negative impact of removing animals from the wild by restoring those that can be returned to the wild. To do this, programs must restore the health and skills required for these individuals to function normally, live self-sufficiently, and be returned to the wild with high chances of survival and reproduction success (Saran et al., 2011). Done correctly, it can have important consequences for wild populations (Molony et al., 2006), as a platform for education and awareness-raising (Lindburg, 1992; Tribe & Brown, 2000), and as a resource for research into species biology (Pyke & Szabo, 2017). In this way, welfare-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation (e.g., where the individual is the focus) become steps of the conservation reintroduction and translocation process (e.g., where the species or populations are the focus; Guy et al., 2013) and, despite their slightly different focus, they should strive to achieve similar aims (Fischer & Lindemayer, 2000). The IUCN SSC Conservation Translocation Specialist Group defines conservation translocation as the intentional movement and release of an organism for conservation benefit, and provides discussion of considerations prior to the undertaking and implementation guidelines to increase the chances of success (IUCN/SSC 2013). Ideally, rescue, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife follows a structured cycle designed to ensure maximum conservation benefit for the species in question (Figure 4.6.1). For pangolins, conservation translocations that start with welfare-based rescues and rehabilitations and strive to achieve conservation benefit are challenging. For one, pangolins are notoriously difficult to maintain in captivity (Yang et al., 2007; Hua et al., 2015). This is largely driven by both the global lack of data on many aspects of husbandry and veterinary care, as well as the limited experience with all eight species in captivity, despite some localized long-term successes in Asian pangolins (e.g., Kao et al., 2020). Some of these difficulties are being overcome thanks to the efforts of groups like the Tikki Hywood Foundation (THF), the African Pangolin Working Group (APWG), Save Vietnam’s Wildlife (SVW), and the Pangolin Consortium, among others. SVW has produced husbandry guidelines for the Sunda pangolin (Nguyen et al., 2014), but it is unclear how applicable these are to the African species. The IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group is currently working on guidelines for first responders and basic triage for pangolins (D. Challender, personal communication.).

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Figure 4.6.1: Conservation Translocation Cycle for Pangolin Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release. Figure adapted from IUCN/SSC (2013; Figure 2).

Beyond this, if rescue pangolins survive their captivity, there is very little ecological or local contextual data for most species to inform successful releases and virtually no in-depth social or biological feasibility studies for any species or release sites have been conducted or disseminated. Even in well- run programs (e.g., APWG, SVW, and THF), there are significant constraints to release site selection. There is usually no information on the origin of rescued pangolins; in some cases, pangolins have undoubtedly come from outside the intervention area of a given program. For example, Sunda pangolins rescued by SVW have come from as far afield as Indonesia and Malaysia, yet are released into Vietnamese protected areas. only limited genetic databases against which to screen for origin exist, thus there is significant risk of genetic contamination or even hybridization in the face of cryptic diversity (see Section 3.1.1; Zhang et al., 2015; Gaubert et al., 2016 and 2020). Although the world’s general knowledge of pangolin health, disease, and veterinary care is increasing (Wicker et al., 2020), there is very little information on infectious disease transmission in wild pangolins. The lack of resources for laboratory-based disease screening in rescued animals is leading to unknown risk of

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disease transmission in host populations at release sites. The APWG and SVW programs are setting new standards for post-release monitoring to inform adaptive management of the process (Wright and Jimerson, 2020; see also Sun et al., 2019), but this practice is not yet widely implemented. In the absence of concurrent monitoring of recipient pangolin populations, the full implications of rescue, rehabilitation and release programs are not yet known. While well intentioned, these activities highlight the fundamental difference between welfare-based and conservation-based translocations. For pangolins, it is unclear if the conservation benefits are at the individual or population/species level. As such, and despite nearly 20 years of experience conducting rescue, rehabilitation, and release for pangolins in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and some Asian countries, these interventions are still in their infancy and could benefit from more structure and rigorous planning. This might be achieved through concerted ex situ needs assessments bringing together diverse stakeholders, including those involved in in situ interventions (see IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group for tools and case studies). One such effort was undertaken in 2019 for Sunda pangolins and will undoubtedly provide some lessons learned for African efforts. West Africa has a long tradition with wildlife sanctuaries, particularly those geared toward the rehabilitation of great apes. However, West African sanctuaries and capacity to care for diverse wildlife species, including pangolins, are only just beginning. There is, to date, only a single general wildlife sanctuary in the region that is regularly rehabilitating and releasing confiscated, live pangolins: Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary in Liberia. Beyond Libassa, each country has at least one stakeholder group implicated in the seizure and translocation of pangolins back to the wild (see below and Appendix 1 for contact information). Information provided by the regional stakeholders made it clear that pangolin seizures, rehabilitations, and releases in West Africa suffer from many of the above problems. They happen opportunistically, largely by individuals and organizations without training and minimal access to technical support. Without any formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation release plans, individuals are hard released despite the latest advice favoring soft releases (Wright and Jimerson, 2020), and there is no monitoring of the released individuals. The following information was provided by stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. WA BiCC did not modify responses except to synthesize and summarize the provided information. West Africa • Benin: The Jardin Botanique et Zoologique de l’Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Botanical Gardens and Zoo of the Abomey-Calavi University) appears to be the main lead on pangolin rehabilitation. The number of individuals appears to be small (<10), with unknown but imperfect success. After an unknown, and variable, period of time in the care of the Jardin caretaker, the pangolins are released onto the grounds. The entire process from seizure to rehabilitation and release is undertaken opportunistically, without training, a formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation release plan, or follow-up monitoring of the released individuals. No information was provided to determine the legality of these actions. • Burkina Faso: No information available. • Côte d’Ivoire: Multiple stakeholder groups are involved in various stages of seizure, rehabilitation, translocation, and release of pangolins in Côte d’Ivoire. The DFRC and MINEF typically confiscate live animals themselves or require that they are first brought to a central office prior to further rehabilitation or release action. Most pangolins seized by or brought to the DFRC are released into the Parc National de Banco. Occasionally pangolins are brought live to the Zoo National d’Abidjan (MINEF), where they are kept for variable lengths of time before being released, most often into

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the Parc National de Banco. Representatives of the Association du Calao have been given live pangolins during their education activities, which are immediately released into forests adjacent Tahanso and Gberedougou, supposedly the sites of capture. The NGO Vision Verte has released at least three white-bellied pangolins, although possibly dozens (the reports varied), into the Reserve Naturelle de Dahliafleur after an unknown amount of time in captivity. In all of the above cases, the entire process from seizure to rehabilitation and release is undertaken opportunistically, without training, a formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation release plan, or follow-up monitoring of the released individuals. When contacted, the DFRC stated that all seizures and translocations must be done either by them or with once-off written authorizations; it is unclear if any of the NGO actors strictly or intermittently follow this prescribed procedure. The NGO Akatia is in the process of establishing a primate sanctuary in one of the forest reserves not far from Abidjan. Eventually, they plan to have on-site veterinary and treatment facilities, will most likely accept pangolins, and will likely become the de facto wildlife rehabilitation facility in Côte d’Ivoire. • Ghana: In Ghana, the government-run Kumasi and Accra Zoos, as well as the West African Primate Conservation Action facility, are the only physical structures that take live wildlife for rehabilitation and (usually) permanent captivity. The general consensus is that no facility is currently rehabilitating pangolins. However, several stakeholder groups are involved in seizure, translocation, and release of pangolins. A Rocha Ghana has rescued and released >20 pangolins, including from along the infamous Kumasi – Accra Highway. They typically release them as quickly as possible into the Atewa Forest. Pangolin-GH rescues and rehabs live pangolins in the Brong Ahafo Region, including release back into the wild in the Asukese Forest Reserve; so far, eight white-bellied pangolins have been rescued and released. In all of the above cases, the entire process from seizure to rehabilitation and release is undertaken opportunistically, without training, a formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation and release plan, or follow-up monitoring of the released individuals. Daniel Konzin initiated preliminary conversations with the Tikki Hywood Foundation about the possibility of establishing a rescue and rehabilitation facility for pangolins in Ghana. • Guinea: The Chimpanzee Conservation Center is the only wildlife rehabilitation facility in Guinea, located in the heart of the Parc National du Haut Niger within the Faranah Prefecture. They do not appear to do any rescue and rehabilitation work with pangolins. The NGO GALF wants to develop a wildlife rescue center for all non-chimpanzee animals that get confiscated; for now, they care for the animals as best they can before release into specific sites. No information was provided directly from GALF, so it is unknown at this stage if they rescue pangolins and to what extent the process is carried out under a plan. • Liberia: There are two wildlife sanctuaries in Liberia: Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary and Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection. Both of these facilities have rehabilitated and released pangolins. The pangolins are kept in captivity for variable lengths of time depending on their rehabilitation needs, and then released opportunistically to Margibi County, Lake Piso District, and the area around the LCPR facilities. FDA has authorized these stakeholders, and pangolins are typically released into sites under FDA surveillance. Libassa is in contact with THF for technical and financial support. Both Libassa and LCRP are staffed by trained vets and other experienced wildlife rehabilitation personnel, although with no specific prior training or experience with pangolins. To date, Libassa has received 51 pangolins: 40 white-bellied and 11 black-bellied. Of these, 33 were successfully rehabilitated enough for release back into the wild, after which there is really no information on their survival. Libassa maintains a local database of animals that is shared with the Wildlife Confiscation Unit. For both facilities, seizures and releases are undertaken

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opportunistically, without a formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation release plan or follow-up monitoring of the released individuals. • Mali: No information available. • Niger: No information available. • Nigeria: The Ministry of Environment has temporary holding facilities for confiscated live endangered species to ascertain their health status before releasing back to the wild. They are located in three states (Kano, Lagos, and Port Harcourt) and one in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory, but all are effectively defunct, out of use, and in need of rehabilitation. There is no information as to whether these treated pangolins historically. The Nigerian National Parks Service claims to rescue, rehabilitation, and release pangolins, having successfully done so with more than 60 individuals (species unknown, presumably P. tricuspis). This was reportedly done following a reintroduction plan (no further details) and that all survived (no information about post-release monitoring provided). Pandrillus Sanctuary is the only legitimate wildlife rehabilitation facility in Nigeria, which largely deals with drills. It is unknown if they have any experience or activity with pangolins. PCWGN currently rescues and promptly releases live pangolins it encounters. Since 2016, PCWGN has successfully collected 16 pangolins from trade with the aim of releasing them back into recognized protected forests. Reintroduction sites are selected based on the presence of personnel involved with PWCGN and protection status, often at sites affiliated with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). They do not conduct any specific post-release monitoring, but do tag all released pangolins with colored rubber strips for easy later identification. They have observed a reintroduced pangolin with a baby. PWCGN has plans to construct and run a wildlife rehabilitation facility, but they do not yet have funding and will need significant technical support training for staff and in implementing best practices. In all of these cases, it appears that the entire process from seizure to rehabilitation and release is mostly undertaken opportunistically, without training, a formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation release plan or follow-up monitoring of the released individuals. SaintMarks Animal Hospital and Shelter is rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing white-bellied pangolins found in bushmeat markets in Lagos State. Since 2015, they have rescued and released over 200 individuals. The entire process from seizure to rehabilitation and release is undertaken opportunistically, without a formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation release plan or without real follow-up monitoring of the released individuals. The individuals receive excellent medical and rehabilitation care while at the facility; several pangolins have given birth and been released successfully with their young. • Senegal: There are no wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities in the country. EAGLE takes charge of the rapid rehabilitation of seized live animals, but has not treated any pangolins to date. • Sierra Leone: Tacaguma Chimpanzee Sanctuary appears to be the only wildlife sanctuary in the country. As the name suggests, they largely only deal with chimpanzees, but have rescued at least one pangolin in the past. No further information is available at this time. • Togo: There are no real government agencies or NGOs that undertake wildlife rehabilitation for confiscated live animals. In cases of confiscated wildlife at customs, the animals are entrusted to wildlife breeding facilities (most often Adaptation, which has a small zoo). To date, no pangolin specimen has been rehabilitated in these wild animal farms. Initiatives have been undertaken by the Zoology Department of the Faculty of Science at the University of Lomé to create a Zoo and Botanical Garden in the unknown future, which will aim to undertake wildlife rescue and

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rehabilitation. All white-bellied pangolins in the US-based Pangolin Consortium program are from wild-caught Togo stock. Central Africa • Cameroon: Tikki Hywood Foundation recently (late 2019) opened a rescue and rehabilitation facility in the Mefou National Park, not far from Yaoundé. The facility will focus on pangolins and also serve as an education center. No further information is available. • Central African Republic: The Sangha Pangolin Project is undertaking rescue, rehabilitation and release of white-bellied and black-bellied pangolins in the Dzanga-Sangha National Park. They have successfully rescued and released >90 individual pangolins to date. The pangolins are kept in captivity for variable lengths of time depending on their rehabilitation needs, and then released in the Dzanga-Sangha National Park. The Sangha Pangolin Project is staffed by trained vets and other experienced wildlife rehabilitation personnel, who have amassed a considerable amount of experience and success to date with pangolins. The Project maintains a local database of animals privately. Seizures are undertaken opportunistically, although they have a structured pangolin rehabilitation release plan. They have so far implemented post-release monitoring of three black- bellied pangolins by Ba’aka trackers for over four years, including collecting ecological data. • Democratic Republic of Congo: There are at least three rescue and rehabilitation centers largely focused on primates: Lola Ya Bonobo, Gorilla Rehabilitation And Education Center Project, and Centre de Rehabilitation des Primates de Lwire (Bukavu). It is unknown if any of these have rehabilitated pangolins or would be interested in doing so. Additionally, SyR-AP has rescued several pangolins and released them into the forests of the Chefferie de Batere, Kutu territory, Mai- Ndombe Province, which are unprotected. These pangolin rehabilitation and release actions are carried out as part of awareness-raising in order to convince the populations of the need to protect the pangolins. Seizures and releases are undertaken opportunistically, without a formal or otherwise structured pangolin rehabilitation release plan or follow-up monitoring of the released individuals. 4.7 Regional Stakeholder Assessment of Priority Interventions and Conservation Models for Pangolin Conservation in West Africa WA BiCC asked range state and global stakeholders to discuss whether pangolins were currently considered priority species for regional and national conservation planning; identify priority conservation and management interventions necessary to springboard action for pangolins; summarize what steps, if any, they were currently taking; and identify any major obstacles preventing conservation action for pangolins (Section 4.7.1). Further, WA BiCC asked stakeholders to indicate and explain any approaches currently being implemented for pangolins or other species in their country that could serve as models of success for the region if more widely adopted (Section 4.7.2). In general, regional stakeholders reported that pangolins were not priority species at the national or regional levels, although targeted action is increasing, particularly in the NGO and academic sectors. Recommended interventions ranged from policy reform and increased application of wildlife and protected areas laws, to inter-agency awareness raising, public outreach, research, and increased engagement for community-driven approaches. Stakeholders from all countries identified a diversity of cross-sectoral partnerships that strengthen conservation application across the region. Increasingly, Community-driven approaches are being identified as effective means of implementing conservation for species and habitat, especially in the face of rapid land transformation and increasing habitat loss (Cooney et al., 2018). West and Central Africa have a complex past relationship with

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community-lead approaches that have often been undermined by weak community relationships, lack of reliable informant networks, and flimsy cultural foundations for behavior change (Cooney et al., 2016). Further, past efforts have often been rapidly undone when benefits are not sustainable or self- perpetuating, when external incentives evaporate, and with tenuous tenure rights (ibid.). Community- based conservation areas are one such strategy that have received much attention, and Ghana’s Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) system (see Section 4.7.2) may provide an interesting regional model. Unfortunately, there is relatively little information available on the role rural communities can play in effective combat against illegal wildlife trade (Cooney et al., 2017). Frameworks and lessons learned for improving the effectiveness of community-driven approaches are increasingly available, including from a West and Central African workshop of the Beyond Enforcement Initiative (available in English and French). For example, the First Line of Defence against Illegal Wildlife Trade (FLoD) initiative, born out of IUCN eastern and southern Africa region, offers a theory of change for why engaging local communities will be effective in the long run and guidance (available in English and French) for implementing the FLoD methodology. Implementation of community-based initiatives may prove effective for pangolins, but only when implemented in structured, legally and culturally supported ways. Human behavior is the key driver of all major threats to biodiversity (Veríssimo, 2013). Although behavior change for conservation is not a new concept, formal guidance and toolkits are not common. This is likely driven by issues related to global cultural, behavioral, and socio-economic heterogeneity, in which a strategy that works in one context is likely to be ineffective in another. One set of guidance that may be of interest has recently been produced by the NGO RARE (Rare and The Behavioural Insights Team, 2019). Globally, there have been several campaigns for pangolin demand reduction targeted behavior change, like that of WildAid capitalizing on social marketing campaigns with Chinese celebrities. Further work is needed to understand what tactics will effectively motivate behavior change for pangolins, and biodiversity conservation at large, in West and Central Africa. Regardless of which interventions are ultimately prioritized, any approaches that do not motivate behavior change in target constituents will likely be ineffective in the long-term. 4.7.1 PRIORITY INTERVENTIONS IDENTIFIED BY IN-COUNTRY STAKEHOLDERS The following information was provided by stakeholders in response to the questionnaire. WA BiCC did not modify responses except to synthesize and summarize the provided information. In most cases, information already provided in a preceding section (e.g., Research, Rehabilitation and Law Enforcement) is not repeated here. Responses are segregated into government, NGO, and higher education stakeholder responses. This information, in light of information found throughout this report, formed the basis for the draft priority interventions outlined in Section 6 for discussion, refinement, and adoption by range states. 4.7.1.1 Benin • Government: The Beninois government identified several priority interventions, including: 1) establish a wildlife rehabilitation facility, 2) ensure better wildlife management outside of protected areas, 3) define a national conservation strategy for species listed in Appendix 1 of CITES, 4) set- up a national training and awareness team, and 5) include important CITES provisions in the forest policy under review (supported by the EU). There are plans underway to implement these priority interventions and others, including agent training, equipment acquisition, implementing investigative strategies for trafficking control, and synergizing the different actors involved in the fight against wildlife trafficking. Government stakeholders recognize the need to implement greater

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wildlife law enforcement, including arrest of offenders and the proper application of penalties. No major limitations were identified. • Non-Governmental Sector: NGO respondents felt that there was no existing national-level strategy for pangolin conservation, although the National Biodiversity Conservation Strategy document (which expires in 2020) broadly deals with the rehabilitation of endangered species in general. A revised version of this document should strive to include specific strategies for pangolins. The National Parks Rehabilitation Plan provides for the restoration of the ecological components of national parks, namely endangered or extinct species. Reintroduction and restoration of pangolins is being considered by AP. No major limitations were identified. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.2 Burkina Faso • Government: Not available. • Non-Governmental Sector: Not available. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.3 Côte d’Ivoire • Government: The Ivorian government identified several priority interventions, including: 1) study of pangolin distribution and population size, 2) implementation of awareness campaigns against poaching, 3) training for anti-poaching and anti-trafficking agencies, and 4) creation of wildlife sanctuaries for reintroduction of confiscated individuals (it was not clear if this entailed semi- captive rehabilitation facilities or additional wild areas beyond the existing parks and reserves). The major limitation is lack of funding, which means the Wildlife Division is not in a position to implement any of these interventions. • Non-Governmental Sector: NGO respondents felt that there is currently no national strategy or priority for pangolin conservation. It will be necessary to establish a more formal legal framework for the protection of pangolins nationally, including more rigorous penalties for wildlife law infractions. They identified a need for the government actors to enforce both existing and any new laws, as well as strengthen capacity for wildlife law enforcement amongst police units and for control at the major ports. Pangolins are often still sold freely in markets and Côte d’Ivoire seems to be a recognized hub for illegal wildlife trafficking due to lax control. One way to achieve this is for strengthened partnerships between the government and NGO sector, not just paper partnerships. They also identified the need for a better understanding of the current distribution of pangolins, socio-economic factors driving their use and sustainability, and ethnopharmacological or religious importance, and alternatives to the use of pangolins in traditional practices. Calao and Vision Verte are raising awareness for pangolin conservation and providing educational materials and training for use by primary and secondary school teachers throughout the country. During their community and school education campaigns, the Vision Verte team is often given live pangolins, which they use for education and then release into neighboring forests. These organizations have reached thousands of students both in Abidjan and the interior. Project Mecistops is working with the DFRC to build capacity and awareness among national enforcement agencies for CITES laws and CITES species, as well as assessing pangolin trade issues, distribution and socio-economic factors, and raising community awareness. WCF is raising awareness focused on bushmeat sustainability and long-term environmental degradation, as well as implementing wildlife population monitoring in Taï National Park. Major limitations are largely financial and

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logistical. Meager finances limit the number of educational and outreach devices that can be produced and distributed, and limit the number of outreach and awareness events that can be held. The limited staff means that smaller areas can be covered. NGO stakeholders agreed that the government is a minimal participant in raising awareness for wildlife laws; as a result, local communities are simply unaware that their activities are illegal. • Higher Education: Ivorian university stakeholders identified several priority interventions, including: 1) strengthening protection measures for pangolins (e.g., strict enforcement of CITES regulations as applied to other endangered species, like elephants or chimpanzees), 2) raising awareness with local communities, 3) developing better knowledge of pangolin ecology and biology, 4) conducting an inventory of sites still harboring pangolins. Researchers at the UFHB are currently carrying out an inventory of pangolins in the bushmeat markets in four localities in Côte d’Ivoire to determine the poaching pressures on these species, using molecular approaches to identify pangolin specimens in the market and trace their wild origins. Stakeholders suggested that ex situ pangolin conservation action, like captive production, could improve knowledge of the biology of these species. No mention was made of captive production for commercial purposes. No major limitations were identified. 4.7.1.4 Ghana • Government: The Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission did not offer any information about priority interventions envisaged or being implemented, and this likely reflects a lack of national policy or priority for pangolins. The Kakum Conservation Area team identified the following priority interventions for pangolins: 1) Community education on legal status (according to Ghana Wildlife Laws) and population dynamics of pangolins; 2) Intensifying law enforcement efforts both in and outside protected areas; 3) Establishment of pangolin rehabilitation centers; 4) Nationwide surveys to confirm the presence of pangolins at key sites; 5) Ecological research; and 6) Capacity building for people interested in pangolin conservation and law enforcement agencies to scale up the conservation of pangolins. To these ends, they have: 1) initiated awareness campaigns on pangolins in the Kakum Conservation Area, 2) initiated conversations with THF to help start pangolin rehabilitation facility in Ghana, 3) began surveys and ecological research around the Kakum Conservation Area, and 4) and begun training national parks staff to build capacity on how to identify pangolin species. No major limitations were identified. • Non-Governmental Sector: The Ghanaian NGO sector stated that there is no national pangolin conservation and management strategy, nor are pangolins identified as a priority nationally. One major hurdle to pangolin conservation in Ghana is that fines emanating from the prosecution of wildlife offenders are too small to deter future offenses. They applauded some efforts by the Wildlife Division to undertake conservation education, for example within the fringe communities around the Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve. All NGO respondents endorse the CREMA approach for conservation interventions, which does not just involve community members in decision making but gives them the right to manage their own natural resources. CREMAs are an ideal platform for habitat conservation and restoration outside of existing protected areas, and can be

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used to delineate forest areas as pangolin hotspots and implement behavioral change through community commitments. A Rocha Ghana uses the CREMA approach, and is striving to form a strong hunters association within the Atewa Forest Reserve Landscape, which can ideally be upscaled to the national level. Specifically for pangolins, they have undertaken public awareness raising with school groups and at major internal transit points (e.g., Linder dor Rest Stop and Paradise Rest Stop on the Kumasi – Accra highway) and are currently developing awareness and compliance training for law enforcement agencies to ensure that they can ensure compliance to address issues of illegal trade. Pangolin-GH aims to educate the younger generation on the need to protect and conserve pangolins, so far interacting with >1,500 students. Pangolin-GH is working with three selected fringe communities (Asamang, Kramokrom, and Yawbrefo) to establish pangolin-based CREMAs, and is discussing with the Wildlife Division the delineation of pangolin hotspots in/around the Asukese Forest Reserve to receive extra protection. INEC is raising awareness for pangolins in selected pangolin hotspots, notably along Kumasi – Accra highway. They have been involved in educating hunters and providing alternative livelihood options for local fringe communities. Major limitations identified by all NGO stakeholders included difficulties fundraising. • Higher Education: The Centre for African Wetlands has tried to implement aspects of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group action plan, specifically to develop a pangolin price index, conduct DNA analysis to understand genetic variation within and between different pangolin population groups, and identify the phylogenetic and spatial distribution of pangolin species. No major limitations were identified. 4.7.1.5 Guinea • Government: The Guinean government identified the need for increased anti-poaching and anti- trafficking. To do this, they indicated the need for closer and ongoing collaboration with GALF. They did not indicate their ongoing role in these interventions. No major limitations were identified. • Non-governmental Sector: The Guinean NGO sector stated that there is no national pangolin strategy and, aside from the fact that pangolins are protected species, they are not prioritized nationally. All stakeholders identified the need for increased law enforcement including anti- trafficking, public awareness raising, and environmental education. FFI implements these tactics in the area of Ziama, including 1) supporting patrols, 2) awareness raising and educating the communities on wildlife laws, 3) and conducting wildlife population monitoring. WCF works on reforestation campaigns, alternative livelihoods based on agro-ecological strategies, strengthening local governance, and monitoring. No major limitations were identified. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.6 Liberia • Government: The Liberian government identified a variety of important interventions for pangolin conservation, including: 1) Identifying, creating, and better managing pangolin habitats, including expansion of protected areas network; 2) Increasing efforts for anti-poaching and anti-trade law enforcement, including prosecution and punishment of violators; 3) Developing and implementing a national pangolin conservation plan;

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4) Building individual and institutional capacity for pangolin conservation, including with the FDA; 5) Raiding, arresting, and prosecuting street wildlife sellers and illegal wildlife pet owners; 6) Creating sustainable awareness and education programs for pangolin conservation; 7) Developing local stewardship for pangolin conservation; 8) Conducting regular research and monitoring programs nationally for pangolins; and 9) Developing and mobilizing resources for pangolin conservation. The FDA has implemented some actions toward achieving these priorities, but the major limitations are financial, logistical, technical, and political. • Non-Governmental Sector: The Liberian NGO community agreed that pangolins are starting to become a national priority, but have not been historically. They identified the following priority interventions: 1) Developing a pangolin-specific conservation action plan; 2) Formalizing a confiscation, rehabilitation, and release plan/program; 3) Reinforcing local, regional, and transboundary law enforcement networks; 4) Conducting active monitoring and detection of illegal trade in pangolins coupled with effective law enforcement (arrests and prosecution of wildlife crime); 5) Surveying occurrence and abundance; 6) Monitoring pangolin populations to understand trends and conservation successes; 7) Conducting socio-economic market monitoring and law enforcement; 8) Providing capacity building for government and local community forest/wildlife guards/volunteers; 9) Running sensitization/awareness raising campaigns; and 10) Providing sustainable/alternative livelihoods for communities. Stakeholders reported that community-based conservation initiatives may succeed for pangolins where more traditional approaches are not succeeding. FFI is focused on training, capacity building, and reinforcing combatting illegal wildlife trafficking, as well as supporting protected area management and biomonitoring. WCF is working across most of these intervention priorities with support from WA BiCC and the EU. Progress made since 2019 includes an increased number of confiscations and convictions for wildlife crime, establishment of the Wildlife and Conservation Reporters’ Network, development of awareness raising campaigns to fight wildlife crime, organization of world pangolin day 2020, establishment of and support for WCTF, recruitment of and training for community volunteers in bushmeat market areas, establishment of Wildlife Clubs, community-based conservation initiatives, and biomonitoring. The Libassa Sanctuary and LCRP are working to combat bushmeat trade, and raise awareness through activities like World Pangolin Day and school visits to the sanctuary. Major limitations include funding, capacity (particularly lack of capacity and resources in responsible government institutions), lack of awareness, high levels of corruption, and lack of political will. • Higher Education: Not available.

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4.7.1.7 Mali • Government: Not available. • Non-Governmental Sector: Not available. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.8 Niger • Government: The Nigerien Government identified protection of all wild species as a priority and commits significant resources to this endeavor, although no details provided were provided. • Non-governmental Sector: Not available. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.9 Nigeria • Government: The Nigerian government identified the following as priority interventions for pangolin conservation: awareness raising and sensitization; capacity building for pangolin conservation; creation of a national inventory; and enforcement of wildlife law, particularly through inter-agency collaboration against pangolin trafficking. In the future, gazettement of additional protected areas and the integration of local communities into protected areas management and administration of natural resources will be critical to try. There was no indication made that the government is actively involved in these interventions currently. Major limitations include technical and financial constraints. • Non-Governmental Sector: The Nigerian NGO sector stated that pangolins have not traditionally been conservation priorities in Nigeria, but that recent work by the government in seizing illegal pangolin shipments suggests that they are now in the profile. They identified the following priority interventions: 1) Raising education and awareness about pangolin legal status and trade legality; 2) Implementing a traditional and western law enforcement system to increase combatting domestic and international trade and trafficking, including shutting down Nigeria as the major hub for global pangolin trafficking; 3) Training and conducting capacity building for law enforcement; 4) Developing alternative livelihoods and pangolin poachers and traffickers; 5) Assessing the pangolin population and distribution; and 6) Increasing the protection of remaining pangolin strongholds, especially national parks and other protected areas. Any implemented strategy should involve cooperation among local communities, governments, and NGOs. PCWGN is implementing education and awareness, especially through World Pangolin Day celebrations, and helping with pangolin rescues and releases. They are planning to open a rehabilitation facility, but are in the initial concept stages. Chester Zoo provides financial support to Gashaka Gumti National Park for ranger training and park management improvements, and financial support for protection in Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve. WCS is supporting protected areas management, notably Cross River National Park, and working to build capacity for combatting IWT and improving community development, among others. Major limitations include lack of funding, security, and political will for conservation.

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• Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.10 Senegal • Government: Not available. • Non-Governmental Sector: Not available. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.11 Sierra Leone • Government: Sierra Leonean government stakeholders stated that pangolins were priority species for the national parks service. They indicated that priority interventions include revision of existing laws, which do not fully protect pangolins; review of laws implicated in wildlife trafficking; and increased law enforcement presence in protected areas. There was no indication to what degree the government is implicated in implementing this actions. No major limitations were identified. • Non-Governmental Sector: Not available. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.12 Togo • Government: The Togolese government did not indicate whether pangolins were a national conservation priority or whether there was an existing pangolin action plan. They said that if pangolin populations are to be saved, the following measures should be taken: 1) Eliminating hunting in protected areas, especially the Fazao Malfakassa and Togodo Protected Areas Complex; 2) Increasing the surveillance of protected areas, especially the Fazao Malfakassa and Togodo Protected Areas Complex, Abdoulaye Wildlife Reserve, and Assoukoko Reserve; 3) Revising the sanctions and penalties for wildlife law infraction; 4) Conducting ecological monitoring by involving local communities, especially hunters, which may reduce hunting; and 5) Raising awareness of local communities. The Togolese government is actively monitoring protected areas, enforcing their boundaries, and raising awareness in and involving local communities. Major limitations include insufficiency of the personnel, material, and financial means for the agents in the field. • Non-Governmental Sector: The Togolese NGO sector largely agreed with the government sector, identifying the following priority interventions: 1) strictly enforcing existing wildlife laws, 2) potentially adopting laws specifically for pangolin protection, and 3) increasing penalties to make the wildlife law more dissuasive. EAGLE implements traditional investigative law enforcement, through a network of informants in the field looking for undercover evidence. They follow all arrests carefully until the offender is convicted and served his sentence. AGBO-ZEGUE ONG is working on conducting pangolin outreach and education, establishing community tools for local natural resources governance and the organization of sustainable hunting, developing projects to strengthen the application of protected areas and illegal hunting laws and implementing research as outlined above. Major limitations include lack of political will and of financial support, as Togo is often ineligible for many of the funding opportunities in the conservation world.

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• Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.13 Cameroon • Government: Government stakeholders noted that pangolins are a national conservation priority and there is political will in the government. In 2013, for example, the international sale of scales was decreed illegal. Stakeholders see behavior change as the most important—yet difficult to implement—management strategy. One major limitation is political instability accompanied by armed conflict, particularly in the Anglophone sector of the country, where park staff have not been able to visit the national parks in at least three years. • Non-Governmental Sector: The Cameroonian NGO sector identified the following priority actions: strict enforcement of wildlife laws, confiscation of live animals, development of education and sensitization/behavior change programs, development of ecological monitoring methods, identification and protection of hotspots, reduction of habitat loss, and development of conservation action plans. LAGA is undertaking investigation and wildlife law enforcement, including arrests and prosecutions, in collaboration with the government. The Pangolin Conservation Network is conducting ecological research, identifying hotspots, and implementing environmental education. Major limitations are low technical capacity and lack of resources. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.14 Central African Republic • Government: Not available. • Non-Governmental Sector: Pangolins are currently not a national conservation priority and there is no political will in the government. Sangha Pangolin Project is developing a regional pangolin action plan; in the Dzanga-Sangha National Park, they are undertaking pangolin rehabilitation, research, community awareness, and support of law enforcement, which they hope to implement more nationally in CAR. Major limitations including limited financial and technical resources and lack of political will. • Higher Education: Not available. 4.7.1.15 Democratic Republic of Congo • Government: Not available. • Non-Governmental Sector: The NGO sector reports that Pangolins are not a priority. Therefore, priority actions include raising awareness about the laws and implementing the laws. Joseph Nyumu has been raising awareness amongst academics, politico-military authorities, and NGOs by celebrating World Pangolin Day annually since 2017. In 2020, several organizations celebrated this day in Kisangani and Goma; local radio and television stations helped spread the word. • Higher Education: Pangolins are currently not a national conservation priority and there is no political will in the government. Priority actions include: 1) Raising awareness about laws related to hunting, conservation, and enforcement measures, especially at the local scale; 2) Considering banning the marketing of pangolin and its secondary products (scales) throughout the provinces;

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3) Strengthening the capacity of agents working in specialized services based at the checkpoints (e.g., Environment Service, Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises, Border Police, and the Agence Nationale de Renseignements); 4) Putting in place binding measures to legislation to penalize people involved in trade; 5) Encouraging alternatives and incentive activities aimed at reducing the hunting pressure on locally protected animals; 6) Strengthening environmental education in schools; and 7) Increasing application of laws at the national level. Major limitations including limited financial resources. 4.7.2 SUCCESSFUL MODELS FOR CONSIDERATION BY REGIONAL STAKEHOLDERS WA BiCC asked regional stakeholders, including range state representatives, NGOs, and academic institutions, to describe any conservation structures, interventions, or policies in effect in their country that could be a model for the region at large. Virtually all countries that provided responses highlighted several models of public-private and public-NGO CSPs that could strengthen conservation interventions for pangolins, including through improved monitoring, law enforcement, and rescue/rehabilitation. In all but one case, there was unanimous agreement between government and non-governmental stakeholders that the CSP model was likely the most effective way to implement species- and area-based conservation in West Africa. Stakeholders cited the capacity for CSPs to ensure effective conservation programs through co-coordination that synergizes actors and brings to bear the diversity and full complement of technical capacity, logistical and infrastructural capacity, financing and funding accessibility, and legal and legislative authority. Formalized CSPs increase transparency and accountability for the actions of all stakeholders involved. Thus far, only Cameroon has initiated a pangolin task force in the region (see below). The Species Working Group of Liberia (SWGL) is one such model (Figure 4.7.1). The SWGL is a registered, nationally recognized, multi-stakeholder group. It is permanently chaired by the FDA (Liberia’s government agency in charge of biodiversity, protected areas, and natural resources management) and co-chaired on a bi-annual rotating basis by one of the local or international member NGOs (currently FFI). Its membership comprises government agencies, local and international NGOs, and the University of Liberia. Its essential functions are to develop and implement effective species and conservation programs cooperatively to ensure the government is meeting its national and international biodiversity targets and obligations. The Chair and Co-Chair oversee three subcommittees, each with specific objectives: species technical expertise, law enforcement, and biomonitoring. What makes this model interesting is the level of shared responsibility, where all members bear equal voices and accountability; for example, the Chair and Co-Chair are co-signatories on the bank account and joint funding. See Section 4.7.2.6 for a more complete description. Another effective CSP model that was highlighted in the region is the EAGLE Network for wildlife governance and law enforcement. EAGLE aims to develop civic activism and collaborate with governments and civil society to improve the application of national and international environmental legislation through a program of activities, including investigations, arrests, prosecutions, and publicity. In doing so, they generate a strong deterrent against the illegal trade in wildlife, timber, and related criminal activities, including corruption. The latter is of particular importance when reforming wildlife governance in West Africa. Through their investigations, the EAGLE team has detected corruption in 85 percent of arrest operations and 80 percent of court cases. Their successful model has shifted Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Togo from countries with zero

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wildlife prosecutions to a rate of one major trafficker arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned per week. The GALF program in Guinea follows the same model and has single-handedly reformed wildlife law enforcement in this country. The UNODC (2019) highlighted cooperation with EAGLE as the main difference distinguishing the wildlife law enforcement efforts of the more successful countries in the region. The third-most prevalent type of CSP model being touted by actors in West Africa is for protected areas management. The most formalized of these is the African Parks model. AP signs agreements with the federal government to manage one or more protected areas in the country. The agreements stipulate that AP maintains full responsibility and execution of all park management functions and is accountable to the government, who retains ownership and who determines the policy. The success of this CSP model is ensured through: 1) robust, long-term agreements (mandates); 2) secure and sustainable funding solutions; and 3) establishment of good governance and management through registered legal entities in the host country with a Board representing the key management stakeholders. Upon this foundation, AP implements a five-pillar approach (Figure 4.7.1) that leads to the restoration of protected areas, and ultimately their long-term sustainability. In West and Central Africa, AP is in agreement with national governments for the management of the Pendjari National Park (Benin); Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Congo); Chinko Wildlife Reserve (CAR); Garamba National Park (DRC); and Zakouma National Park, Ennedi Cultural and Natural Reserve, and Siniaka Minia Wildlife Reserve (Chad). Other CSPs have been created for diverse aspects of protected areas management in the region, that the regional stakeholders also touted as effective. For example, the WCF is involved in the creation of the Moyen Bafing National Park in Guinea as a unique response to International Monetary Fund guidelines for ecological compensation for the impacts of mining. WCF was integral to the creation of the Grebo-Krahn National Park in Liberia, and remain active in its operations. Likewise, FFI facilitates the management of the Ziama Massif, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in Guinea, and the Sapo National Park and East Nimba Nature Reserve in Liberia. FFI is involved in the creation and management of the proposed Wonegizi and Wologizi protected areas. Creation and management of these critical protected areas would not likely have been possible or successful without these CSPs integrating the strengths of the government partners with their NGO counterparts. Beyond institutional CSPs, regional stakeholders felt strongly that stronger linkages with local communities would be critical for pangolin conservation (Section 4.7.1). To this end, stakeholders in Ghana felt that their system of CREMA was a strong model for consideration by the region. The CREMA system was developed by Ghana’s Wildlife Division originally as a means to encourage sustainable production of bushmeat and other natural resource-based livelihood options to balance conservation and development. It has since evolved into a viable governance and management platform for natural resources in general. Two community-based protected areas in Côte d’Ivoire (the FMTE and the Reserve Naturelle Volontaire de la Dodo) are following a relatively similar model and achieving some successes for wildlife management. The major limitation with community-based reserves in most West African countries are the weak legal and legislative foundations recognizing them and their management structures, which makes them vulnerable to dynamic federal governance climates and economic development. In general, community-led initiatives can rapidly come undone when incentives and benefits become unfavorable or disappear.

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Figure 4.7.1: CSPs in the Region Offer Promising Models for Conservation Implementation. In particular, the SWGL brings together government and NGO stakeholders in a cooperative way that increases transparency, accountability and capacity (left). The AP model of protected areas management implements a five-pillar approach that has a proven track record reforming protected areas in the region (right; reproduced from the AP website).

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The following information was provided by stakeholders in response to the questionnaire, and represents the opinions of the diverse actors on the ground. WA BiCC did not modify responses except to synthesize and summarize the provided information. 4.7.2.1 Benin Both the public and non-profit sector in Benin identified the strategy of public-private CSP, as exemplified by the partnership between the Benin government and AP for the management of Pendjari National Park, as a successful strategy that should be replicated elsewhere in the region. In the first two years of implementation, the number of elephants poached per year has dropped to zero, along with increasing home range and occupied areas within the park by the remaining elephants. In comparison, in the Parc W (Niger) and W-Arly (Burkina Faso), where CSPs are not in effect, the WAP subpopulation of West African lion is decreasing. This CSP in Benin is implemented through a formalized strategy for community development, law enforcement, and infrastructure improvement, including economic development through sustainable tourism. Actors in Benin feel as though the problems linked to the conservation of species are now tackled in a responsible, realistic, and effective manner in northern Benin. 4.7.2.2 Burkina Faso No information provided. 4.7.2.3 Côte d’Ivoire The non-profit sector in Côte d’Ivoire identified utilizing CSPs as an effective strategy, in this case partnership with the EAGLE network. The EAGLE model is proven effective since 2005 and now operates in eight different countries. National EAGLE chapters support government institutions and collaborate with authorities on an equal basis throughout the legal process, from undercover investigations and trafficker arrests through to prosecution. EAGLE is particularly effective in countries that have not previously taken wildlife law enforcement and prosecution seriously, effectively working to combat the corruption that often helps traffickers escape justice. In Côte d’Ivoire, the Office National des Parcs et Reserves has seen very fruitful partnerships with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), WCF, and Project Mecistops for improved parks management, community environmental education, and scientific research. The NGOs Recherche et Action pour le Sauvegarde de Primates en Côte d’Ivoire and Conservation des Especes Marines are developing exemplary community-based protected areas. 4.7.2.4 Ghana Both the public and non-profit sector in Ghana identified the CREMA model established by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission as an effective mechanism through which government, NGO, and community actors can collaborate for the conservation of wildlife resources outside of formalized protected areas. Most actors throughout the region recognized the increased need for greater community engagement in pangolin conservation (Section 4.7.1); the CREMA model should be examined for wider application. Since pangolins are known to inhabit cultivated lands and other degraded habitats in close proximity to people, community-based models may prove effective for these species. 4.7.2.5 Guinea Both government and the non-profit sectors of Guinea identified CSPs as an effective strategy for conservation implemented in Guinea that should be adopted more widely in the region. FFI is in partnership with the Guinean government for protected area management (Ziama) and to strengthen

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institutional capacity for protected areas management and wildlife law enforcement. In the case of WCF, this has resulted in the gazettement of Moyen Bafing National Park, which itself should be considered a model undertaking for the region. It was implemented as an integrated approach to conservation and community development, based on the strict standards of the International Finance Corporation, and that meets the objectives of the government (i.e., extend terrestrial protected areas to 15 percent of the national territory) and the private sector (i.e., through biological compensation, offsets, from the mining industry). Additionally, Guinea’s chapter of the EAGLE Network (GALF) has been very effective in reforming the public wildlife agencies in this country and was viewed as positive by Guinean respondents. 4.7.2.6 Liberia Both government and the non-profit sectors of Liberia identified CSPs as an effective strategy for conservation implemented in Liberia that should be adopted more widely in the region. The Liberian model is unique and much more extensive than the often simplistic partnerships that exist in neighboring countries. The CSP comes together through the SWGL, which meets monthly. The FDA serves as chair of the SWGL, with the NGOs FFI and Farmers Associated to Conserve the Environment (FACE) serving as the current co-chair and secretary, respectively. The SWGL has three subcommittees: Plant and Animal Subcommittee, Law Enforcement Subcommittee, and Biomonitoring Subcommittee. Each subcommittee is coordinated by an NGO. Annual work and action plans are developed cooperatively to ensure effective coordination of conservation interventions by both sectors, including: 1) Species action plans and implementation plans; 2) Protected area gazettement proposals; 3) Protected area management plans; 4) Law enforcement strategy and standard operating procedures; 5) Biomonitoring protocols, which are standardized across sites; and 6) A national IWT strategy. The strength of the SWGL is that it promotes transparent and equal collaboration of all stakeholders; ensures the higher level of expertise needed for conservation planning, implementation and funding; and brings together partners that complement each other. Members of the SWGL feel it is the shared responsibilities and mutual accountability that make the concept successful. Current government members of the SWGL are the FDA, Environmental Protection Agency, and the University of Liberia; NGO members are FFI, FACE, Forest Cry Liberia (current Treasurer), WCF, Society for the Conservation of Nature in Liberia, Conservation International, World Resources Institute, LCRP, and Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary. Another CSP in Liberia is realized through the WCTF and the Wildlife Confiscation Unit, in collaboration with the wildlife sanctuaries LCRP and Libassa. The WCTF is made up of wildlife and enforcement agencies, including the police, the Transnational Crime Unit and INTERPOL. The Wildlife Confiscation Unit strictly deals with seizure/confiscation, curtailing illegal trade and arrest of wildlife species kept in illegal custody as pets. Non-profit stakeholders felt that the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan, which is jointly prepared by the government and NGOs and enforced by the government with the help of the NGO partners in

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the SWGL, is a strong model for regional conservation planning. As part of the National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan, Liberia develops individual species Conservation Action Plans (e.g., for chimps, pygmy hippos, and elephants), all of which are good models to direct conservation of these species at the national levels. Finally, Liberia aims to conserve 30 percent of its forest area under gazetted protected areas. 4.7.2.7 Niger The government stated that they have a model of participatory protected areas management that integrates local communities, but did not provide any details. They also support transboundary governance and cited the success of the WAP complex of protected areas as a good model. 4.7.2.8 Nigeria Both government and the non-profit sectors of Nigeria identified CSP as an effective strategy for conservation implemented in Nigeria that should be adopted more widely in the region. In particular, the NCF is the foremost conservation agency of the Nigerian government, but it is funded entirely by the international oil giants (e.g., Chevron). In this way, it acts as an offset for the negative environmental impacts of oil exploitation and ensures availability of extramural funding for conservation that may not be available only from the government. Another example of a CSP in Nigeria is with WCS, who provides support to the Cross River National Park, Cross River State Forestry Commission and Mbe Mountains to improve law enforcement through facilitating regular anti-poaching patrols in the landscape. This CSP also manifests in relationships between communities and the private or non-profit sector. WCS supports the Conservation Association of Mbe Mountains, a community-based initiative to manage and protect their own forest, not officially designated as a protected area. Within the Mbe Mountains, there are strong communal laws prohibiting hunting within this agreed community protected area, which WCS has been able to leverage into the Gorilla Guardian Program. Like Ghana’s CREMAs, this type of initiative can be replicated throughout the unprotected areas of West Africa and may have strong benefit for pangolins. 4.7.2.9 Senegal No information provided. 4.7.2.10 Sierra Leone No information provided. 4.7.2.11 Togo Both government and non-profit stakeholders agreed that collaborations between the governmental and non-governmental sectors are critical for conservation successes. In Togo’s case, the Ministry of the Environment provides technical support to NGO initiatives and participates in the mobilization of resources for NGOs. 4.7.2.12 Cameroon The non-profit stakeholders agreed that government listing of pangolins as Integrally Protected and their work with CSP organizations, including cooperation and information sharing, to track and arrest traffickers are successful. A Cameroon Pangolin Working Group brings together pangolin experts, NGOs,

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government representatives, and diplomatic services every six months to discuss pangolin conservation. LAGA started working in collaboration with the Ministry in charge of wildlife in 2003. Prior to the LAGA and ministry collaboration, no single offender had been prosecuted for breaking the law, despite the law being in existence since 1994. From the time of the signature of the memorandum of understanding with the government, LAGA started producing results with at least one wildlife trafficker arrested and prosecuted every week. LAGA is also now in a collaborative agreement with Customs to assist them from the moment of seizure of wildlife products so that the legal procedures are followed and respected while the products, if they are live animals, are held in good care.

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5.0 SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AFRICA

STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES Legal Context Legal Context • All three species (white-bellied, black-bellied, and giant pangolins) are • The penalties are typically not severe enough to be deterrents. Integrally Protected, or functionally so, in most range states. • There is a reported lack of prosecutorial and/or judiciary will or efficacy. • All three species are in CITES Appendix I. • Most countries are in CITES NLP category 2 or 3 due to insufficiency of domestic Law Enforcement CITES implementing legislation. • There is strong existing, or potential for, CSPs (inter-governmental • There is an insufficient legislative basis for community-based protected areas and organizations and NGO) for wildlife law enforcement. other community-led initiatives in most countries. • Burgeoning efforts for inter-agency wildlife law education and capacity • There is a weak legal and legislative basis for CSPs with NGOs, which often mostly building exist. rely on de minimis case-by-case memoranda of understanding or project Protected Areas agreements. • There is a significant network of IUCN category I–IV protected areas. Law Enforcement • Many protected areas have confirmed pangolin populations. • There is minimal and ineffective application of wildlife law, leading to low rate of • Protected areas management agencies have high capacity and/or strong detection of violations. technical partnerships in most range states. • There is minimal education and awareness across law enforcement agencies for Individual/Institutional Resources wildlife and CITES law, including no standard curricula. • There is a network of stakeholders now active for pangolin conservation • There is virtually no public awareness for wildlife law. and/or research in each country. • Most countries have virtually no technical capacity for detection of products at • Significant opportunities for CSPs exist due to the presence of at least one ports and border crossings. wildlife conservation NGO and capable research communities supporting • There are no databases of seizures or other wildlife law enforcement, which is government agencies in each country. thwarted by lack of access to computing hardware and poor technology infrastructure (e.g., internet) in government offices. Funding • Deficiencies in governmental funding drive many of the implementation and enforcement issues. • Low levels of funding are available and/or allocated to non-elephant, non-ape species historically.

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Individual/Institutional Resources • Not all countries have, or fully embrace existing, CSPs to improve the technical, financial, and logistical capacity for conservation interventions. Current State of Knowledge • There are significant biology, ecology, and socio-economic knowledge gaps. • The current distribution, population abundance, and status is unknown aside from threat-related indices. OPPORTUNITES THREATS Legal Context External to Region • Most countries qualify for, and are already receiving, financial and technical • Ongoing international demand for pangolin scales still exists. support from the CITES Secretariat through the NLP to improve domestic • There is increasing financial reliance on Chinese and East Asian partnerships for CITES implementation policy. development, resulting in increased risk of trafficking. • WASCWC, which provides policy guidelines that are expected to strengthen • Countries have little funding availability to sustain species-specific efforts. national legislations for wildlife enforcement and regional coordination in Internal to Region fighting trafficking, was finalized and validated by ECOWAS member states in • Countries experience ongoing habitat loss driven by global demand for such June 2020. products as cacao, rubber, palm oil, and timber. • The African Union Strategy on illegal trade and illegal exploitation of wild • There are strong traditional belief systems surrounding traditional medicine and fauna and flora exists and the African Union is willing to lead efforts to bring religious practices that may thwart development of alternatives to use of pangolin visibility to issues such as pangolin conservation, provided they have the data products. from which to work. • Strong cultural inertia slows behavior change at the individual, institutional, and • African Union Commission and ECOWAS may be willing to lead the political levels and hinders adoption of alternative practices (e.g., livelihoods and organization of a high-level policy dialogue on pangolins and the drafting of a CSPs) pangolin action plan. • There is a lack of political will and non-prioritization of funding for wildlife and Law Enforcement habitat conservation interventions. • Efforts can capitalize on burgeoning wildlife law, CITES, judicial training • The region is facing the highest rates of human population growth globally. efforts and NGO networks to integrate transnationally. • There is slow realization of development capacity and alleviation of poverty. • Learning from recent public health crises (Ebola and COVID-19) to integrate OneHealth approach into existing and burgeoning national and regional Law Enforcement Task Forces, ECOWAS, and Economic Community of Central African states to bolster cross-sector integration (e.g., environment, securities, judiciary, and health) can help in the fight against pangolin trafficking and coordinate Integrated Regional Response Strategies for

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addressing wildlife crime and associated ecological, security, public heath, and economic risks. Rehabilitation, Rescue and, Release Interventions • There is at least one stakeholder group implementing in each country. • Most countries already have at least one wildlife sanctuary. • Knowledge and advice are available from THF, APWG, and others. • Globally, there are several groups willing to support regional actors in implementation (e.g., THF and APWG). Local • Pangolins are a species of local cultural significance, which provides opportunities for conservation intervention. • Many strong traditional beliefs tied to land, habitat, and species can be exploited for strategic conservation intervention. Global • Pangolins are on world policy stage and in the public eye. • There is significant funding available for IWT implementation and capacity building with West and Central Africa a priority. • Public perception on the link between pangolins and health risks (e.g., COVID-19) provides a platform for discussion and policy change.

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6.0 DRAFT PRIORITY INTERVENTIONS FOR PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AFRICA The following draft interventions are born from the assessment of the current state of knowledge (Section 3) and the regional stakeholder perspectives on the current state of conservation and management (Section 4) of pangolins in West Africa. Interventions with asterisks (*) are also identified by the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group in the global pangolin action plan (Challender et al., 2014). Many of these were also identified in the Guide for Developing a Counter Wildlife Trafficking Response in West Africa, which will underpin the forthcoming WASCWC. These draft suggestions should form the basis for further discussion among the regional stakeholders, ideally over the course of a multi-day West and Central African regional pangolin conservation planning workshop. Additionally, West and Central African stakeholders should heed lessons learned from Scaling Up Pangolin Conservation: IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Conservation Action Plan (Challender et al., 2014) and other regional plans and collaborate with regional stakeholders in Asia (e.g., Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and Department of Forests, 2018; Lee et al., 2018, IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group et al., 2018; Agriculture, Fisheries, and Conservation Department, 2019). Through this process, production of a conservation action plan for West and Central African pangolins will be possible. Doing so will be a springboard from which regional Parties and stakeholders can act on CITES Res. Conf. 17.10 and Decision 18.238, which encourage the implementation of in situ conservation programs for pangolins. 6.1 Research and Monitoring • Research into West and Central African pangolins should focus on information that leads to better management, including some of the specific knowledge gaps identified in the species accounts of Section 3.1, as well as Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, and 4.6. – Research basic species ecology for each of the three West and Central African pangolin species, notably: . *Spatial ecology, including home range, habitat use and seasonal displacements to inform development of habitat suitability models and in situ conservation and habitat management objectives better; . How pangolins use altered habitats, such as industrial plantations of forest replacement crops (e.g., oil palm, cacao, or cashew); . Foraging ecology and prey selection, including nutritional analysis of prey species, to better inform captive species management; . Health baselines for wild individuals, ideally on a seasonal basis, to better inform captive species management and veterinary care; and . Life history and reproduction to better parameterize population models and understand the impact of harvest on population growth. – *Determine the current distribution in each range state, with a special focus on protected areas and the identification of pangolin stronghold sites. – *Conduct population genetic and phylogeographic research to help elucidate the evolutionary relationships between populations across the ranges of these species and the presence of

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cryptic taxa, as well as aid in establishing a database for determination of sources of major seizures. – Conduct stable isotope analysis, which may provide a more feasible alternative to genetics as a means of evaluating the geographic source(s) of scales in seizures. – *Determine socio-economic drivers of consumption at the national and sub-national levels, including consumption and market dynamics. – Investigate the symbolic and cosmological cultural significance of pangolins in West Africa and linkages to conservation interventions. – Conduct socio-economic and anthropological evaluations of the bushmeat and scale supply chains, sourcing dynamics, and national transportation pathways. • *Each West and Central African range state should identify 10 reference sites for long-term population monitoring. sites should be a mix of protected and unprotected/community areas and should include nationally identified stronghold sites. • Evaluate potential alternative livelihoods, protein sources and traditional medicines to pangolin hunting, sale and consumption, tailored to the West and Central African supply and demand chain. • Ideally, implement all research and monitoring elements so that they can be used as the foundation for capacity building in the region, capitalizing on in-country researchers, Ph.D. and M.Sc. students and postdoctoral researchers. • Ideally, tie monitoring efforts to law enforcement and community-based programs for pangolin conservation. • Identify sustainable funding streams for research and monitoring, including possible linkages to revenue-generating activities (e.g., ecotourism, pangolin tracking, and participatory conservation approaches). 6.2 Rescue and Rehabilitation • Each West and Central African range state should evaluate existing legislation relevant to rescue and rehabilitation facilities and, where necessary, consider amendments that facilitate this critical component of pangolin conservation without opening the door to illegal activities. • *Each West and Central African range state should develop a formal rescue, rehabilitation and release plan. Plans should follow guidance outlined by the IUCN Reintroduction Specialist Group and the One Plan Approach of the IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group, and take into consideration legality, certified actors, chains of custody, communication protocols, implementation details (e.g., health evaluations, disease, and translocation genetics), risk mitigation at release sites and monitoring protocols (both during captivity and post-release). – This could initially be considered through an ex situ needs assessment process. – Plans should be developed with the assistance of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group and other organizations, e.g., THF, APWG, and SVW. – Plans should be implemented as collaborations between government and NGO actors, in such a way that each group’s resources, technical capacity and legal mandate are respected and maximized for intervention success.

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• Build upon existing rescue/rehabilitation infrastructure in each country (see Section 4.6 and Appendix 1) to accumulate the capacity for successful pangolin rehabilitation in the region more rapidly. • Formalize a regional network of pangolin rescuers and rehabilitators for communication, lesson sharing and cooperation. • Each West and Central African range state should create a database of rescued, rehabilitated and released pangolins that maintains records of origin, seizure details, individual demography, care, release and survival data. Ideally, this data will feed into a regional or global database, and can be used for annual reporting to CITES. • Identify sustainable funding streams for rescue and rehabilitation facilities, including possible linkages to revenue-generating activities (e.g., facility tours and ecotourism in adjoining protected areas). 6.3 Legislation • *Each West and Central African range state should re-evaluate domestic species protection legislation and ensure all native pangolin species are specifically represented in the law, and that: – Taxonomy reflects CITES appendices and international scientific norms; – Each species is protected at the level each nation feels appropriate given their understanding of national population abundance and trends; – All countries should consider listing pangolins at the Family level (Manidae) to facilitate anti- trafficking efforts in the event that non-native species (e.g., Temminck’s pangolin) are being trafficked through the country or region. • Each West and Central African range state should have national laws that enable implementation of the convention, meeting their obligations as signatories as directed under Resolution Conference 8.4 (Rev. CoP15), to ensure seamless application of the Appendix I status of all pangolin species. • Each West and Central African range state should evaluate existing domestic legislation and determine the degree to which public-private and public-NGO partnerships for conservation and wildlife law enforcement are enabled/empowered and, where necessary, consider revisions that align with current and potential future strategic interests. • *As several countries indicated that their wildlife laws were “out of date,” each West and Central African range state should consider revisions of their wildlife laws, including: – Penalties for infractions; – Prosecutorial and judicial obligations and process; – Captive holdings and breedings of wildlife, including rescue and rehabilitation facilities, in the public and private domain; – Hunting laws, including seasonality and off-take modalities; and – Domestic trade of wildlife and wildmeat.

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6.4 Law Enforcement • Formalize and/or strengthen intergovernmental agency and public-NGO partnership for cooperative wildlife crime law enforcement, which may include: – Adopting the Guinea or Liberian Wildlife Crime Task Forces as models and adapting these to each national context; – Integrating health sector representatives into the Wildlife Crime Task Force or Species Working Groups to address health risks related to handling wildlife, conduct public education about zoonotic diseases, and design rapid responses to potential outbreaks; – *Raising the awareness and building the capacity of police, customs, and port law enforcement agencies to enforce wildlife and CITES law in each country (e.g., through workshops and dissemination of guides and literature); – Implementing training opportunities transnationally to facilitate cross-border cooperation; and – Increasing cooperation with and learning from the EAGLE model of wildlife law enforcement, investigation, capacity building, arrest, and prosecution. • Increase the prosecutorial and judiciary capacity and will for wildlife crime prosecution through increased training and inter-agency cooperation and communication. • Increase law enforcement presence and implementation (i.e., seizures and arrests) at known pangolin and wildmeat trading hotspots (e.g., along Kumasi – Accra Highway and local and national wildmeat markets in each country). • Raise awareness among local communities, visitors, and foreign nationals about wildlife law; the legality of hunting, domestic trade, consumption, and international trade; and risk of zoonotic disease transmission, both for pangolins and other wildlife. • *Increase patrol-based law enforcement at pangolin population hotspots, particularly in and around protected areas. • *Each West and Central African range state should establish and maintain a national seizure, arrest, and prosecution database to track the extent of illegal domestic trade and international trafficking of pangolins. Ideally, range states would submit this data to a regional database annually to facilitate law enforcement cooperation and meeting reporting obligations to CITES. • Each West and Central African range state should facilitate and cooperate with efforts by the CITES Secretariat to implement Decision 18.239 to develop conversion parameters that enable reliable determination of the number of animals involved in scale seizures. This might include providing access to stocks, stockpiles, seizures; and evidence for such purpose, as well as delaying destruction of stocks, stockpiles, seizures, and evidence until they can be evaluated. 6.5 Other • Each West and Central African range state should consider following the SWGL model for CSP and cooperation for conservation planning and implementation—not just for pangolins, but all species and conservation concerns. • *Encourage local, national, and international NGOs to incorporate pangolins into their environmental education and awareness raising activities in local communities, around protected areas, and in schools.

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• *Develop and implement demand reduction strategies for pangolin meat and scales, tailored to the local context of individual West and Central African range states to achieve sustainability. • *Develop and implement behavior change strategies related to production and consumption of wildmeat and the use of animals, their parts, and derivatives in traditional practices, tailored to the local context of individual West and Central African range states to achieve sustainability. • Encourage and develop community-based initiatives and collaborations for pangolins and pangolin habitat conservation. • Explore opportunities for private sector conservation partnerships for pangolin conservation in industrial oil palm, cacao, rubber, or cashew plantations (among other), which could be implemented through pangolin-friendly certifications and other mechanisms.

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APPENDIX 1: RESOURCE PERSONS AND INSTITUTIONS FOR PANGOLIN CONSERVATION IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA Table A1.1: Resource Persons and Institutions in West Africa. The following list of stakeholders is organized such that government agencies are listed first, followed by additional stakeholders in alphabetical order. The agencies and individuals identified in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) focal point roles (e.g., Management Authority, Scientific Authority, Enforcement Authority) change on a regular basis, as does their contact information, and it is best to verify the latest information through the CITES website or with local contacts. The following table includes students in the hopes that their recognition as valuable pangolin conservation stakeholders inspires their continued involvement with these species. Also included are a diversity of known wildlife sanctuaries, regardless of their past or current involvement with pangolin rehabilitation, to facilitate contact and perhaps their continued involvement.

Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Benin Email: [email protected] Direction Générale des Directeur Générale; General Aristide F. Ministère du Cadre de Vie et du Développement Durable Eaux, Forêts et des CITES Management ADJADEME B.P. 393 Chasses Authority COTONOU Tel: +229 97 60 12 88 Direction Générale des CITES Management Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Mr. Ulysse Eaux, Forêts et des Authority Adjoint Focal Ministère du Cadre de Vie et du Développement Durable KOROGONE Chasses Point B.P. 393 COTONOU Tel: +229 96 73 52 25 Direction Générale des Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Mr. Orphée CITES Management Eaux, Forêts et des Ministère du Cadre de Vie et du Développement Durable LOKOSSOU Authority Focal Point Chasses B.P. 393 COTONOU Email: severin_nsia2002 @ yahoo.fr / [email protected] Direction Générale des CITES Scientific Ministère du Cadre de Vie et du Développement Durable Eaux, Forêts et des Authority B.P. 393 Chasses COTONOU Direction des Politiques CITES Enforcement Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

du Contrôle de Focal Point B.P. 393

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information l’Exploitation Forestière COTONOU et du Contentieux Benin also has a “Brigade Speciale Aeroport (CITES)” Jardin Botanique et Tel: +229 97 60 89 87 Zoologique de Mr. Pierre Email: [email protected] Manager l’Université Abomey- AGBANI Group Confiscated live pangolins in Benin; now principally come to the Jardin Botanique, Calavi and pangolins are released on the property. Email: [email protected] Senior Lecturer, Dr. Marc Sylvestre https://www.radar-be.com/ Université Abomey-Calavi Laboratoire d’Ecologie DJAGOUN Dr. Djagoun is supervising Ph.D. research of Mr. Stanislas Zanvo (below), and researching Appliquée other aspects of pangolin ecology and trade. Tel: +229 97 35 19 92 Mr. Stanislas Email: [email protected] Université Abomey-Calavi PhD Student ZANVO Mr. Zanvo researches Genetic diversity and feeding ecology of pangolins in southern Benin. Conservation Manager Mr. Aurlus Email: [email protected] African Parks for Pendjari National OUINDEYAMA https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/pendjari Park Complex Pendjari Protected Area Mr. Jean Yves Email: [email protected] African Parks (PA) Complex Director KOUMOGUE https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/pendjari (interim) Tel: +229 66 46 64 72 Email: [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/amnlokossa Afrique Mobile Nature Mr. Patrice BADA Executive Director Group assists Community development in the Mono River Delta and near the Lac Toho Reserve, where their actions have resulted in pangolin protection (white-bellied pangolin [Phataginus tricuspis] confirmed in area) Email: [email protected] http://www.bees-ong.org/ Benin Environment and Mr. Maxim Society assists Community development, tourism, and forest protection of the Forêt Education Society DJONDJO Classée du LAMA, where their actions have resulted in pangolin protection (white-bellied pangolin confirmed in area).

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Mr. Josea S. www.naturetropicale.org DOSSOU- www.eagle-benin.org Nature Tropicale BODJRENOU Group provides Environmental education, and assists with the preservation of endangered species and the fight against environmental crime—particularly wildlife crime—by supporting the application of environmental laws. Tel: +229 95 49 40 49 Email: [email protected] Organisation pour le Mr. Mariano Gboja Research and Programs http://www.oddbong.org/index.php/en/ Développement Durable HOUNGBEDJI Director Organization Focuses on red-bellied monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster), but through et la Biodiversité community protected areas (now federally recognized), it provides protection to pangolins (white-bellied pangolin confirmed at site). West and Central Email: [email protected] Zoological Society of Dr. Audrey African Cheetah and https://www.zsl.org/ London IPAVEC African Wild Dog The regional offices are principally based in Benin and Niger. Program Coordinator Burkina Faso Tel: +226 76 66 33 02 / 70 09 71 77 / 78 28 73 28 Directeur de la Faune et Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Direction de la Faune et Mr. Benoît Chasse; Ministère de l’Environnement et des Ressources Halieutique des Chasses DOAMBA CITES Management 03 B.P. 7044 Authority Focal Point OUAGADOUGOU 03 Tel: +226 50 33 35 94 Institut de Email: [email protected] l’Environnement et de CITES Scientific Département Productions Forestières Recherches Agricoles Authority 04 B.P. 8645 (INERA) OUAGADOUGOU 04

Direction de la Faune et Mr. Dieudonné CITES Focal Point for Tel: + 226 70 75 23 39 des Chasses YAMEOGO WA BiCC Email: [email protected]

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Côte d’Ivoire Tel: +225 20 21 07 00 / 07 36 83 59 Directrice Général de la Direction de la Faune et Email: [email protected] Mme. Salimata Faune; des Ressources Ministère des Eaux et Forêts KONE CITES Management Cynégétiques B.P. V 178 Authority Focal Point ABIDJAN Centre de Recherche en CITES Scientific Tel: +225 21 35 40 97 Current Director Ecologie Authority Focal Point 08 BP 109 ABIDJAN 08 Unité de Lutte Contre la Commissaire Email: [email protected] Criminalité Guillaume Severin Director UCT is the Police unit partnered with the Côte d’Ivoire branch of EAGLE (EAGLE-CI) for Transnationale (UCT) ADOMO wildlife crimes. Office Ivorien des Parcs Mr. Francois Technical Director Email: [email protected] et Reserves (OIPR) N’GORAN This is Currently the only facility in Côte d’Ivoire that receives confiscated pangolins for Zoo National d’Abidjan rehabilitation and re-release. At the time of this document, there was no active director or contact information. Université Félix Dr. Sery E Researcher, UFR Tel: +225 03 48 89 23 Houphouet Boigny GONEDELÉ BI Biosciences Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Université Félix Mr. Koffi Jules PhD Student Doctoral student under Sery Gonedele Bi and Philippe Gaubert researching genetic Houphouet Boigny GOSSE traceability of pangolins using their scales. Email: [email protected] Université Félix Mr. Brou Guy- WhatsApp: +225 49281747 PhD Student Houphouet Boigny Mathieu ASSOVI Doctoral student researching pangolin ecology (movement and habitat use) and ethnozoology with Project Mecistops Tel: +225 06 19 25 25 Email: [email protected] Ms. Sarah Akatia National Director http://www.akatia.org/ CRAWFORD Akatia is building a wildlife sanctuary focused on chimpanzees and other primates, but will include mandate for rehabilitation of other species and protection of a classified forest. Mr. Oumar National Education Email: [email protected] Association du Calao KANTÉ Coordinator http://calao-africa.com/tag/Côte-divoire/

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Association provides Education, awareness, training and support of community development projects for biodiversity conservation. Email: [email protected] Eco-Activists for WhatsApp: +31 646122060 Governance and Law Mr. Rens ILGEN Country Representative https://www.eagle-ivorycoast.org/ci-ngo/ Enforcement (EAGLE) EAGLE provides Wildlife law enforcement. Email: [email protected] Dr. Matthew H. WhatsApp: +1-352-562-2243 Project Mecistops Program Director SHIRLEY http://projectmecistops.org/ An IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Tel: +225 01 20 22 13 / 55 83 65 75 Email: [email protected] Vision Verte Mr. Mike KACOU President https://www.facebook.com/ONGVisionVerte/ Vision Verte focuses on protection and enhancement of wildlife; flora and natural environment. Email: [email protected] Wild Chimpanzee Dr. Emmanuelle https://www.wildchimps.org/index.html Country Director Foundation NORMAND Foundation focuses on chimpanzee and habitat protection, and provides significant capacity development with local authorities. Gambia Tel: +220 437 69 72/ 437 69 72 73/ 784 16 78/ 623 69 72 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Abuko Headquarters, Abuko Department of Parks and CITES Management c/o Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Water, Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife Wildlife Management Mr. Lamin Gassama Authority GIEPA House, 1st Floor (DPWM) Kairaba Avenue Kanifing Municipality BANJUL Tel: +220 437 69 72/ 437 69 72 73/ 665 61 93/ 345 77 44/ 652 51 34 Research and CITES Scientific Mr. Mawdo Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Development Unit of the Authority & CITES Focal JALLOW Abuko Headquarters, Abuko DPWM Point for WA BiCC c/o Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Water, Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information GIEPA House, 1st Floor Kairaba Avenue Kanifing Municipality BANJUL Ghana Tel: +233208190841 Executive Director; Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] Mr. Bernard CITES Management Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission Wildlife Division Asamoah Authority; P.O. Box MB 239 BOATENG CITES Enforcement Ministries Post Office Authority ACCRA Tel: + 233243181977 Email: [email protected] Mr. James Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission Wildlife Division Planning Manager OPPONG P.O. Box MB 239 Ministries Post Office ACCRA Tel: + 233244263260 Email: [email protected] Ms. Mercy Oduro Wildlife Division of Forestry Commission Wildlife Division Wildlife Manager KOOMSON P.O. Box MB 239 Ministries Post Office ACCRA Email: [email protected] Mr. Daniel Assistant Warden of WhatsApp: +233 241500956 Wildlife Division KONZIN Kakum National Park Pangolin project manager for THRESCOAL An M.Sc. currently conducting research on pangolins at Cape Coast University. Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Faculty of Renewable Prof. S.K. CITES Scientific Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Natural Resources OPPONG Authority P.M.B. (Private Mail Bag) KUMASI

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Email: [email protected] Center for African Dr. Kofi http://www.africanwetlands.org/ Wetlands – University of AMPONSAH- Zoologist, Researcher https://www.iccs.org.uk/content/gathering-evidence-action-ghanas-pangolin-trade Ghana MENSAH Center conducts ecological and community-based research in other conservation-related areas, including species ecology and wildlife exploitation/trade issues. Kwame Nkrumah Mr. Stephen University of Science and MSc Student Email: [email protected] OFORI Technology Email: [email protected] University of Energy and Associated with Pangolin-GH Natural Resources – Mr. Ishmael OUT BSc Student Mr. Out studies the distribution, population abundance, and status of two vulnerable Sunyani (UENR) pangolin species (Phataginus tricuspis and Phataginus tetradactyla) in Asukese Forest Reserve. Email: [email protected] Ms. Naomi Serwaa Associated with Pangolin-GH UENR – Sunyani BSc Student NSIAH Ms. Nsiah provides wildlife value orientations (i.e., pangolins) to some selected communities close to Asukese Forest Reserve. EcoWild Research and Dr. Yaw Boakye Email: [email protected] Coordinator Training Center (UENR) AGYEMAN Dr. Agyeman supervises the pangolin research of Pangolin-GH. Email: [email protected]/[email protected] Deputy National A Rocha Ghana Mr. Daryl BOSU Natural Resource Governance and Advocacy Director - Operations A Rocha implements pangolin rescue and translocation. Institute for Nature and Email: [email protected] Mr. David Environmental Researcher Website: https://www.inecgh.org/ KWARTENG Conservation Mr. Kwarteng conducts wildlife crime research. Email: [email protected]/[email protected] https://www.facebook.com/pangolingh/ Mr. Agro Prince Director & Pangolin-GH Pangolin-GH is a subsidiary of Ecowild at UENR focusing on pangolin research and PASCAL MSc Student conservation education. Mr. Pascal also works for the Ghana Forestry Commission in the Navrongo District. Mr. Augustine Oti Email: [email protected] Pangolin-GH MSc Student YEBOAH https://www.facebook.com/pangolingh/

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Mr. Yeboah studies Community-based governance and its impact on the management of Lake Bosomtwi, Ghana. Threatened Species Mr. Emmanuel Email: [email protected] Conservation Alliance Executive Director AMOAH Website: https://threscoal.org/ (THRESCOAL) Guinea Directeur National des Email: [email protected] Direction Nationale des Colonel Layaly Eaux et Forêts; Ministère de l’Environnement, des Eaux et Forêts Eaux et Forêts CAMARA CITES Management B.P. 624 Authority CONAKRY Tel: +224 628 48 18 40 Email: [email protected] Direction Nationale des Mr. Mamadou Bella National CITES Focal Ministère de l’Environnement, des Eaux et Forêts Eaux et Forêts DIALLO Point B.P. 624 CONAKRY Tel: +224 626 30 14 18 / 655 92 98 13 Université Gamal Abdel CITES Scientific Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] Dr. Mangué SYLLA Nasser de Conakry Authority Département de Biologie CONAKRY Centre for the Management of the Col. Cece Papa Email: [email protected] Environment of Mount Directeur General CONDE Manager of the Monts Nimba Biosphere Reserve on the Guinea side Nimba-Simandou (CEGENS) Email: [email protected] Fauna & Flora Mr. Toupou https://www.fauna-flora.org/countries/guinea Interim Project Manager International (FFI) KOIGHAE FFI supports Ziama National Park, and provides capacity building and technical support to national authorities. Email: [email protected] Guinée - Application de la Ms. Charlotte Executive Director http://www.wara-enforcement.org/projet-galf/objectifs-origine/ Loi Faunique (GALF) HOUPLINE GALF is a wildlife law enforcement NGO

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Wild Chimpanzee Mr. Arnaud Regional Supervisor for Email: [email protected] Foundation (WCF) GOTANEGRE Protected Areas https://www.wildchimps.org/index.html Email: [email protected] WCF Mr. Shane ABEARE Country Director https://www.wildchimps.org/index.html Email: [email protected] Mr. Pacifique Manager of Moyen WCF https://www.wildchimps.org/index.html KIZILA Bafing National Park Moyen Bafing is in the process of creation and is not yet gazetted. Guinea-Bissau Tel: +245 955525643 Email: [email protected] Mr. Unsumane Diretor de Serviçio da Direction Générale des Forêts et Faune Direção da Fauna DJALO Fauna Ministério da Agricultura, Pescas e Recursos Naturais Caixa Postal 71 BISSAU Email: [email protected] CITES Management Direction Générale des Forêts et Faune Ministério da Agricultura Mr. Constantino Authority Ministério da Agricultura, Pescas e Recursos Naturais e Florestas CORREIA Diretor Geral das Caixa Postal 71 Florestas e Fauna BISSAU Institut National de CITES Scientific Mr. Bucar IDJAI Email: [email protected] Recherche (INEP) Authority Institut National de CITES Scientific Recherche Agraire Mr. Calido PEREIR Email: cá[email protected] Authority (INPA) Liberia Tel: +231 886 581 397 / 777 247 214 Email: [email protected] Technical Director for Conservation Department Forestry Development Species; Mr. Blamah GOLL Forestry Development Authority (FDA) Authority CITES Management P.O. Box 10-3010 Authority Whein Town, Paynesville City 1000 MONROVIA 10

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Tel: +231 881 327 216 / 770 036 662 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Department of Forestry Dr. Johnson CITES Scientific University of Liberia W. R. Tolbert College of Agriculture and Forestry Jlokpeh GEPLY Authority University of Liberia (UL) Capitol Hill MONROVIA Ms. Jessica Conservation Email: [email protected] DONOVAN- Country Director International https://www.conservation.org/ ALLEN Email: [email protected] Delaware Valley Dr. Reginald Associate Professor Nationwide bushmeat market monitoring with a pangolin focus University HOYT IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member Email: [email protected] PIRE Research Center – Dr. Richard Retired Nationwide bushmeat market monitoring with a pangolin focus University of Liberia NISBETT IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member Email: [email protected] https://www.fauna-flora.org/countries/liberia Fauna & Flora Dr. Mary Country Program FFI’s mission is to conserve Liberian threatened species and ecosystems, choosing International MOLOKWU Director solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science, and which take into account human needs. Email: [email protected] Ms. Julie https://libassawildlifesanctuary.org/ Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary Director VANASSCHE The sanctuary’s mission is to Rescue, rehabilitate and release wild animals that are victims of the illegal bushmeat and pet trade in Liberia (and neighboring countries). Email: [email protected] Liberia Chimpanzee Mrs. Jenny https://www.liberiachimpanzeerescue.org Rescue & Protection Director DESMOND LCRP is also a member of the Species Working Group, with a focus on law enforcement (LCRP) and wildlife crime. Royal Society for the Ms. Anne Country Director Email: [email protected] Protection of Birds GARDNER

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Society for the Email: [email protected] Mr. Michael Conservation of Nature Executive Director https://scnlliberia.org/ GARBO of Liberia Member of the Species Working Group and Wildlife Crime Task Force (WCTF) Email: [email protected] https://www.wildchimps.org/index.html Wild Chimpanzee Dr. Annika WCF collaborates closely with government, local communities and other relevant Country Director Foundation (WCF) HILLERS stakeholders, to protect chimps and their critical habitat, including other keys species in these habitats, protected area management, law enforcement, biomonitoring, alternative livelihoods, and illegal wildlife trade. Mali Tel: +223 20 22 02 08 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected] Direction Nationale des CITES Management Ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Assainissement et du Développement durable Eaux et Forêts Authority B.P. 275 BAMAKO Tel: +223 22 26 06 Institut d’Economie CITES Scientific B.P. 438 Rurale (IER) Authority BAMAKO Niger Tel: +227 20 72 37 55; +227 96 97 79 73 Direction de la Faune, de Directeur de la Faune; Email: [email protected] Mr. Samaila la Chasse des Parcs et CITES Management Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable SAHAILOU des Réserves Authority B.P. 721 NIAMEY Tel: +227 20 72 37 55 Division Développement Email: [email protected] / [email protected] CITES Scientific des Ressources Fauniques Direction de la Faune, de la Pêche et des Aires Protégées Authority et Agricoles B.P. 578 NIAMEY Ministere de Mr. Seyni National CITES Focal Tel: + 22796092617 l’Environnement ABDOUL-AZIZ Point for WA BiCC Email: [email protected]

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Nigeria Tel: +234 805 273 4050 Email: [email protected] Division Head; Federal Department of Forestry Wildlife and CITES Mr. Timothy CITES Management Federal Ministry of Environment Management Division Daniel JOHN Authority Mabushi District P.M.B. 468, Garki ABUJA 9000008 Federal Ministry of Environment Federal Department of Forestry Wildlife Management Division, Wildlife Management Inter-agency CITES Scientific Plot 393 / 394, Augustus Aikhomu Way, Division Committee Authority Utako District P.M.B. 468, Garki ABUJA Email: [email protected] National Environmental http://www.nesrea.gov.ng/ Current Director- CITES Enforcement Standards and Regulations N°4, Oro Ago Crescent, Off Muhammadu Buhari Way, General Authority Enforcement Agency P.M.B.641, Garki ABUJA Department of Email: [email protected] Federal University of Dr. Odewumi Ecotourism and Wildlife Dr. Sunday supervises a student, Ogunsina Adeyemi Mobereola, who is undertaking Technology Oluyinka SUNDAY Management pangolin research. Email: [email protected] Head of Fisheries and Dr. Durojaye Dr. Soewu is a contributor to the pangolin book and Red List assessments. He is a Osun State University Wildlife Management Adebola SOEWU Certified conservation planning facilitator (IUCN Conservation Planning Specialist Group Department 2019) and an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] Excellence Lecturer, Dept. of Raising awareness through conservation education in schools, World Pangolin Day, and University of Lagos AKEREDOLU Zoology genetic research on Nigerian pangolin populations. Mr. Akeredolu is an PCWGN Member. Mr. Akeredolu is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member.

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Email: [email protected] Africa Nature Investors Mr. Tunde http://www.africanatureinvestors.org/ Executive Director Foundation MORAKINYO The Foundation is involved in the management of Gashaka Gumpti National Park and is listed as a law enforcement partner by the national park service. Email: [email protected] Field Program Chester Zoo Mr. Stuart NIXON https://www.chesterzoo.org/what-we-do/our-projects/gashaka-biodiversity-project/ Coordinator The Zoo supports research and management in Gashaka Gumpti National Park. Mr. Peter JENKINS Email: [email protected] Drill Ranch – Pandrillus and Ms. Liza https://www.pandrillus.org/projects/drill-ranch/ Nigeria GATSBY To WA BiCC’s knowledge, Drill Ranch is not yet involved with pangolin rehabilitation. Email: [email protected] New York City College Dr. Olufemi Dept. of Biological Dr. Sodeinde is a contributor to the pangolin book and Red List assessments and he is an of Technology SODEINDE Sciences IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Nigeria Conservation Mr. Solomon Director http://www.ncfnigeria.org Foundation ADEFOLU The Foundation is mentioned as a law enforcement partner for the government. Email: [email protected] Pangolin Conservation https://www.pcwgn.com.ng/ Guild Nigeria / Pangolin Dr. Olajumoke A. Chairperson PCWGN supports Awareness creation, advocacy and research to help save pangolins in Conservation Working MORENIKEJI Nigeria through coordinated activities with institutional partners and collaborations with Group Nigeria (PCWGN) other stakeholders. Dr. Morenikeji is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] https://www.pcwgn.com.ng/ Mr. Mobolaji PCWGN Administrative Secretary PCWGN supports awareness creation, advocacy, and research to help save pangolins in IDOWU Nigeria through coordinated activities with institutional partners and collaborations with other stakeholders. Email: [email protected] SaintMarks Animal https://saintmarkvet.com.ng/ Dr. Mark OFUA Director Rescue and Shelter SaintMarks implements rescue, rehabilitation, and release of pangolins, plus awareness and advocacy in Lagos State. Wildlife Conservation Mr. Andrew Email: [email protected] Country Director Society (WCS) DUNN https://nigeria.wcs.org/

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information WCS is focused on the Cross River Landscape. Email: [email protected] Mr. Charles Email: [email protected] WCS PhD Student EMOGOR Mr. Emogor is currently a Ph.D. student at Cambridge University studying white-bellied pangolins in Cross River National Park. Email: [email protected] Independent Mr. Oni FOLUKE IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member Senegal Direction des Eaux, CITES Management Tel: +221 (33) 831 01 01 / 775376311 Forêts, Chasses et de la Mr. Abba SONKO Authority Email: [email protected] Conservation des Sols Tel: +221 (33) 825 00 90 Institut Fondamental CITES Scientific Mr. Alain SECK B.P. 206 d’Afrique Noire (IFAN) Authority DAKAR Ms. Cecile Email: [email protected] / [email protected] EAGLE National Coordinator BLOCH-THIOR https://eagle-senegal.org/ Sierra Leone Tel: +232 76 627 320 / 88 627 320 Email: [email protected] Assistant Director of Forestry Division Conservation and Ms. Kate M.B. Forestry; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security Wildlife Management Unit GARNETT CITES Management Youyi Building Authority Brookfields FREETOWN Tel: +232 (76 623 795 Email: [email protected] Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences University of Sierra Dr. Abdul CITES Scientific Fourah Bay College Leone Babatunde KARIM Authority University of Sierra Leone Mount Aureol FREETOWN

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Tel: +232 26 96 99 06 / 33 80 54 22 Director of INTERPOL; Email: [email protected] International Criminal Mr. T.R. SEDDU CITES Enforcement Criminal Investigation Department, HQ Police Organization Authority Nat. Central Bureau Interpol (NCB) FREETOWN Tel: +232 (0) 76536541 Email: [email protected] Technical Advisor Royal Society for the Mr. Alessandro https://www.rspb.org.uk/our-work/conservation/projects/gola-rainforest-sierra-leones- Research & Monitoring Protection of Birds ALBANI first-rainforest-national-park/ Gola Rainforest Gola Rainforest Conservation LG - RSPB 164, Dama Road, Kenema, Sierra Leone Email: [email protected] Royal Society for the Dr. Fiona Senior Conservation Dr. Sanderson is a senior scientist overseeing biomonitoring and other conservation Protection of Birds SANDERSON Scientist activities in Gola Rainforest. Royal Society for the Head of International Email: [email protected] Dr. Juliet VICKERY Protection of Birds Research Dr. Vickery heads the Center for Conservation Science. Email: [email protected]/[email protected] Tacugama Chimpanzee Mr. Bala https://www.tacugama.com/ Founder and Director Sanctuary AMARASEKARAN The Sanctuary generally only takes chimps, but has rehabbed at least one pangolin (species unknown). Togo Tel: +228 90 14 39 77 Directeur, Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Direction des Ressources Dr. (Ms.) Amah CITES Management Ministère de l’Environnement et des Ressources Forestières Forestieres ATUTONU Authority Qad, 52 rue de la Kozah B.P. 355 - LOME Tel:+228 80 02 46 61 Direction des Ressources Mr. Komi Chef, Division des Email: [email protected] Forestieres Tarouessiè TELLU Forets CITES Management Authority Tel: +228 90 02 48 43 Direction des Ressources Mr. Adjei-Toure Ingénieur des Eaux et Email: [email protected] Forestieres ISSOBOU Forêts CITES Management Authority

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Laboratoire d’Ecologie Dr. Hoinsoudé Email: [email protected] / [email protected] et d’Ecotoxicologie; University of Lome Gabriel Dr. Segniagbeto is researching the distribution, ecology and conservation status of CITES Scientific SEGNIAGBETO pangolins currently in Togo. Authority Mr. Patrice Email: [email protected] University of Lome Ph.D. student Délagnon ASSOU A doctoral student under Dr. Segniagbeto. Association Togolaise Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Dr. Hoinsoudé pour la Conservation de https://www.facebook.com/AGBOZEGUE/ Gabriel Representative la Nature (AGBO- NGO that provides scientific and technical support to efforts to conserve endangered SEGNIAGBETO ZEGUE ONG) species as well as fragile ecosystems and protected areas. Email: [email protected] EAGLE Mr. Rens ILGEN Country Coordinator https://www.eagle-enforcement.org/togo/ Mr. Darius Prénam Lawyer, Program Email: [email protected] EAGLE TCHEYI Assistant https://www.eagle-enforcement.org/togo/ Email: [email protected] https://pangolinconservation.org/ Pangolin Conservation Mr. Justin MILLER Director A US-based NGO that supports pangolin research and conservation in Togo. It is involved in establishing ex situ white-belled pangolin colonies in the US via the Pangolin Consortium.

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Table A1.2: Resource Persons and Institutions in Central Africa. The following list of stakeholders is organized such that government agencies are listed first, followed by additional stakeholders in alphabetical order. The agencies and individuals identified in CITES focal point roles (e.g., Management Authority, Scientific Authority, Enforcement Authority) change on a regular basis, as does their contact information, and it is best to verify the latest information through the CITES website or local contacts. The following list includes students in this list in the hopes that their recognition as valuable pangolin conservation stakeholders inspires their continued involvement with these species. Also included are a diversity of known wildlife sanctuaries, regardless of their past or current involvement with pangolin rehabilitation, to facilitate contact and perhaps their continued involvement.

Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Cameroon Ministre des Forêts et de Mr. Joseph la Faune, Tel: +237 222 22 94 84/86 Ministère des Forêts et de la Faune NYONGWEN CITES Management Email: [email protected] Authority Directeur de la Faune et Mr. Joseph des Aires Protégées, Tel: +237 699 87 95 43 Ministère des Forêts et de la Faune LEKEALEM CITES Focal Point – Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Fauna Sous-Directrice de la Valorisation et de Tel: +237 696 56 02 48 Ministère des Forêts et de la Faune Mrs. Maha NGALIÉ l’Exploitation de la Faune, Email: [email protected] CITES Focal Point – Fauna Email: [email protected] Mr. Jerry Mbi Conservator, Takamanda Mr. Kirensky is a Mentoring for Environmental Training in Outreach and Ministère des Forêts et de la Faune KIRENSKY National Park Resource Conservation Progress on Pangolins (MENTOR-POP) graduate, and IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Directeur of the EFG, Tel: +237 222 27 31 35 / 699 56 56 09 Ecole de Faune de Garoua (EFG) Mr. Michel BABALE CITES Scientific Authority Email: [email protected] – Fauna http://www.ecoledefaune.org Directeur des Pêches, de Ministère de l’Elevage, des Pêches Tel: +237 222 31 60 49 / 699 59 56 89 Dr. Emma BELAL l’Aquaculture et des et Industries Animales Email: [email protected] Industries Halieutiques,

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information CITES Enforcement Authority Sous-Directeur de la Pêches Industrielles et Ministère de l’Elevage, des Pêches Mr. Divine Ngala Tel: +237 222 31 60 49 Artisanales, et Industries Animales TOMBUH Email: [email protected] CITES Enforcement Authority Email: [email protected] Ms. Euphemia Ewah Asongwa Chambers Environmental Lawyer Cameroon Bar Association FOSAB MENTOR-POP graduate Email: [email protected] Bradenburg Technical University Researching pangolin distribution and abundance, as well as implementing Mr. Fotang CHEFOR PhD Student (Germany) awareness raising around montane forest protected areas in the northwest. IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member Email: [email protected] /[email protected] / [email protected] Central Africa Bushmeat Action Dr. Francis Nchembi https://www.cabag-network.org/ Project Director Group TARLA Dr. Tarla is co-architect and in-country scientific coordinator of the MENTOR-POP program. He is also an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Central Africa Bushmeat Action Acting Operations Email: [email protected] Mr. Serge AKA’A Group Manager https://www.cabag-network.org/ Congo Basin Institute, University of Email: [email protected] Dr. Eric NANA Research Coordinator California – Los Angeles http://www.cbi.ucla.edu Email: [email protected] Durrell Institute of Conservation Ms. Essua Etogekwe MSc Student University of Kent and Ecology FOSSUNG Ms. Fossung is a MENTOR-POP graduate. Tel: +237 675523180 / 690970722 Last Great Ape Organization Mr. Eric Kaba TAH Deputy Director Email: [email protected] (LAGA) – EAGLE https://www.laga-enforcement.org/en Mr. Neil Living Earth Foundation Email: [email protected] MADDISON

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Mr. Maddison is possibly involved in reforming Cameroon’s live wildlife seizure and sanctuary protocols. Email: [email protected] Noé - Man & Nature Cameroon Mr. Camille AFFANA Program Manager https://www.manandnature.org/ Mr. Affana is a MENTOR-POP graduate. Email: [email protected] / [email protected] https://www.pangonet.org/home MSc Student; https://www.facebook.com/PangolinSaver/ Mr. Ichu Ichu Pangolin Conservation Network Central African Bushmeat Mr. Godwill is currently conducting his M.Sc. research on pangolins in GODWILL Action Group Cameroon under Dr. Dana Morin at Mississippi State University. He is the coordinator of the Central African Pangolin Network, a MENTOR-POP graduate, and an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] https://www.pangonet.org/home Mr. Ghislain https://www.facebook.com/PangolinSaver/ Pangolin Conservation Network Ecologist DIFOUO FOPA Mr. Difouo Fopa is conducting ecology and socioeconomic research. He is a Ph.D. candidate at the Zoology Laboratory of University of Yaounde I- Cameroon. Email: [email protected] Mr. Esong Lionel Ecology and Wildlife https://www.pangonet.org/home Pangolin Conservation Network EBONG Researcher https://www.facebook.com/PangolinSaver/ Mr. Ebong is an M.Sc. student at the University of Buea. Email: [email protected] https://www.pangonet.org/home Mr. Simo Franklin Pangolin Conservation Network Ecologist Mr. Talla conducts ecology and socioeconomic research and is a Ph.D. TALLA candidate at the Zoology Laboratory of University of Yaounde I-Cameroon. He is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] Pangolin Conservation Network Mr. Alain DELON PhD Student Mr. Delon is conducting his Ph.D. research on pangolin socio-economics. He is a Ph.D. student at the University of Dschang. Email: [email protected] Tikki Hywood Foundation Ms. Angelia YOUNG Country Director https://www.tikkihywoodfoundation.org/cameroon/

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information THF is a rehabilitation and rescue facility dedicated to pangolins. Mr. Christopher Wildlife Project Officer – Email: [email protected] TRAFFIC Sone NKOKE Central Africa Mr. Nkoke is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Wildlife Project Officer – Email: [email protected] TRAFFIC Mr. Luc EVOUNA Central Africa Mr. Evouna conducts bushmeat market surveys. Email: [email protected] Mr. Constant Wildlife Project Officer – TRAFFIC MR. Moballa conducts bushmeat market surveys and socioeconomics of MOBALLA Central Africa pangolin use research. Email: [email protected] University of California – Los Africa Director, Center Dr. Kevin NJABO https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/person/kevin-njabo/ Angeles for Tropical Research Dr. Njabo is Involved in UCLA’s pangolin trafficking project. Email: [email protected] Mr. Anoah WWF – Cameroon Law Enforcement Officer Mr. Ekane previously conducted a market survey for the United Nations Humphrey EKANE Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Tri-National Dja-Odzala- Dr. Andrew Email: [email protected] Zoological Society of London Minkebe Landscape FOWLER https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/africa Director Email: [email protected] Mr. Nebaneh Samuel Zoological Society of London Law Enforcement Officer https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/africa NEBA Mr. Neba is a MENTOR-POP graduate. Central African Republic Tel: +236 75 88 67 11; +236 72 27 84 97 Email: [email protected] Directeur de la Faune et Ministère des Eaux, Forêts, Chasses et Pêches Direction Générale des Eaux, Mr. Nestor des Aires Protégées; Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts Forêts, Chasse et Pêche WALIWA CITES Management Direction de la Faune et des Aires Protégées Authority B.P. 830 BANGUI Ministère des Eaux, Forêts, Chasses et Pêches Direction Générale des Eaux, Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts CITES Scientific Authority Forêts, Chasse et Pêche Direction de la Faune et des Aires Protégées B.P. 830

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information BANGUI Email: [email protected] Sangha Pangolin Project Dr. Maja GUDEHUS Program Coordinator http://sanghalodge.com/sangha-pangolin-project/the-project Dr. Gudehus is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] Program Director and Sangha Pangolin Project Mr. Rod CASSIDY http://sanghalodge.com/sangha-pangolin-project/the-project Founder Mr. Cassidy is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] http://sanghalodge.com/sangha-pangolin-project/the-project Ms. Tessa Sangha Pangolin Project Program Assistant Ms. Ullmann previously conducted work on scale conversion parameters for ULLMANN illegal wildlife trade (IWT) law enforcement purposes. She is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Chad Directeur, Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Pêche Direction de la Conservation de la Mr. Chaibo Hamid CITES Management B.P. 447 Faune et des Aires Protégées ABDRAMANE Authority N’DJAMENA Ministère de l’Environnement et de Mr. Mahamat Saleh Secretaire General, Tel: +235 99 95 02 63 / 22 52 07 57 la Pêche MOUHYDDINE CITES Scientific Authority Email: [email protected] Chef de Divison Chasse et Lutte Contre la Tel: +235 66 01 97 71 Direction de la Conservation de la Mr. Haktouim Criminalité Faunique, Email: [email protected] Faune et des Aires Protégées KLAMON CITES Enforcement Mr. Klamon is also part of the CITES Management Authority. Authority Chef de Service de Direction de Lutte contre le Tel: +235 66 27 84 49 / 99 80 25 12 Mr. Ato Faustin l’Information, de la Braconnage et la Dégradation de Email: [email protected] NADJIAMNGAR Réglementation et du l’Environnement Mr. Nadjiamngar is a CITES Enforcement Authority. Contentieux

Email: [email protected] Dr. Pierre-Armand African Parks Regional Director – Chad https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/zakouma ROULET African Parks runs Zakouma National Park and the Ennedi Reserve

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Tel: +243 (0)81 263 37 70 / (0)89 648 94 19 Directeur-Coordinateur Institut Congolais pour la Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Dr. Augustin Ngumbi de la CITES; Conservation de la Nature Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (I.C.C.N) AMUR CITES Management (I.C.C.N) 13, Avenue des Cliniques, Commune de la Gombe Authority KINSHASA B.P. 868 – KINSHASA XI Tel: +243 (0) 812 254 000 Email: [email protected] Dr. Arthur Kalonji Directeur; Jardin Zoologique de Kinshasa Croisement des Avenues Kasa Vubu-Commerce MULAMAYI CITES Scientific Authority KINSAHASA Commune de la Gombe Université de la Conservation de la Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Mr. Benezeth Nature et de Developpement de MSc Student Mr. Visando is a researcher at Pangolins Conservation Project/MTK-DRC and VISANDO Kasugho RCEP/Goma. Email: [email protected] Mr. Jonas Kambale University of Kisangani MSc Student Mr. Nyumu is a MENTOR-POP graduate and an IUCN SSC Pangolin NYUMU Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] Mr. Joel Mbusa University of Kisangani MSc Student Mr. Mapoli is a researcher at Pangolins Conservation Project/MTK-DRC and MAPOLI RCEP/Goma. Mr. David Kambale Mr. Malimbo is a Researcher at Pangolins Conservation Project/MTK-DRC University of Kisangani MSc Student MALIMBO and RCEP/Goma. Gorilla Rehabilitation And Website: https://gracegorillas.org/ Education Center Centre de Rehabilitation des Email: [email protected]

Primates de Lwire Website: https://www.lwiroprimates.org/ Email: [email protected] Lola ya Bonobo Friends of Bonobos Bonobo Sanctuary https://www.lolayabonobo.org/ Normally only dedicated to bonobos. Email: [email protected] Synergie Rurale - Action Paysanne, Claude Keboy Mov Coordinator http://synergieruraleactionpaysanne.blogspot.com/ SyR-AP (NGO) Linkey IFLANKOY Mr. Iflankoy is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member.

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Email: [email protected] Tshuapa-Lomami-Lualaba Project https://www.bonoboincongo.com/ Dr. Terese HART Director (TL2) TL2 is not currently involved with pangolins, but this newest of DRC’s national parks would be an interesting stakeholder. Email: [email protected] Wildlife Conservation Society – Mr. Robert Coordinator, WCS WCS conducts bushmeat, market/restaurant survey, demand reduction, DRC MWINYIHALI Urban Bushmeat Project behavior change, and legal reform. Equatorial Guinea Tel: +240 27 39 70 (mobile/celular) Biól. D. Santiago- Dirección General de Medio CITES Management Email: [email protected] Francisco Engonga Ambiente Authority Ministerio de Bosques y Medio Ambiente ESONO MALABO 2 Biól. D. Santiago- Ministerio de Bosques y Medio Tel: +240 27 39 70 (mobile/cellular) Francisco Engonga CITES Scientific Authority Ambiente Email: [email protected] ESONO Email: [email protected] Bioko Biodiversity Protection http://www.bioko.org/ Dr. Katy GONDER Director Program Program conducts bushmeat market monitoring in Bioko, including pangolin offtake. Email: [email protected] Bioko Biodiversity Protection Mr. David http://www.bioko.org/ National Manager Program MONTGOMERY Program conducts bushmeat market monitoring in Bioko, including pangolin offtake. Gabon Tel: +241 76 14 44 Directrice Generale, Email: [email protected] Direction Générale de la Faune et Mme Aimée Mekui CITES Management Ministère de la Forêt, de l’Environnement et de la Protection des Ressources des Aires Protégées ALLOGO Authority Naturelles B.P. 1128, LIBREVILLE Agence National des Parcs Dr. Aurélie Flore Tel: +241 07 52 76 23 CITES Scientific Authority Nationaux Koumba PAMBO Email: [email protected]

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Chargée de mission Email: [email protected] Agence National des Parcs Ms. Carla conventions Ms. Moumbolou is a MENTOR-POP graduate and an IUCN SSC Pangolin Nationaux MOUMBOLOU internationals Specialist Group Member. Institut pour la Recherche en Dr. Chimène Nze Researcher Email: [email protected] Ecologie Tropicale (IRET) NKOGUE Email: [email protected] Station d’Etudes des Gorilles et Dr. David https://scienceparcsgabon.weebly.com/segc.html Director Chimpanzes (SEGC) LEHMANN SEGC is currently implementing spatial ecology research on giant pangolins in Lope and Wonga Wongue national parks. Universite des Sciences et Dr. Stephen NTIE Professor Email: [email protected] Techniques de Masuku Universite des Sciences et Mr. Brice Email: [email protected] PhD Student Techniques de Masuku MOMBOUA Mr. Momboua is studying the ecology of Phataginus sp. in Lope National Park. Email: [email protected] Centre de Coopération https://www.cirad.fr/ Internationale pour la Recherche Mr. Martin HEGA Researcher Mr. Hega was coordinating bushmeat research and community-driven Agronomique pour le conservation initiatives. He was an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Développement Member. Email: [email protected] Field Program Chester Zoo Mr. Stuart NIXON https://www.chesterzoo.org/what-we-do/ Coordinator Burgeoning program in the Fernan Vaz area of coastal Gabon. Email: [email protected] Dr. Kate Dr. Abernethy provides scientific supervision of the SEGC station in Lope, University of Stirling Professor ABERNETHY part of IRET – Gabon. Leads bushmeat research and supervises Gabonese pangolin students. Republic of Congo Directeur Général de Tel: +242 05 528 29 63 / 06 665 04 02 Direction Générale de l’Economie Mr. Joseph l’Economie Forestière, Email: [email protected] Forestière MOUMBOUILOU CITES Management Ministère de l’Economie Forestière et du Développement Durable Authority B.P.98, BRAZZAVILLE Direction de la Faune et des Aires Mr. Jean Bosco Directeur de la Faune et Tel: +242 05 551 99 26 / 06 656 85 52 Protégées NGANONGO des Aires Protégées Email: [email protected]

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Mr. Nganongo is a CITES Management Authority. Direction de la Faune et des Aires Mr. Roger Albert Tel: +242 06 665 56 00 / 05 665 56 00 CITES Scientific Authority Protégées MBETE Email: [email protected] Mr. Matthieu Lesio Louna Reserve Email: [email protected] Aspinall Foundation BONNET Director Foundation supports IWT law enforcement. Email: [email protected] Ms. Marketa Czech University of Life Sciences PhD Student Ms. Swiacka researches bushmeat and community conservation of pangolins SWIACKA around Odzala-Kokoua. Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Endangered Species International Ms. Julia LIGNERES Country Director https://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/ (ESI) – Congo ESI focuses on communities, hunting and bushmeat. Mr. Franck Email: [email protected] ESI – Congo National Coordinator MACKOUNDI https://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/ Email: [email protected] Projet d’Appui à l’Application de la Ms. Perrine ODIER Country Director https://palf-enforcement.org/ Loi sur la Faune Sauvage (PALF) PALF is the EAGLE chapter in Congo. Email: [email protected] Dr. Michelle Central Africa Regional WCS https://congo.wcs.org/ WEILAND Technical Advisor WCS supports bushmeat and anti-IWT and protected areas management. Email: [email protected] Mr. Robert Coordinator, WCS WCS Mr. Mwinyihali supports work in bushmeat, market/restaurant survey, MWINYIHALI Urban Bushmeat Project demand reduction, behavior change and legal reform. Mr. Christian Law Enforcement Email: [email protected] Wildlife Conservation Society PLOWMAN Technical Advisor https://congo.wcs.org/ Mr. Cedric Email: [email protected] WWF Country Representative SEPULCRE http://www.wwf-congobasin.org/ Uganda Director; Tel: +256 414 561 721 / 772 587 807 CITES Management Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Directorate of Tourism, Wildlife Mr. James LUTALO Authority; http://www.tourism.go.ug and Antiquities CITES Enforcement Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Authority Plot 6, Nakasero Road

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information P.O Box 4241, Kampala Tel: +256 414 355 000 Email: [email protected] Uganda Wildlife Authority Executive Director CITES Scientific Authority http://www.ugandawildlife.org Plot 7, Kira Road, Kamwokya P.O. Box 3530, KAMPALA Tel: +256 414 320 520 Uganda Wildlife Conservation Executive Director Wildlife Rescue Center Email: [email protected] Education Centre http://www.uwec.ug Email: [email protected] Field Program Chester Zoo Mr. Stuart NIXON https://www.chesterzoo.org/what-we-do/ Coordinator Mr. Nixon conducts pangolin research throughout the country. Email: [email protected] Ms. Naomi Chester Zoo Ph.D. Student https://www.chesterzoo.org/what-we-do/ MATTHEWS Ms. Matthews is conducting Ph.D. research on giant pangolin ecology.

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Table A1.3: Global Resource Persons and Institutions that are Relevant to Pangolin Conservation in West and Central Africa.

Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Email: [email protected] African Pangolin https://africanpangolin.org/ Dr. Ray JANSEN Chairman Working Group Dr. Jansen previously supported work in Ghana, and is currently involved in projects in Nigeria and southern Africa; he is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Conservation Email: [email protected] African Parks Mr. Jean Marc FROMENT Director https://www.africanparks.org/ Director of Email: [email protected] African Parks Mr. Erik MARAV Operations, West https://www.africanparks.org/ Africa Also contact for Odzala National Park in Congo Email: [email protected] Institutional https://www.africanparks.org/ African Parks Dr. Hugues AKPONA Funding Manager Dr. Akpona conducted PhD research on pangolins in Benin, but is no longer active in the field. He is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Africa Policy & Email: [email protected] Born Free USA Ms. Alice STROUD Capacity-building https://www.bornfreeusa.org/ Director Born Free has significant involvement in CITES capacity building in the region. Director and Email: [email protected] EAGLE Mr. Ofir DRORI Founder https://www.eagle-enforcement.org/ Senior Program Fauna & Flora Email: [email protected] Ms. Angelique TODD Manager, West & International https://www.fauna-flora.org Central Africa Email: [email protected] Florida Atlantic Mr. Daniel ALEMPIJEVIC Masters Student Mr. Alempijevic is co-author of West African pangolin chapters in the pangolin book and University has an ongoing canopy camera trap work in West and Central Africa. IUCN SSC Pangolin Email: [email protected] Dr. Daniel CHALLENDER Chairman Specialist Group https://www.pangolinsg.org/ IUCN SSC Pangolin Email: [email protected] Mrs. Keri PARKER Vice Chairperson Specialist Group https://www.pangolinsg.org/ James Cook Mr. Thomas BRUCE PhD Candidate Email: [email protected] University

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Mr. Bruce is researching giant pangolins in Cameroon, and is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] Michigan State Associate Dr. Meredith GORE https://conservationcriminology.com/ University Professor Dr. Gore is an expert on Conservation Criminology and IWT in Central Africa. Email: [email protected] Mississippi State Dr. Dana MORIN Assistant Professor Dr. Morin conducts population monitoring and pangolin inventory research, and is an University IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] Regional http://www.naturemetrics.co.uk/ NatureMetrics Mr. Benjamin BARCA Coordinator for NatureMetrics is currently working with local organizations developing eDNA sampling West African protocols for pangolins. Email: [email protected] https://pangolinconsortium.org/ Lead Point of Pangolin Consortium Mr. Bill ZIEGLER Pangolin Consortium is supporting pangolin research and conservation in situ with grants Contact prioritized for African species. It maintains an ex situ colony of white-bellied pangolins in the USA. Email: [email protected] https://www.pangolincrisisfund.org/ Pangolin Crisis Fund Mr. Paul THOMSON Co-Director PCF is currently supporting projects in West Africa and building an increasing (PCF) endowment. Mr. Thomson is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member and Vice Chair. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +1-352-562-2243 http://projectmecistops.org/ Project Mecistops Dr. Matthew H. SHIRLEY Director Project Mecistops is implementing pangolin research and student training in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea; it is developing global-scale pangolin IWT initiatives in collaboration with other stakeholders identified here. Email: [email protected] Co-Founder, Save Pangolins Mr. Paul THOMSON https://www.savepangolins.org/ Executive Director https://www.pangolincrisisfund.org

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Save Pangolins is raising awareness for pangolin conservation. Mr. Thomson is the Director of Conservation Programs at Wildlife Conservation Network, a MENTOR-POP Mentor, and IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member and Vice Chair. Email: [email protected] https://www.savepangolins.org/ Co-Founder, https://www.pangolincrisisfund.org Save Pangolins Mrs. Keri PARKER Chief Conservation Save Pangolins is raising awareness for pangolin conservation. Mrs. Parker is an IUCN SSC Officer Conservation Planning Specialist Group Apprentice Facilitator, Co-Architect of the MENTOR-POP, and IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member and Vice Chair. Email: [email protected] Tikki Hywood Founder and https://www.tikkihywoodfoundation.org/ Ms. Lisa HYWOOD Foundation (THF) Director THF is supporting pangolin rehabilitation and release efforts throughout West Africa. Ms. Hywood is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member and Vice Chair. Email: [email protected] Director of THF Dr. Darren PIETERSEN https://www.tikkihywoodfoundation.org/ Research Dr. Pietersen is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member and Vice Chair. Email: [email protected] Associate Director, https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/person/virginia-zaunbrecher/ Ms. Virginia UCLA Center for https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/project/pangolin-trafficking-project/ ZAUNBRECHER Tropical Research Ms. Zaunbrecher is part of the pangolin trafficking project – tracking pangolins in IWT via genetics. Email: [email protected] Assistant https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/person/ryan-harrigan/ Researcher, UCLA Dr. Ryan HARRIGAN https://www.ioes.ucla.edu/project/pangolin-trafficking-project/ Center for Dr. Harrigan is part of the pangolin trafficking project – tracking pangolins in IWT via Tropical Research genetics. Email: [email protected] Laboratoire https://philippe-gaubert.eu/projets/pangogo1/ Universite Paul Evolution et Dr. Gaubert is tracing the local-to-global trade of the most trafficked mammals on Earth Dr. Philippe GAUBERT Sabatier Diversité with evolutionary-based toolkits – PANGO-GO. He is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Biologique Group Member.

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Agency/Institution Resource Person Role Contact & Additional Information Email: [email protected] University of Sterling Dr. Daniel INGRAM Researcher Dr. Ingram published significantly on wildlife trade and bushmeat sustainability in the region. He is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] Central Africa WCS Dr. Emma STOKES Dr. Stokes oversees and coordinates all regional activities for WCS in Cameroon, Gabon, Regional Director DRC, and Congo. Email: [email protected] Director of Zoological Society of https://www.zsl.org/conservation Mr. Michael HOFFMANN Conservation and London Mr. Hoffmann is co-author on West African species Red List assessments and chapters in Policy new pangolin book, and he is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member. Email: [email protected] https://www.zsl.org/conservation Zoological Society of Pangolin Technical Ms. Carly WATERMAN Ms. Waterman was formerly involved with the Zoological Society of London MENTOR- London Specialist POP program. She is an IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group Member and Red List Focal Point. W-Arly-Pendjari Zoological Society of Protected Area Email: [email protected] Ms. Manon GRUNER London Complex https://www.zsl.org/ Coordinator

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APPENDIX 2: PANGOLINS IN WEST AFRICAN PROTECTED AREAS Table A2.1: Inventory of Pangolins in Protected Areas in West Africa. For each country, this table includes all national parks, nature and wildlife reserves, as well as any additional protected areas reported on by questionnaire respondents. The IUCN Categories are (Ia) Strict Nature Reserve, (Ib) Wilderness Area, (II) National Park, (III) Natural Monument, (IV) Habitat/Species Management Area, (V) Protected Landscape/Feature, and (VI) Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources. These categorizations were provided by the regional stakeholders and were not verified for accuracy. Under each species, Y (yes), N (no), and P (potentially/maybe) indicate if the species is known from that protected area in the past or currently, question marks (?) indicate there is not enough information, and (-) indicate when a species is not present in that country. All data and comments were provided by regional stakeholders, with additional input from published literature.

White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Benin Parc National de Pendjari II Y P - - Y P Parc National de W - Benin II Y P - - Y P Reserve Biosphere - Delta du Mono III Y Y - - N N Ilots forestiers protégée de Gnanhouizoumè III Y Y - - N N (Bonou) Jardin Botanique et Zoologique de l’Université White-bellied pangolins introduced III Y Y - - N N d’Abomey-Calavi here starting in 2016, after confiscation Zone Cynégétique de la Pendjari VI Y N - - Y P Giant pangolin was last seen in 2013 Zone Cynégétique de l’Atacora VI Y N - - Y N Zone Cynégétique de la Djona VI Y N - - Y N Forêt Classée de Lama (core) V Y Y - - N N Forêt Classée de Lama (buffer) VI Y Y - - N N Forêt Classée de la Sota V Y P - - N N Forêt Classée Trois Rivieres V Y P - - N N Forêt Classée Ouémé Superieure V Y N - - N N Forêt Classée Ouémé Boukou V Y Y - - ? N Forêt Classée Monts Kouffé V Y P - - ? N Forêt Classée Djidja V Y N - - Y N Forêt Classée de Lokoli V Y N - - N N

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Forêt Classée de Dogbo V Y P - - ? N Forêt Classée d’Agoua V Y Y - - Y N Forêt Classée de Niaouli V Y Y - - N N Forêt Classée d’Alibori Superieur V Y Y - - Y P Forêt Classée de Bassila V Y Y - - ? N Forêt Classée Djaloukou V Y Y - - ? N Forêt Classée de Penessoulou V Y Y - - N N Forêt Classée de Toui-klibo V Y Y - - N N Forêt Classée de Wari-Maro V Y Y - - ? N Burkina Faso Parc National de Deux Bales II - - - - ? ? Parc National de Kabore-Tambi II - - - - ? ? Parc National W – Burkina Faso II - - - - Y ? Reserve de Faune d’Arly IV - - - - Y ? Reserve de Faune de Bontioli IV - - - - ? ? Reserve de Faune Partielle de Kourtiagou IV - - - - ? ? Reserve de Faune de Madjori IV - - - - ? ? Reserve de Faune de Mare aux Hippopotames IV - - - - ? ? Reserve de Faune Partielle de Pama IV - - - - ? ? Reserve de Faune Partielle de Sahel IV - - - - ? ? Reserve de Faune de Singou IV - - - - ? ? Côte d’Ivoire Reserve de Faune de Haut Bandama Ia Y ? ? ? Y ? Reserve Naturelle Integrale de Lamto Ia Y ? Y ? Y ? Reserve Naturelle Integrale du Mont Nimba Ia Y P Y P Y ? Parc National de Azagny II Y Y Y Y Y N Parc National de Banco II Y Y Y Y P N Parc National de Comoe II Y Y Y Y Y Y Parc National de Iles Ehotile II Y Y Y Y Y N

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Near complete conversion to grazing, Parc National de Marahoue II Y ? Y ? Y ? status uncertain Near complete conversion to Parc National de Mont Peko II Y P Y P Y P plantation, status uncertain Parc National de Mont Sangbe II Y P Y P Y P Parc National de Tai II Y Y Y Y Y Y Reserve Naturelle Volontaire N’zi River Lodge II Y P ? ? ? ? Reserve de Faune Abokouamekro IV Y P ? ? ? ? Reserve de Faune du N’Zo IV Y Y Y Y Y Y Unknown if white-bellied pangolins Reserve Naturelle Partielle de Dahliafleur IV ? Y ? ? ? ? historically present, being released there currently Forêt Classée de Béki V Y Y Y Y ? ? Largely converted to cacao plantation Forêt Classée de Bossématié V Y Y Y Y Y N Largely converted to cacao plantation Forêt Classée de Cavaly V Y Y Y Y Y ? Forêt Classée de Dassioko V Y Y Y Y Y N Forêt Classée de Haute Dodo V Y Y Y Y Y ? Forêt Classée de Mabi V Y Y Y Y Y N Forêt Classée de Port Gauthier V Y Y Y Y Y ? Forêt Classée de Yaya V Y Y Y Y Y N Forêt Communautaire Tanoé-Ehy VI Y Y Y Y Y N Gambia Abuko Nature Reserve Ia N N N N ? ? Gunjur (Bolonfenyo) Community Wildlife Reserve II N N N N ? ? River Gambia National Park II N N N N ? ? Tanji Bird Reserve II N N N N ? ? Baobolon Wetland Reserve IV N N N N ? ? Kiang West National Park VI N N N N ? ? Niumi National Park VI N N N N ? ?

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Tanbi Wetland National Park VI N N N N ? ? Ghana Kogyae Strict Nature Reserve Ia Y N Y N Y N Ankasa Conservation Area II Y Y Y Y Y N Bia Conservation Area II Y Y Y Y Y N Bui National Park II Y ? Y ? Y ? Digya National Park II ? ? ? ? Y ? Kakum National Park II Y Y Y Y Y N Mole National Park II ? ? ? ? Y ? Nini-Suhien National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Kyabobo National Park II Y ? Y ? Y ? Lake Bosomtwe Biosphere Reserve III ? ? ? ? ? ? Songor Biosphere Reserve III ? ? ? ? ? ? Boabeng-Fiema Wildlife Sanctuary IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary IV Y Y Y Y Y N Asukese Forest Reserve V Y Y ? N ? N Atewa Range Forest Reserve V Y Y Y Y P N Bia Tano Forest Reserve V Y Y Y Y Y N Fure Forest Reserve V Y Y ? ? Y N Nyamebekyere Sacred Groove V ? N ? N ? N Sui Forest Reserve V Y Y Y P P N Tinte Bepo Forest Reserve V Y Y ? N ? N Assin-Attandanso Game Production Reserve VI ? ? ? ? ? ? Gbele Game Production Reserve VI ? ? ? ? ? ? Kalakpa Game Production Reserve VI ? ? ? ? ? ? Shai Hills Game Production Reserve VI ? ? ? ? ? ? Guinea Mont Nimba Strict Nature Reserve Ia Y Y Y Y Y Y Pangolins are rare

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Parc National Badiar II ? ? ? ? ? ? Parc National du Haut Niger II Y Y Y Y Y Y Proposed, a 2018-2020 action plan Parc National de Moyen Bafing II ? ? ? ? Y Y exists Mont Nimba Biosphere Reserve III Y Y Y Y Y Y Pangolins are rare Massif du Ziama Biosphere Reserve III Y Y Y Y Y Y Tristao Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Forêt Classée de Banan V Y Y Y Y Y N Forêt Classée de Diécké V Y Y Y Y Y Y Forêt Classée du Pic de Fon V Y Y Y Y Y N Forêt Classée de Yonon V Y Y Y Y Y N Guinea-Bissau Boé National Park II ? ? - - ? ? Catanhez Forest National Park II Y Y - - ? ? Cufada National Park II ? ? - - ? ? Dulombi National Park II ? ? - - ? ? Varela National Park II ? ? - - ? ? Bolama-Bijagos Biosphere Reserve III ? ? - - ? ? Bijagos Archipelago Biosphere Reserve III ? ? - - ? ? Canjambari Faunal Reserve IV ? ? - - ? ? Pelundo Faunal Reserve IV ? ? - - ? ? Liberia East Nimba Nature Reserve Ia Y Y Y Y Y Y Gola Forest National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Grebo-Krahn National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Sapo National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Lake Piso Multipurpose Sustainable Use Reserve VI Y Y Y Y Y Y Wonegizi Nature Reserve VI Y Y Y Y Y P Wologizi National Forest V Y Y Y Y P P

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Mali Parc National du Bafing II Y ? Y ? P ? Parc National Kouroufing II Y ? Y ? P ? Parc National de Wongo II Y ? Y ? P ? Réserve Totale de Faune de Mandé Wula IV ? ? P ? P ? Réserve Totale de Faune de Néma Wula IV ? ? P ? P ? Réserve Partielle de Faune d’Ansongo-Ménaka IV N N N N N N Réserve Partielle de Faune de Siankadougou IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Réserve partielle de faune dite des Eléphants du IV N N N N N N Gourma Réserve Partielle de Faune du Banifing-Baoulé IV N N N N N N Réserve Totale de Faune de Dialakoro IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Réserve Totale de Faune de Djangoumerila IV ? ? P ? P ? Réserve Totale de Faune de Kéniébaoulé IV ? ? P ? P ? Réserve Totale de Faune de Nienendougou IV ? ? P ? P ? Réserve Totale de Faune de Sounsan IV N N N N N N Réserve Totale de Faune de Talikourou IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Réserve Totale de Faune Djinetoumanina IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Zone d’Intérêt Cynégétique de Flawa VI P ? P ? P ? Niger Parc W – Niger II N N N N Y ? Nigeria Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary Ia Y P Y P Y P Akure Strict Nature Reserve Ia ? ? ? ? ? ? Bam Ngelzarma Strict Nature Reserve Ia ? ? ? ? ? ? Lekki Strict Nature Reserve Ia ? ? ? ? ? ? Mbe Mountains Wildlife Sanctuary Ia Y Y Y P Y ? Omo Strict Nature Reserve Ia ? ? ? ? ? ? Urhonigbe Strict Nature Reserve Ia ? ? ? ? ? ?

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Chad Basin National Park II N N N N N N Recent local hunter report of giant Cross River National Park II Y Y Y Y Y P pangolin Gashaka Gumti National Park II Y Y ? ? Y Y Kainji Lake National Park II ? ? Y Y N N Kamuku National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Okomu National Park II Y P Y P Y ? Old Oyo National Park II Y P Y P Y ? Ise Forest Reserve VI Y Y N N Y N Idanre Forest Reserve VI Y Y Y Y Y N Omo-Shasha and Oluwa Forest Reserve V Y Y Y N Y N Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve VI Y Y ? ? ? ? Ifon Game Reserve VI Y Y Y N N N Opara Game Reserve VI Y Y Y N N N Senegal Niokolo Koba National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Pangolins recorded, unknown species Sierra Leone Gola Rainforest National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Loma Mountain National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Outamba Kilimi National Park II Y Y Y ? Y Y Overexploited Kangari Hills Protected Area V Y Y Y ? Y Y Habitat is heavily degraded Habitat is heavily degraded and Kambui Hills Protected Area V Y Y Y ? Y Y pangolins overhunted Sankan Biriwa (Tingi Hills) Protected Area V ? ? ? ? ? ? Western Area Protected Area V Y ? Y ? Y ? Tiwai Island Protected Area VI Y Y Y Y Y Y Togo Réserve d’Alédjo Ia ? ? - - ? ? Réserve de Mandouri Ia ? ? - - ? ?

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Réserve de l’Oti Ia ? ? - - ? ? Réserve de Sarakawa Ia ? ? - - ? ? Fosse aux Lions National Park II N N - - N N Fazao Malfakasa National Park II Y Y - - Y ? Parc de la Oti-Kéran II ? ? - - ? ? Complexe d’aires protégées de Togodo II Y Y - - N N Réserve de Faune d’Abdoulaye IV Y Y - - N N Reserve de Faune d’Alédjo IV ? ? - - ? ? Reserve de Faune de Djamde IV ? ? - - ? ? Reserve de Faune de Galangashi IV N N - - N N Reserve de Faune de Sirka IV N N - - N N Réserve de Forêt d’Assoukoko IV Y Y - - Y ? Agbonou-Nord Forêt Classée IV N N - - N N Agou Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Amakpavé Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Amou-Mono Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Anié Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Aou-Mono Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Asrama Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Assime-Adeta Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Assoukoko Forêt Classée V Y Y Y ? N N Atakpamé Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Atilakoutse Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Baoule Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Barkoissi Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Bas-Ogou Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Bassari-Montagne Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Bayeme Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Beh’Ho Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Bena Forêt Classée V Y Y Y ? N N Calicednat Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Dametui Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Dantjo Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Davié Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Djemegni Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Dumbua Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Eto Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Game Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Haho-Baloe Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Haito Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Hawe Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Jogble Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Kabou-Montagne Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Kara Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Kémini Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Kéran National Park V N N - - ? ? Kindja Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Kouatie Forêt Classée V Y ? - - ? ? Koularo Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Kpime Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Kra Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Lili Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Missahoé Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Monda Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Mont Balam Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Mont Hanto Forêt Classée V ? ? - - ? ? Mt Amalo Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N Natiwah Forêt Classée V Y Y - - N N

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Nuatja Sud Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Ouatchidome Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Sadji Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Siou Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Siriabe Faunal Reserve V Y Y - - N N Sotouboa Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Tchilla-Monota Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Tchorogo Forêt Classée V Y N - - N N Tetetou-Nord Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Tetetou-Sud Forêt Classée V N N - - N N Les unités de forêts de la zone écologique IV (les VI Y Y - - Y ? Deux Béna, Missahoe et Danyi-Yikpa)

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APPENDIX 3: PANGOLINS IN CENTRAL AFRICAN PROTECTED AREAS

Figure A3.1: Map of White-bellied Pangolin in Central African Protected Areas. This map was created compiling records of species presence/absence from the literature (see Chapter 3) and input from regional stakeholders via the questionnaire. The protected area polygons were downloaded from the IUCN World Database on Protected Areas and the various World Resources Institute forest atlas websites for Central Africa. The species range polygons are as in Figure 3.1.4. Protected areas coded as “suitable / historic presence” are largely limited to sites with historic but no contemporary data or opinions of regional stakeholders, many more protected areas than those likely have suitable habitat. Protected areas outside of the range but inside of known range states were coded as No Data to encourage targeted exploration to help refine the range limits of this species. Protected areas where the species is indicated as Never Present should be viewed cautiously.

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Figure A3.2: Map of Black-bellied Pangolin in Central African Protected Areas. This map was created compiling records of species presence/absence from the literature (see Chapter 3) and input from regional stakeholders via the questionnaire. The protected area polygons were downloaded from the IUCN World Database on Protected Areas and the various World Resources Institute forest atlas websites for Central Africa. The species range polygons are as in Figure 3.1.5. Protected areas coded as “suitable / historic presence” are largely limited to sites with historic but no contemporary data or opinions of regional stakeholders, many more protected areas than those likely have suitable habitat. Protected areas outside of the range but inside of known range states were coded as No Data to encourage targeted exploration to help refine the range limits of this species. Protected areas where the species is indicated as Never Present should be viewed cautiously.

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Figure A3.3: Map of Giant Pangolin in Central African Protected Areas. This map was created compiling records of species presence/absence from the literature (see Chapter 3) and input from regional stakeholders via the questionnaire. The protected area polygons were downloaded from the IUCN World Database on Protected Areas and the various World Resources Institute forest atlas websites for Central Africa. The species range polygons are as in Figure 3.1.7. Protected areas coded as “suitable / historic presence” are largely limited to sites with historic but no contemporary data or opinions of regional stakeholders, many more protected areas than those likely have suitable habitat. Protected areas outside of the range but inside of known range states were coded as No Data to encourage targeted exploration to help refine the range limits of this species. Protected areas where the species is indicated as Never Present should be viewed cautiously.

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Table A3.1: Inventory of Pangolins in Protected Areas in Central Africa. For each country, this table includes all national parks, nature and wildlife reserves, as well as any additional protected areas reported on by questionnaire respondents. The IUCN Categories are (Ia) Strict Nature Reserve, (Ib) Wilderness Area, (II) National Park, (III) Natural Monument, (IV) Habitat/Species Management Area, (V) Protected Landscape/Feature, and (VI) Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources. Categorizations were taken from World Protected Area Database or provided by the regional stakeholders, and not verified for accuracy. Under each species, Y (yes), N (no), and P (potentially/maybe) indicate if the species is known from that protected area in the past or currently, question marks (?) indicate there is not enough information, and (-) indicate when a species is not present in that country. All data and comments were provided by regional stakeholders, with additional input from published literature.

White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Cameroon Bakossi National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Bénoué National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Bouba Njida National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Boumba Bek National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Campo Ma’an National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Dja Biosphere Reserve II Y Y Y Y Y Y Deng Deng National Park II Y Y Y ? Y ? Ebo National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Faro National Park II Y Y ? ? ? ? Kalamaloué National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Kimbi-Fungom National Park II Y Y ? ? Y ? Kom National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Korup National Park II Y Y Y Y Y ? Lobéké National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Manyange na Elombo-Campo II ? ? ? ? ? ? Mbam et Djerem National Park II Y Y ? N Y Y Mefou National Park II P P P P P P Mont Cameroon National Park II Y Y Y ? Y ? Mozogo Gokoro National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Mpem et Djim National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Ndongere National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Nki National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Takamanda National Park II Y Y Y ? ? ?

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Tchabal Mbabo National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Vallee du Mbéré National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Waza National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Bayang-Mbo Sanctuaire de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Douala Edéa National Park IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Kagwene Sanctuaire de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Kilum Ijim, Mont Oku IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Lac Ossa Reserve de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Mengame Sanctuaire de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Ngoyla Reserve de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Rumpi Hills Sanctuaire de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Santchou Reserve de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Tofala Hill Sanctuaire de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Central African Republic Vassako-Bolo Integral Nature Reserve Ia ? ? ? ? ? ? Andre Felix National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Bamingui-Bangoran National Park II Y ? ? ? Y ? Dzanga-Ndoki National Park II P P P P P P Manovo-Gounda-Saint Floris National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Aouk-Aoukale Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Avakaba Presidential Park IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Chinko Faunal Reserve IV Y Y Y Y Y Y Gribingui-Bamingui Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Koukourou-Bamingui Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Nana-Barya Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Ouandjia-Vakaga Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Yata-Ngaya Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Zemongo Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? Y ? Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve VI Y Y Y Y Y Y Chad Manda National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Sena Oura National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Zakouma National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Abou Telfane Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ?

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve IV N N N N N N Binder Léré Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Fada Archei Faunal Reserve IV N N N N N N Mandelia Faunal Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim IV N N N N ? ? Siniaka-Minia IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Democratic Republic of Congo Yangambi Biosphere Reserve Ia ? ? ? ? ? ? Bomu Reserve de Faune Ib ? ? ? ? ? ? Garamba National Park II Y Y ? ? P ? Kahuzi-Biega National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Kundelungu National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Lomami National Park II Y Y P P Y Y Maiko National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Okapi Faunal Reserve II P P P P P P Salonga National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Upemba National Park II P P P P P P Virunga National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Rubi-Tele Reserve V Y Y Y Y Y Y Tayna Nature Reserve IV Y Y Y Y Y Y Yangambi Nature Reserve VI Y Y Y Y Y Y Community conservation area with Forêt Communautaires Locales de Nkala IV Y Y Y Y Y Y four 300 ha forest fragments Equatorial Guinea Caldera de Luba Reserve Scientifique Ib ? ? ? ? N N Altos de Nsork National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Monté Alen National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Pico Basile National Park II ? ? ? ? N N Piedra Bere Natural Monument III ? ? ? ? ? ? Piedra Nzas Natural Monument III ? ? ? ? ? ? Monte Temelon Natural Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Punta Llende Natural Reserve IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Rio Campo Natural Reserve IV Y Y Y Y Y Y Gabon

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White-Bellied Black-Bellied IUCN Giant Pangolin Protected Area Pangolin Pangolin Comments Category Past Present Past Present Past Present Akanda National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Ivindo National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Loango National Park II Y Y ? ? Y Y Lope National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Mayumba National Park II Y Y ? ? Y Y Minkebe National II Y Y Y Y Y Y Monts Birigou National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Monts de Cristal National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Moukalaba-Doudou National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Mwagne National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Plateaux Batekes National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Pongara National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Waka National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Wonga Wongue Presidential Reserve II Y Y ? ? Y Y Raponda Walker Arboretum IV Y Y ? ? N N Republic of Congo Conkouati-Douli National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Lessio Louna National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park II Y Y P P Y Y Ntokou-Pikounda National Park II ? ? ? ? ? ? Odzala Kokoua National Park II Y Y Y Y Y Y Lac Tele Community Reserve IV Y Y Y Y Y Y Lefini Reserve de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Lossi Sanctuaire de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Mont Fouari Reserve de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Ngyanga Nord Reserve de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Tchimpounga Sanctuaire Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ? Tsoulou Sanctuaire de Faune IV ? ? ? ? ? ?

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APPENDIX 4: RECORDS OF SEIZURES OF PANGOLIN SCALES SOURCED FROM AFRICA SINCE 2009 Table A4.1: Records of Seizures of African Pangolin Scales Since 2009. The information in this table was compiled with the generous assistance of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group and supplemented with information supplied by the range state stakeholders as part of their responses to the questionnaire. This information is certainly incomplete. Shipping and transit information is difficult to extract reliably from news reports. The estimated quantity No. of pangolins is calculated as described in Section 4.5.2.3. Where possible, the following table includes a link to or description of the source of information—please note that these are not permalinks, they may be unstable, and future access to these sources is not guaranteed. Pictures of scales/seizures in news reports may or may not be of the seizure in question and are not reliable for species identification.

Date Reported Country of Quantity Source and Comments Year Month Day Export Origin Destination Seizure kg No. 2009 Côte d’Ivoire Hong Kong France 96 459 Challender & Hywood (2012) 2012 7 11 Uganda 115 370 News Vision 2012 Uganda 4 13 Challender & Hywood (2012) 2012 Côte d’Ivoire Hong Kong France 52 249 Questionnaire 2013 4 29 Cameroon 80 258 Annamiticus 2013 4 30 France 50 239 Global Post 2013 4 30 France 50 239 Global Post 2013 5 30 China 28 109 Kadoorie Farm & Botanique Garden Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA), only giant 2013 8 Cameroon Hong Kong Cameroon 44 12 pangolin (GP) scales Nigeria 2013 8 Cameroon Cameroon 348 97 LAGA, Only GP scales China 2013 9 Cameroon Hong Kong Cameroon 12.5 4 LAGA, Only GP scales 2013 10 30 Hong Kong 320 1,243 Annamiticus 2013 10 08 Kenya 500 200 Hurriyet Daily News 2013 10 23 Uganda 2.5 8 2014 1 Liberia China Liberia 25 120 Questionnaire 2014 6 01 Cameroon 1,500 4,830 Reuters UK 2014 4 Cameroon 120 386 TRAFFIC Bulletin 2014/2

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Date Reported Country of Quantity Source and Comments Year Month Day Export Origin Destination Seizure kg No. 2014 10 Cameroon Cameroon 100 28 LAGA, Only GP scales 2014 5 28 Uganda Hong Kong 1,000 3,220 South China Morning Post 2014 6 11 Cameroon Hong Kong 2,340 7,535 South China Morning Post 2014 7 02 France 250 1,196 Science et Avenir 2014 7 23 Sierra Leone Vietnam Vietnam 1,270 6,076 Thanh Nien News 2015 3 17 China 2,000 7,767 Vanguard NGR 2015 3 27 China 249 967 Shanghai Daily 2015 4 07 China 25 97 Shanghai Daily 2015 8 18 Uganda 5 16 New Vision 2015 8 16 Vietnam 42.2 164 Viet Nam News 2015 8 13 Vietnam 122.5 476 Viet Nam News 2015 11 11 Cameroon 100 322 Cameroon Web 2015 11 27 Cameroon 14 45 Camer.be 2016 1 15 Ethiopia China 30 117 TRAFFIC China Digest Jan 2016 2016 2 Cameroon 200 644 EAGLE 2016 4 04 Nigeria China Kenya 0.5 2 The Star.co.ke 2016 4 14 Nigeria 92.2 441 Questionnaire 2016 5 Benin 70 335 EAGLE 2016 5 Togo 7 33 Questionnaire 2016 6 Cameroon Hong Kong 4,000 12,881 Hong Kong Customs 2016 6 Guinea Laos Kenya 500 2,392 Kenya Wildlife Service 2016 6 Nigeria Nigeria 381 1,823 Vanguard NGR 2016 7 Nigeria Hong Kong 7,300 26,621 Hong Kong Customs 2016 7 Ghana Hong Kong 2,100 10,047 Hong Kong Customs 2016 7 Uganda 4 13 EAGLE 2016 8 Uganda 25 81 Watchdog Uganda, EAGLE 2016 9 Cameroon 128 412 LAGA 2016 10 Uganda Tanzania 5,443 17,528 Lusaka Agreement News 2016 10 Uganda 37 119 Chimp Report 2016 10 Uganda 48 155 EAGLE

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Date Reported Country of Quantity Source and Comments Year Month Day Export Origin Destination Seizure kg No. 2016 10 Uganda 17 55 EAGLE 2016 10 Kenya Vietnam Vietnam 227 91 ENV Wildlife Crime Bulletin 2016 11 Nigeria Hong Kong 0.09 1 Hong Kong Customs 2016 11 Cameroon Thailand Kenya 100 322 Star.co.ke 2016 12 Mozambique Cambodia 137 55 Club of Mozambique 2016 12 Cameroon Malaysia Cameroon 680 2,190 Voice of America (VOA) News, EAGLE 2016 12 Nigeria China 2,812 10,255 TRAFFIC China Digest Dec 2016 2016 12 South Africa China China ? ? TRAFFIC China Digest Dec 2016 2016 12 DRC Laos Thailand 1,700 5,474 Bangkok Post 2016 12 DRC Laos Thailand 1,200 3,864 Bangkok Post 2016 12 Uganda 8.5 27 EAGLE 2016 Cameroon 5 16 EAGLE 2016 Uganda 45 145 EAGLE 2017 1 Cameroon China Cameroon 4,898 15,773 EAGLE 2017 1 Uganda 12 39 EAGLE 2017 2 Uganda 4.5 14 EAGLE 2017 2 Nigeria Vietnam Vietnam 322 1,541 Vietnam Customs 2017 3 Cameroon Vietnam 387.5 1,248 Viet Nam News 2017 4 Cameroon 118 380 Camer.be 2017 4 Ghana Vietnam ? ? Viet Nam News 2017 4 Ghana Vietnam ? ? Viet Nam News 2017 5 Nigeria Hong Kong 7,200 26,257 Hong Kong Customs 2017 5 Ghana Malaysia Malaysia 408 1,952 Yahoo News 2017 5 DRC Malaysia Malaysia 304 979 Yahoo News 2017 5 Angola Vietnam 0.2 1 Vietnam Breaking News 2017 6 Cameroon 42 135 EAGLE 2017 6 Ghana Malaysia Malaysia 288 1,378 TRAFFIC Bulletin 29(2) 2017 2017 6 Ghana Malaysia Malaysia 394 1,885 TRAFFIC Bulletin 29(2) 2017 2017 7 China China 11,900 46,216 Xinhua Net

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Date Reported Country of Quantity Source and Comments Year Month Day Export Origin Destination Seizure kg No. Burkina Faso, CI, Côte 2017 7 China 3,000 14,353 Reuters Liberia d’Ivoire 2017 7 DRC Malaysia Malaysia 301 969 TRAFFIC Bulletin 29(2) 2017 2017 7 Malaysia China Malaysia 8,000 31,070 TRAFFIC Bulletin 29(2) 2017 2017 8 Cameroon 35 113 EAGLE 2017 8 Nigeria Malaysia Malaysia 5,000 18,234 TRAFFIC Bulletin 29(2) 2017 2017 8 Nigeria China Malaysia 5,000 18,234 Berita Daily 2017 8 25 Nigeria 70.2 336 Questionnaire 2017 9 Cameroon 40 129 EAGLE 2017 10 Cameroon 70 225 Camer.be 2017 10 Cameroon ? ? EAGLE / LAGA 2017 11 Cameroon Cameroon Nigeria Cameroon 1,050 3,381 Camer.be 2017 11 Cameroon 128 412 Camer.be 2017 11 Ethiopia China China 27.32 106 TRAFFIC China Digest Dec ‘17 2017 11 Ethiopia China China 14.1 55 TRAFFIC China Digest Dec ‘17 2017 11 Congo Thailand Thailand 15 48 Customs Today 2017 Uganda 10 32 EAGLE 2018 1 Cameroon 80 258 EAGLE 2018 1 Nigeria Hong Kong 1,800 6,564 Hong Kong Customs Côte 2018 1 China 576 2,756 Reuters d’Ivoire 2018 1 Uganda ? ? EAGLE 2018 2 Cameroon 40 129 EAGLE 2018 2 Nigeria 2,001 7,297 Gist Mania 2018 2 28 Nigeria China Nigeria 1,993 7,268 Questionnaire, maybe same as above? 2018 3 Benin Vietnam Benin 513 2,454 La Nouvelle Tribune 2018 3 Nigeria Hong Kong 2,800 10,211 Hong Kong Customs 2018 3 Congo Nepal 162 522 Himalaya Times 2018 3 Nigeria 1,771 6,458 The Nation Online 2018 3 Nigeria 8,492 30,968 Premium Times NG

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Date Reported Country of Quantity Source and Comments Year Month Day Export Origin Destination Seizure kg No. 2018 3 Gabon Congo 6.5 21 EAGLE 2018 4 Cameroon China Cameroon 1,000 3,220 VOA News 2018 4 Congo Vietnam Vietnam 3,800 12,237 Tuoi Tre News 2018 5 Cameroon 35 113 EAGLE 2018 5 Nigeria Cambodia Vietnam 3,300 12,034 Linda Ikeji’s Blog 2018 6 Gabon 3 10 EAGLE 2018 7 China China 7,262 28,204 TRAFFIC China Digest, Sohu 2018 7 4 Nigeria China Nigeria 961.7 4,601 Questionnaire Cameroon, CAR, 2018 7 Nigeria Hong Kong 7,100 22,864 Hong Kong Customs DRC 2018 8 Nigeria Cameroon 718 2,312 PHYS ORG 2018 8 Nigeria 1,031 3,760 The Guardian Nigeria 2018 9 Nigeria Vietnam Vietnam 805 2,936 TRAFFIC Digest, Viet Nam New 2018 10 Nigeria Vietnam 6,000 21,880 Reuters 2018 11/12 Nigeria 7,561 27,573 Alternative Africa 2018 Angola 895 358 Observador 2018 DRC DRC 230 741 Digital Congo Côte 2018 10 China 150 718 EAGLE d’Ivoire 2018 9 Cameroon Cameroon 207 667 LAGA 2018 Nigeria 738 3,531 Leadership Nigeria 2018 Nigeria ? ? Sahara Reporters 2018 Congo ? ? EAGLE 2018 Uganda 50 161 The Independent 2018 Vietnam 528 2,051 Customs News Vietnam 2018 12 Togo 37.74 181 EAGLE 2019 1 Hong Kong 8,200 31,846 Line Today 2019 1 Vietnam 1,500 5,826 Customs News Vietnam 2019 3 Cameroon 2,000 6,440 Manchikoni 2019 3 Uganda 47.96 154 New Vision Uganda

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Date Reported Country of Quantity Source and Comments Year Month Day Export Origin Destination Seizure kg No. 2019 4 Nigeria Vietnam Singapore 12,900 47,043 Straights Times 2019 4 Nigeria Vietnam Singapore 12,700 46,314 Channel News Asia 2019 5 Vietnam 8,300 32,235 Customs News Vietnam 2019 5 Nigeria Vietnam 5,300 19,328 Vietnam Plus 2019 7 DRC Hong Kong Hong Kong 100 322 Government World 2019 7 DRC Singapore 11,900 38,321 Channel News Asia Côte 2019 8 Côte d’Ivoire Côte d’Ivoire China 148 708 EAGLE d’Ivoire 2019 10 27 Niger Nigeria Malaysia Niger 600 2,188 Niger Government, Questionnaire 2019 12 Cameroon China Cameroon 600 1,932 Questionnaire 2020 1 Liberia China Liberia 30 144 Questionnaire 2020 1 19 Nigeria 9,504 34,659 EIA 2020 2 DRC and CAR CAR 500 1,942 Radio Ndeke Luka 2020 3 Liberia Guinea Liberia 200 957 Questionnaire 2020 3 9 China 820 3,185 Global Times China 2020 4 Malaysia 6,160 23,924 TRAFFIC Total ±230,758 kg ±850,602 equivalent pangolins

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Table A4.2: Survey of Pangolin Seizure, Arrests, and Prosecutions in Cameroon from 2010-2017. Information provided one representative of the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife in response to the questionnaire.

No. of Qty. of No. of Live No. of Cases Sent No. of Cases Cases Waiting Pardoned No. of Region Seizures Scales (kg) Pangolins Seized to Court Tried Trial Cases Traffickers Centre 16 1311 8 9 1 3 5 16 South 17 151 97 1 0 1 0 17 East 37 446 122 7 4 3 0 37 Littoral 3 5815 7 1 1 0 0 5 South West 13 777 15 3 2 1 0 15 West 3 5 3 1 1 0 0 3 Adamawa 3 55 0 1 1 0 0 3 North West 1 605 1 1 1 0 0 2 Total 95 9165 253 24 11 8 5 98

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Table A4.3: Details of Pangolin-related Seizures, Arrests, and Prosecutions in Cameroon from 2013-2019. Information provided LAGA.

Month Year Product Type Quantity Evid? Destination Country Arrest? Prosecute? Comments Sentenced to Fcfa 3 645 000 as fine and Fcfa August 2013 Giant scales 44 kg No Hong-Kong Yes Yes 4,788,000 as civils damages 04 dealers arrested. 01 sentenced to 90 days August 2013 Giant scales 7 big bags No Nigeria, China Yes Yes prison and 80,000 Fcfa fine. Sentenced to Fcfa 3,000,000 as fine and Fcfa Septe 2013 Giant scales 12.5 Kg No Hong-Kong Yes Yes 4,000,000 as civil damages April 2014 Giant scales 125 kg No China Yes Yes The dealer were declared not guilty 12 months suspended sentence, 80,300 Fcfa fine October 2014 Giant scales 100 kg ? Unknown Yes Yes and Fcfa 4,762,700 as civil damages 02 condemned to pay FCFA 30,050 as fine and Fcfa October 2014 Giant scales 4 kg ? Unknown Yes Yes 2M as civil damages jointly 1 live giant 03 sentenced to Fcfa 30,000 as fine and Fcfa January 2015 Giant pangolin & 4 kg No Unknown Yes Yes 273,000 as civils damages jointly scales 02 dealers sentenced to 60 days prison, 500.000 May 2015 Giant scales 2.5 Kg No Unknown Yes Yes Fcfa fine, 38,500 Fcfa fees, and Fcfa 1,450,000 as civils damages August 2015 Giant scales 2.5 Kg No Unknown Yes Pending Matter is pending before the court November 2015 Giant scales 100 Kg No Unknown Yes Pending Matter is pending before the court Convicted to 55 days prison, to Fcfa 30,340 as fine November 2015 Giant scales 15 kg No Unknown Yes Yes and Fcfa 1M as civils damages April 2016 Giant scales 02 kg No Unknown Yes Pending Matter is pending before the court 02 convicted to 90 days prison and Fcfa 300,000 August 2016 Giant scales 128 Kg No Unknown Yes Yes fine and Fcfa 8,115,000 civils damages Matter is still going on before the Littoral Court of Giant and small appeal. As the judgement in first instance was not January 2017 5 tons Yes China Yes Pending scales satisfying. 02 accused sentenced only to 90 days of prison

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Month Year Product Type Quantity Evid? Destination Country Arrest? Prosecute? Comments Convicted to pay Fcfa 50,000 as fine and Fcfa April 2017 Scales 118 Kg Yes Unknown Yes Pending 35,587,000 as civils damages. The appeal had been launch for this case Sentenced to pay Fcfa 675 600 as fine and Fcfa August 2017 Giant scales 45 Kg Yes Unknown Yes Yes 3,000,000 as civils damages Convicted to pay Fcfa 45,000 as fine and Fcfa August 2017 Giant scales 10Kg Yes Unknown Yes Yes 1,000,000 as civils damages Convicted to 120 days of prison and Fcfa 1,500,000 August 2017 Pangolin scales 06 Kg Yes Unknown Yes Yes as civils damages 02 dealers convicted to 3 months prison each and October 2017 Pangolin scales 71 Kg Yes Unknown Yes Yes Fcfa 2,700,000 as civil damages jointly October 2017 Pangolin scales 10 Kg Yes Unknown Yes Pending Case is still pending before the court 03 persons convicted to 6 months suspended November 2017 Pangolin scales 10Kg Yes Unknown Yes Yes sentence each, and 150,000 Fcfa as fine and 2,625,000 Fcfa as civils damages 01 of 03 accused sentenced to 1 year prison. November 2017 Pangolin scales 128 Kg ? Unknow Yes Yes Others convicted to 546,300 Fcfa fine and Fcfa 10,380,000 as civils damages 26 big November 2017 Pangolin scales ? China via Nigeria Yes Yes ? bags 03 dealers convicted to pay 100,000 Fcfa as fine January 2018 Pangolin scales 80 Kg ? Unknown Yes Yes and 1,800,000 Fcfa as civils damages February 2018 Pangolin scales 36.5 Kg ? Unknown Yes Yes Sentenced to 1 month of prison 03 persons sentenced to pay Fcfa 200,000 as fine May 2018 Pangolin scales 35 kg ? Unknown Yes Yes and Fcfa 1,166,000 as civils damages China via CAR, CM, 04 persons sentenced to pay FCFA 200,000 as fine August 2018 Pangolin scales 630 Kg ? Yes Yes Nigeria and 50,855,000 as civils damages 02 persons sentenced to pay Fcfa 200,000 as fine August 2018 Pangolin scales 80 Kg ? China Yes Yes and 30,475,000 as civils damages 04 dealers convicted to 1 month prison and 100, September 2018 Pangolin scales 207 Kg ? Unknown Yes Yes 000 Fcfa fine and 3,000,000 Fcfa civil damages December 2018 Pangolin scales 31 Kg ? Unknown Yes Pending The case is still pending before the court

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Month Year Product Type Quantity Evid? Destination Country Arrest? Prosecute? Comments 04 persons sentenced to 45 days of prison and Fcfa January 2018 Pangolin scales 54 Kg ? Unknown Yes Yes 10,000,000 as civils damages Convicted to pay 50,000 Fcfa fine and 1,500,000 January 2018 Pangolin scales 24 Kg ? Unknown Yes Yes Fcfa as civils damages 02 convicted to 1 month prison, and 100,000 Fcfa February 2019 Pangolin scales 42 Kg ? Unknown Yes Yes fine and 2,000,000 Fcfa civil damages March 2019 Pangolin scales 1,500 Kg ? Nigeria Yes Pending Case is still pending before the court Sentenced to 60 days imprisonment and Fcfa April 2019 Pangolin scales 25 Kg ? Unknown Yes Yes 379,000 fine and 5,200,000 as civils damages he was caught also with 5 ivory tusks 04 persons sentenced to 22 days prison and Fcfa May 2019 Pangolins scales 96,5 Yes Unknown Yes Yes 1,000,000 as civils damages Convicted to 20 days imprisonment and to Fcfa June 2019 Pangolin scales 95 Kg Yes Unknown Yes Yes 1,420,000 as civils damages December 2019 Pangolin scales 600 Kg Yes China Yes Pending The case is still pending before the court

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APPENDIX 5: QUESTIONNAIRE TO STAKEHOLDERS - ENGLISH 1. Purpose Globally, pangolins are highly threatened by habitat loss, bushmeat consumption, and international trafficking in pangolin products like their scales. Three species of pangolin are native to West Africa: white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), and giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea). Unfortunately, very few scientific works have been published on these species and, in West Africa, pangolin conservation actions and sustainable management strategies have been mostly hindered by the lack of ecological and anthropogenic data from which sound management plans and law enforcement strategies can be devised and implemented. Both in West Africa and globally, pangolins are most significantly threatened today from significant illegal international trade in live pangolins, their meat and scales, primarily destined to Vietnam and China (Challender et al. 2014; Ingram et al. 2017). Since 2016, when pangolins were listed on CITES Appendix I, barely a week goes by without news of a seizure of literal metric tons of illegally traded scales being confiscated – and it is estimated that more than 2.7 million pangolins are hunted annually (Ingram et al. 2017). This trade is so significant, that pangolins have recently been labeled the most heavily trafficked mammals in the world and are in dire need of conservation action (Challender et al. 2014; WildAid 2016). As a result, in December 2019 the IUCN released the latest Red List evaluations for all pangolin species globally, which showed a declining status of both white-bellied and giant pangolin from Vulnerable to Endangered species. The purpose of this study is to provide a framework for guiding policy and law enforcement decisions to strengthen the conservation of pangolins in West Africa. The responses provided by stakeholders in the region will provide a platform for a regional pangolin conservation planning workshop and the development of a conservation action plan. In doing so, we hope to improve CITES compliance by ECOWAS member states under ECOWAS guidelines, with the African Union Strategy, and CITES prescriptions on combatting wildlife crime. 2. Disclaimers Reponses shared as part of this study will be used for the purpose stated above – conservation planning for pangolins in West Africa. The information will be presented in a report circulated amongst the pangolin conservation stakeholders, however, all responses will be presented anonymously and in aggregate and no information will be publicly provided to link responses to individuals or institutions. Sharing legal or law enforcement related information will facilitate our purpose, but we understand the sensitivity of such information and, therefore, it will only be considered for informational purposes and not to bring further legal or administrative action to bear. 3. Instructions Please fill out the below questionnaire to the best of your ability. Provide answers in the space below each question. Some of this information may be similar to what you shared in response to a questionnaire from the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group following CITES CoP17 (Johannesburg, 2016) before the 69th meeting of the CITES Standing Committee. Our objective is to understand the state of affairs following CITES CoP18 (Geneva, 2019), and updated information is appreciated. If you do not have a response, it is ok to leave any questions blank. If no data is available, please state that so there is no confusion.

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Our aim is not to occupy too much of your time, any and all insights will be appreciated. We appreciate your assistance with this endeavour. Please return the completed survey to Dr. Matthew Shirley ([email protected]) by February 10th, 2020.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION 1.a Which country do the responses in this questionnaire represent?

1.b Which agency, organization, or institution do you represent?

1.c What is the role of this agency, organization, or institution in this country?

QUESTIONS ABOUT PANGOLINS IN THE WILD IN THIS COUNTRY 2. Using the sub-headings below, please describe what is known of the distribution of each species in this country. Where possible, provide the names of specific districts/states/provinces where these species have been recorded. If the species is not known to be present in this country, please write “not present.” 2.1 Tree or white-bellied pangolin: 2.2 Long-tailed or black-bellied pangolin: 2.3 Giant pangolin:

3. Using the sub-headings below, please state how common/abundant you understand each species is in the wild in this country. You can provide a number from 1 to 5, where 1 is effectively extinct in the wild and 5 is very, very common. 3.1 Tree or white-bellied pangolin: 3.2 Long-tailed or black-bellied pangolin: 3.3 Giant pangolin:

4. Using the sub-headings below, please state how you understand wild population growth to be for each of these species. You can provide a number from 1 to 5, where 1 is precipitous decline, 2 is decline, 3 is stable, 4 is growth, and 5 is exponential growth. 4.1 Tree or white-bellied pangolin: 4.2 Long-tailed or black-bellied pangolin: 4.3 Giant pangolin:

5. Use the table below to describe what is known about the threats to wild pangolins in this country. In the “Importance” column, please give the threat a score of 1 – 5, where 1 is lowest threat and 5 is highest threat. Multiple threats can have the same Importance. In the “Comments” column, please provide any additional information, including quantifying any threats if possible. If the activity does not pose a threat, please mark 0.

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Threat Importance Threat Comments Category (1 to 5) Habitat Loss Logging/Forestry Commercial Agriculture Subsistence Agriculture Other Hunting/Trapping Household Consumption Subsistence Commercialization

Local or National Traditional Medicine or Religious Use National Meat Market International Demand Climate Change Habitat Modification Prey Availability Other Other Non-application of Wildlife Law Non-application of Protected Areas Law Non-compliance with CITES Law

Industrial or Subsistence Pollution Mining or quarrying Other

6. Use the table below to identify the presence of each pangolin species in this country’s protected areas. For each line, please fill in the name of a protected area and then populate the remaining columns. In the “IUCN Category” column, please indicate whether the protected area is a Strict Nature Reserve (1a), Wilderness Area (1b), National Park (2), Natural Monument (3), Habitat/Species Management Area (4), Protected Landscape/Feature (5), or Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources (6). Under each species, please type Y (yes) or N (no) if the species was known from that protected area in the past or is known presently. In the “Comments” column, please provide any additional information. We would appreciate information for, at minimum, all national parks, wildlife reserves, and community conservation areas in this country. And, if possible, any exemplary forest reserves and other protected areas.

White-Bellied Black-Bellied Giant Protected IUCN Category Pangolin Pangolin Pangolin Comments Area Past Present Past Present Past Present

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7. Are you aware of any cultural significance of pangolins for the ethnic and religious groups present in your country? This can include pangolins as totems or otherwise sacred species, beliefs about pangolins parts in traditional medicinal or religious practices, the use of pangolins by local artisans, etc… If yes, please provide a brief description and include the name of the ethnic or religious group, and the region of the country.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PANGOLIN LEGISLATION IN THIS COUNTRY 8. Using the sub-headings below, please indicate which common and scientific names are used for each of the pangolin species in your national legislation. If the name in use is not listed as an option, please provide the name. Next to each species, please also list the local names used to refer to each species in as many languages possible. 8.1 Tree pangolin or white-bellied pangolin (Manis tricuspis or Phataginus tricuspis): 8.2 Long-tailed pangolin or black-bellied pangolin (Manis tetradactyla or Phataginus tetradactyla or Uromanis tetradactyla): 8.3 Giant pangolin (Manis gigantea or Smutsia gigantea):

9. Using the sub-headings below, please state the legal status or protection level afforded each pangolin species in this country. 9.1 Tree or white-bellied pangolin: 9.2 Long-tailed or black-bellied pangolin: 9.3 Giant pangolin: 9.4 Please give the full name of the law(s) providing domestic protection for these species and which define these categories of protection.

10.a If the status of any of these species is such that hunting is currently legal, please summarize to the best of your ability (or copy/paste/transcribe from a legal document) the text of the law(s) that describes the conditions under which

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pangolins can be hunted (e.g., season, number of individuals per hunter per day, hunting permits, fees, gun permits, legality of wire snare trapping, etc…).

10.b If hunting is currently legal for any pangolin species in this country, please summarize to the best of your ability (or copy/paste/transcribe from a legal document) the text of the law(s) that describe the conditions under which pangolins can be sold or otherwise commercialized for domestic purposes.

11. If hunting was legal for any pangolin species in this country prior to January 2017 (when all pangolins were listed on CITES Appendix 1), please summarize to the best of your ability (or copy/paste/transcribe from a legal document) the law(s) that describe the conditions under which the species could be sold or otherwise commercialized for international purposes prior to January 2017.

12. If it was legal to sell or otherwise commercialize pangolins internationally prior to January 2017, please fill in the table below for each legal, permitted international sale for which you have records. Add more rows as necessary.

Product Type Quantity Destination Reason Given Month Pangolin Country of for Commercial + Year Species (e.g., scales, live (specify units – pangolins, etc…) No. or kg) Record Transaction

QUESTIONS ABOUT PANGOLIN TRADE LAW ENFORCEMENT IN THIS COUNTRY

13. Are there any governmental partnerships for wildlife law enforcement in this country (e.g., between a wildlife management agency and a specific police agency)? If so, please explain and provide contact information for relevant representatives if possible/permissible.

14. Are there any partnerships with non-governmental organizations for wildlife law enforcement in this country? If so, please provide the name of the organization and contact information if possible/permissible.

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15.a. Are you familiar with CITES Res. Conf. 17.10 and the actions it urges Parties to undertake for the conservation of pangolins?

15.b. If yes, does this country actively report to the CITES Secretariat on activities undertaken in response to this resolution?

16.a. Have there been any efforts to train agencies responsible for border control (e.g., customs, immigration, port authority, airport authority, etc…) on CITES obligations? Or, alternatively, is there a CITES and CITES species curriculum as part of the standard training for agents in these agencies?

16.b. If yes, has this included training on the identification of CITES protected species, including pangolins and their parts and derivatives?

17. Do the ports (e.g., airport or shipping ports) actively employ any technology or methods to search for wildlife products leaving this country? If yes, please detail to the best of your knowledge.

18.a. Using the table below, please provide the details of any seizures of pangolins and/or pangolin products since 2010. For “product Type,” please specify if these were scales, live or frozen pangolins. Add more rows as necessary. If there is no available data, please write “no data” in the first row.

Quantity Product (specify Still in Destination Traffickers Traffickers Month Year Comments Type units – Evidence? Country Arrested? Prosecuted? No. or kg)

18.b. If no data was available for pangolins, is this type of data available for any species (e.g., elephants, ivory, chimpanzees, sharks, etc…) in this country? If so, why is data not yet available for pangolin seizures?

QUESTIONS ABOUT PANGOLIN RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND OTHER CAPTIVE SITUATIONS

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19. Are there any governmental agencies or non-governmental organizations in this country that undertake wildlife rehabilitation for confiscated live animals? If yes, please provide their name and contact information.

20.a. Are you aware of any rehabilitation of pangolins at this facility?

20.b. If yes, are you aware if the pangolins were successfully released into the wild following rehabilitation? If so, where were the pangolins released (e.g., into a national park or other protected area)?

20.c. If yes, was this reintroduction based on a “reintroduction plan” or undertaken opportunistically?

20.d. Was there any post-release monitoring of the individual pangolins? If yes, do you have any information on the survival/success of these individuals?

21. Are there any other persons or facilities that keep and/or breed pangolins in captivity for any reason in this country? If yes, please provide their name and contact information.

QUESTIONS ABOUT OTHER ON-GOING ACTIONS, ACTORS, AND STAKEHOLDERS FOR PANGOLIN CONSERVATION, MANAGEMENT, AND RESEARCH

22.a. Are you or your organization undertaking any research or monitoring of wild pangolins in this country? This might include ecology and natural history of wild pangolins, or aspects of pangolin socioeconomic importance, among others. If yes, please provide a brief description of the activities (where, when, how, etc…).

22.b. If possible/permissible, what you have learned so far.

23. Are you aware of any researchers (faculty or graduate students) at any universities, NGOs, or other organizations in this country who are undertaking any research or monitoring of wild pangolins? This might include ecology and natural history of wild pangolins, or aspects of pangolin socioeconomic importance, among others. If yes, please provide their name and contact information.

24.a. In your opinion (or according to your institution’s strategy), what are the national pangolin conservation and management priorities?

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24.b. Is your organization/institution actively implementing actions towards achieving any of these priorities? If yes, please briefly describe, including any achievements to date. If no, what are the main limitations to doing so (e.g., financial, technical, political will, etc….)?

25.a. In your opinion (or according to your institution’s strategy), what are the conservation/management approaches that are being employed for other species that will likely be successful for pangolins in this country?

25.b. In your opinion (or according to your institution’s strategy), what are the conservation/management approaches that are being employed for other species that will likely be unsuccessful for pangolins in this country?

26.a. In your opinion, are there any conservation strategies being implemented by the government agencies of this country that can serve as a model for success to be adopted by other countries in West Africa? Please briefly explain your response.

26.b. In your opinion, are there any conservation strategies being implemented by non- governmental organizations in this country that can serve as a model for success to be adopted by other countries in West Africa? Please briefly explain your response.

26.c. In your opinion, are there any mechanisms through which the governmental and non-governmental sectors collaborate for conservation in this country that can serve as a model for success to be adopted by other countries in West Africa? Please briefly explain your response.

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West Africa Biodiversity and Climate Change (WA BiCC) Program Contact Stephen Kelleher Chief of Party [email protected]