Introduction
The problems that pangolins face today ought to be shared with everyone. Problems faced by pangolins are many, including but not limited to habitat loss and illegal trade.
These factors are mainly a function of invasive human activities, predominantly driven by human settlement and economic interests.
Over the past decade, 1 million pangolins were trafficked for several reasons. One of the reasons that fuel this vice include Wildlife Trade, which is supported by targeted pangolin trafficking activities.
Added to the myths surrounding these species, their existence is just on a thin line. The current global estimate for pangolin species remains relatively unknown to many. However, some individuals suggest it to be around 50,000, yet this figure is likely an overestimate and could potentially be as low as 5,000 or even fewer.
This clarifies the much-needed support from conservationists, biodiversity-cautious people, nature lovers and other concerned persons alike to level up in their pangolin conservation efforts.
Activities in schools
Through the generous support from the Chicago Zoological Society, (Chicago Board of Trade Endangered Species Fund), we partnered with the Pangolin Conservation Guild Nigeria (PCGN) to implement the “Community and School Outreach for Pangolin Rehabilitation, Conservation, and Habitat protection”.
The foremost activities of this project have been conducted in Ogun State, involving a school outreach to two schools. The schools that we visited include Itamerin Comprehensive High School and Ago Iwoye Secondary School, Ago Iwoye.
We addressed 453 students at Itamerin Comprehensive High School and 550 students at Ago Iwoye Secondary School. During these sessions, we imparted knowledge to the students about the threats faced by pangolins and the steps to mitigate these threats, which encompass pangolin rescue, rehabilitation and protection.
Sustainability
Our concern for a continued desire to pursue pangolin conservation efforts by students motivated the donation of Information, Education and Communication [IEC] materials to students in those schools. These carefully crafted conservation tools included flyers, stickers, and handheld banners with precise information that inspires discomfort among the students on harmful practices against pangolins in their communities.
Since these schools are a vital part of the Ogun State communities, it is undeniable that our efforts within these educational institutions will extend beyond their boundaries. Our message about the importance of pangolin conservation has the potential to resonate deeply with the families of the students who come from these communities.
