Have you seen a Pangolin?
We work with safari guides, conservation experts, and wildlife enthusiasts to track sightings of pangolins in the wild. We track historical and live sightings of pangolins, shedding much needed insights into pangolin population numbers and their distribution.
This data makes it possible to coordinate conservation efforts to protect pangolins.
Working with the below initiatives, we give those who have had the pleasure of a pangolin sighting an opportunity to safeguard the animal’s future.
Record your historic pangolin sighting here. It doesn’t matter how long ago it was – we need all the data we can get.
This historical data will be processed along with the live data from the Pangolert initiative.
Pangolert – Live Sightings
+27 (0)72 726 4654
Pangolert works using WhatsApp, the most popular messaging service throughout Africa.
Because of its encryption capabilities, WhatsApp offers a secure connection to report pangolin sightings. It also saves messages sent when a user is not in range of service, ensuring they are sent as soon as Wi-Fi becomes available again.
To use Pangolert, simply save the number to your phone: +27 (0)72 726 4654. When you see a pangolin, send a photo of the animal along with your location as a message to the number.
Only our trusted partners access this data, which is recorded and distributed to for research purposes.
If you see a pangolin in distress, in captivity, or in the process of being trafficked or harmed in any way – use the Pangolert!
Rather than sending us a message, call the Pangolert number directly. The call will be received by a vetted team that is on standby 24/7 to react accordingly through their network of vets, NGOs, and law enforcement officials across central and southern Africa.
Note that calls to this number must be made using cellular/mobile minutes or from a landline, and do not work with WhatsApp calls. Only call the number to report Pangolins in peril.
Historic Sightings
One pangolin is poached from the wild every five minutes. Some estimate that over one million pangolins have been taken from the wild in the past decade.
It is extremely difficult, however, to know exact figures for how many have been poached and how many need our protection. That’s why we encourage those who have had the pleasure of a pangolin sighting in the wild to record that information.
Did you see a pangolin a year ago? Several years ago? That information is important!
Even past pangolin sightings provide valuable data for researchers and conservationists. By recording your sighting, you strengthen our understanding of pangolin behaviours that may help inform how to safeguard their future.