UGANDA’S PANGOLINS FACE EXTINCTION: THE URGENT NEED FOR CONSERVATION
A pangolin disappears from the wild every four minutes, making them the most trafficked mammals worldwide. Uganda, home to three pangolin species—the Ground Pangolin, Giant Pangolin, and White-Bellied (Tree-Climbing) Pangolin—now faces an unprecedented crisis due to rampant poaching.
Between 2012 and 2016, Ugandan authorities seized more than 1,400 pangolins, highlighting the massive scale of the illegal trade. However, the crisis has escalated further. A single operation in December 2021 resulted in the seizure of 900 kilograms of pangolin scales, suggesting that the demand for pangolins has increased tenfold since 2016.
Uganda’s Wildlife Act imposes strict penalties, including fines of up to USD 5.5 million and life imprisonment for crimes against critically endangered species. However, despite these harsh laws, the illegal wildlife trade—valued at USD 19–23 billion globally—continues to threaten pangolins.
Major Wildlife Trafficking Busts
On November 21, 2024, Ugandan authorities conducted “Operation Marler,” which led to the discovery of 42 killed tree-climbing pangolins in Kampala. The operation exposed a major wildlife trafficking ring and resulted in the arrest of four Chinese nationals: Pan Yi, Liang Sen, Huang Xiaobiao, and Dia Yanyu.
Further investigations at their residence in Naguru uncovered 9.4 kilograms of pangolin scales, two skinned pangolin carcasses, and 167 cartons of smuggled cigarettes. Authorities suspect that this residence served as a distribution center for pangolin products across Kampala and beyond.
Despite increased law enforcement efforts, the trafficking network remains resilient. Between 2018 and 2021, the number of pangolin-related seizures grew from seven to ten cases per year. In a 2019 operation alone, authorities recovered 423 kilograms of pangolin scales worth USD 1.2 million.
Why Are Pangolins Being Hunted?
The illegal pangolin trade persists due to traditional medicine practices in Africa and Asia, where many falsely believe that pangolin scales, made of keratin, have healing properties, despite scientific evidence disproving this claim.
In Ghana, traditional healers use 13 different pangolin body parts for spiritual protection, rheumatism treatment, financial rituals, and convulsion management, further driving the poaching and trafficking of this endangered species.
In China, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, pangolin scales are widely used in traditional medicine, despite scientific evidence proving they offer no medicinal benefits. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has further contributed to the spread of these practices across Africa.
Cultural beliefs also contribute to pangolin poaching. In some African communities, pangolins are seen as sacred animals, and encountering one is considered a special event. In West and Central Africa, pangolin meat is regarded as a delicacy, making them a target for bushmeat consumption.
Why Must We Preserve Pangolins and Combat Trafficking?
Pangolins play a crucial role in Uganda’s ecosystem and cultural heritage, particularly in the Buganda Kingdom. Ecologically, they help maintain balance by feeding on ants and termites, preventing infestations that could harm crops. This natural pest control reduces the need for chemical pesticides, contributing to food security and lowering farming costs, especially in regions like Murchison Falls National Park.
Beyond pest regulation, pangolins also improve soil health through their burrowing behavior. By mixing organic matter, enhancing nutrient circulation, and aerating the soil, they create conditions that support strong plant growth. Their abandoned burrows even serve as shelters for other wildlife, further promoting biodiversity.
Culturally, pangolins hold deep significance among the Buganda people, where the Lugave clan regards them as a sacred totem. Traditionally, harming or consuming them is forbidden, reinforcing their role in the kingdom’s identity. Protecting pangolins, therefore, not only preserves biodiversity but also safeguards cultural traditions.
Tourism and Economic Benefits
Pangolins, particularly Uganda’s unique tree-climbing species, play a vital role in the country’s tourism sector and overall economic growth. The tourism industry contributes approximately 7.7% of Uganda’s GDP and provides about 667,600 jobs, benefiting local communities. The presence of pangolins in protected areas like Murchison Falls National Park attracts international ecotourists and wildlife enthusiasts, generating revenue through park fees, lodging, and other expenditures. Losing pangolins would not only disrupt the ecosystem but also negatively impact Uganda’s tourism industry, reducing economic benefits and conservation funding.
Challenges Faced in Pangolin Conservation in Uganda
Despite their ecological and economic significance, pangolins in Uganda continue to face severe threats due to weak law enforcement, insufficient penalties, limited conservation resources, and socio-economic pressures.
Corruption in Law Enforcement
Corruption within Uganda’s law enforcement and judicial systems undermines efforts to combat pangolin trafficking. Some officials collaborate with traffickers by issuing fraudulent permits or diverting conservation funds, allowing the illegal wildlife trade to flourish. This corruption weakens the impact of existing wildlife protection laws.
Weak Penalties for Poaching
Although Uganda’s Wildlife Act prescribes strict penalties, enforcement remains weak. Between 2019 and 2021, fines for pangolin-related crimes were as low as UGX 200,000 (USD 56), with most offenders receiving prison sentences of less than a year. Such lenient punishments fail to deter poachers, allowing them to continue illegal hunting without fear of serious consequences.
Limited Conservation Resources
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) struggles with insufficient funding, which limits its ability to conduct anti-poaching patrols, protect wildlife habitats, and support community-based conservation programs.
In remote areas, a lack of trained personnel and modern technology further weakens enforcement efforts, making pangolins increasingly vulnerable to poaching and illegal trade.
Limited Awareness of Conservation Benefits
Many local communities lack awareness of the economic benefits that wildlife conservation brings to the country and individuals. Tourism heavily relies on Uganda’s rich biodiversity and contributes significantly to the economy. However, due to inadequate education on conservation, some communities continue to engage in poaching, unaware that protecting wildlife could generate sustainable income through tourism and eco-friendly initiatives.
Unemployment Driving Poaching
High unemployment rates in Uganda push many individuals, particularly the youth, to engage in illegal poaching as a source of income. With limited job opportunities, some turn to pangolin hunting and wildlife trafficking to survive, further exacerbating the decline of pangolin populations.
Greed and the Desire for a Luxurious Lifestyle
Beyond poverty and unemployment, greed plays a significant role in driving wildlife poaching, particularly among Africa’s youth. The desire for quick wealth and luxurious lifestyles leads some individuals to engage in the illegal wildlife trade, selling pangolins and other endangered species for high profits on the black market. This pursuit of material wealth often overrides ethical and environmental concerns, making conservation efforts even more challenging.
Pangolin conservation in Uganda faces multiple challenges, such as legal, financial, and socio-economic. Addressing corruption, strengthening law enforcement, increasing conservation funding, raising public awareness, and providing alternative employment opportunities are crucial steps towards protecting pangolins from extinction. Without urgent intervention, pangolin populations will continue to decline, threatening biodiversity and Uganda’s economic potential from wildlife tourism.
The Urgent Need for Action
Uganda’s pangolins face extinction without urgent conservation efforts, threatening both biodiversity and cultural heritage. Protecting them requires stronger legal enforcement, financial support, community engagement, and the integration of traditional beliefs, ensuring ecological balance and preserving cultural identity.
Strengthen Anti-Poaching Laws
Poaching remains a major threat to pangolins. Uganda has taken steps to combat this through improved surveillance, increased law enforcement, and the establishment of ranger training programs. However, further strengthening of wildlife laws and stricter penalties are needed to fully deter poachers and traffickers.
Increase Conservation Funding
Adequate funding is essential for sustainable conservation. Organizations like the Uganda Conservation Foundation have played a key role in protecting wildlife by equipping rangers, building law enforcement infrastructure, and supporting education initiatives. Increased financial investment would enhance these efforts and allow for better monitoring and protection of pangolins.
Expand Community-Led Protection
Encouraging local communities to participate in conservation fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. Successful initiatives, such as those in Murchison Falls National Park, show that community involvement leads to better protection of wildlife. Expanding such programs would help reduce poaching while providing alternative livelihoods for local populations.
Harnessing Cultural Beliefs for Pangolin Conservation
In the Buganda Kingdom, the Lugave clan honors the pangolin as a sacred totem, symbolizing heritage and ancestral identity. Traditionally, harming or consuming pangolins is forbidden, a belief that naturally supports conservation efforts. Integrating these cultural values into modern wildlife protection can strengthen conservation measures, as communities are more likely to protect species with spiritual significance.
By reviving and reinforcing traditional respect for pangolins, the Buganda Kingdom can play a crucial role in safeguarding Uganda’s endangered wildlife while preserving its cultural heritage. Bridging ancestral traditions with conservation efforts ensures both ecological balance and the continuity of Uganda’s rich cultural identity.
Efforts to Protect and Conserve Pangolins in Uganda
Despite the challenges, Uganda has implemented strong conservation measures to protect pangolins. The government, in collaboration with local communities and organizations, has intensified efforts to combat trafficking and preserve pangolin habitats.
SMART Patrol Teams actively track poachers and rescue pangolins, with a recent success in January 2025 when a young pangolin was saved from the illegal pet trade and released back into the wild.
Organizations like Environmental Defenders have secured protected areas near Murchison Falls National Park, while the Batwa community plays a key role in rescuing and returning pangolins to their natural habitats. Partnerships with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and the Tikki Hywood Foundation have enhanced rehabilitation programs, ensuring rescued pangolins are properly cared for before release.
Additionally, initiatives such as the Pangolin Rescue Center and Women in Gorilla Conservation provide former poachers with sustainable livelihoods, helping them transition into conservation roles. Through a combination of law enforcement, community engagement, and economic alternatives, Uganda continues to make significant progress in safeguarding pangolins for future generations.
Conclusion
Pangolins in Uganda and Africa face severe threats from habitat loss and poaching, despite their vital role in pest control, soil health, and biodiversity. They also hold cultural significance and contribute to ecotourism. Strengthening conservation through law enforcement, public awareness, and community involvement is essential. By integrating traditional values with modern protection efforts, we can preserve both pangolins and the ecosystems they support. Their survival depends on collective action to safeguard nature, culture, and sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
