In the far reaches of western Tanzania lies Kigoma—often referred to as “mwisho wa reli” (the end of the railway)—a region stretching over 1,000 kilometers from Dar es Salaam. This ecologically rich yet under-explored landscape forms a vital part of the Gombe-Mahale ecosystem.
Here, a dedicated team from the Tanzania Research and Conservation Organization (TRCO) recently conducted a pioneering field survey to document pangolin encounters, trade dynamics, and habitat threats, focusing on the Giant Ground and White-Bellied pangolin species. Our mission? To gather critical data to inform Tanzania’s National Action Plan for Pangolin Conservation.
The survey team visited several villages bordering the Gombe and Mahale National Parks using a mixed-methods approach. We facilitated focus group discussions, held key informant interviews, and applied snowball sampling techniques to gather sensitive information about pangolin trafficking and use.
From accidental encounters to targeted hunting, the stories shared reflected a complex relationship between people and pangolins. Some villagers confessed to using pangolin scales in traditional medicine, guided by long-held cultural beliefs. Others revealed their roles in trade networks that stretch far beyond village borders.
Engaging with hunters, traditional healers, Village Game Scouts (VGSs), and Forest Monitors (FMs) allowed us to grasp the depth of this underground market.Despite the troubling findings, hope emerged from heartfelt community conversations. Many villagers expressed a genuine interest in conserving pangolins—particularly when discussions shifted to alternative livelihoods and awareness-building initiatives.
This willingness to embrace conservation—if supported with training, information, and economic alternatives—reveals a promising path forward. However, pangolins are not the only victims in this changing landscape. Our team also witnessed severe habitat degradation: native trees felled for firewood and charcoal, and agricultural expansion creeping into protected forests.
As part of the field mission, the team visited the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) office at Moyowosi Game Reserve in Kibondo District. There, officers shared first-hand experiences rescuing pangolins from local villages and the challenges of release and rehabilitation. These stories highlighted the urgency of stronger collaboration between communities, researchers, and government authorities.
By weaving together community perspectives, ecological insights, and trade dynamics, our research lays a strong foundation for evidence-based, community-led pangolin conservation in western Tanzania. But much work remains. This is just the beginning.
We are deeply grateful to the Rufford Foundation for supporting this fieldwork. To all who care about biodiversity, local empowerment, and the future of this irreplaceable species—we invite you to join us. Let’s work together to protect pangolins, support communities, and preserve Tanzania’s unique ecosystems. For more information or partnership inquiries, please contact us via info@trco.or.tz.