There is very limited knowledge on the distribution and density of the Temminck's ground pangolin species that occur in Namibia.

According to the 2021 National Report on Wildlife Protection and Law Enforcement, a better understanding of the diverse factors affecting pangolin conservation is vital for their protection.

The report was published by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

The Temminck's pangolin, also known as the Cape pangolin or the Steppe pangolin, is one of four species of pangolins found in Africa. It is the only species found in both South Africa and Namibia.

Pangolins are said to be among the most critically endangered and illegally trafficked animals in the world and in Namibia because of their scales that are used for medicine.

Based on the report, it is unfortunate that less is known about this species in terms of its distribution, density, and the impacts that poaching is having on the population.

However, discovered carcasses of pangolins give a relatively accurate indication of poaching impacts.

The report stated that it is not known how many pangolins occur in Namibia nor how many are successfully trafficked out of the country. 

This situation is said to be worsened by the lack of national data on pangolin growth rates and mortalities.

The report further indicates that it is currently not known how the combination of poaching and other environmental hazards, such as road killings and electrocution along electrical fences, is affecting the pangolin population.

Despite these shortcomings, the Namibian Pangolin Working Group, established in 2020, initiated research efforts to better understand the biology, population dynamics, and distribution of Temminck's ground pangolin, as well as the drivers and impacts of poaching on the population.

Between 2015 and 2021, 339 dead pangolins and 129 live pangolins were seized, while 640 suspects were arrested, with 166 having been convicted.

Visual Credit: Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation/ Kelsey Prediger