18 September 2026, the Tanzania Research and Conservation Organization (TRCO) conducted a capacity-building workshop on pangolin conservation at the Gombe National Park Visitor Information Centre in Kigoma Town.
The workshop brought together more than 30 participants, including conservation practitioners, researchers, veterinary officers, protected-area personnel, local government representatives and local conservation NGOs representing communities across Kigoma Region.
Participants strengthened their knowledge of pangolin ecology and identification, conservation status and threats, reporting of pangolin sightings and illegal activities, and procedures for handling rescued or confiscated pangolins. They also reviewed TRCO’s draft Standard Operating Procedures and recommended improvements relevant to the working environment of Western Tanzania.
TRCO appreciates the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) and the Guest of Honour, Dr Angel Mwakatobe, Director of the Western Wildlife Research Centre, for supporting and encouraging TRCO’s pangolin research and conservation work. We also thank Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and Gombe National Park for providing the workshop venue.
The workshop was made possible through the generous support of the Rufford Foundation under a Rufford Small Grant. TRCO sincerely thanks all participating institutions and conservation professionals for contributing their knowledge, experience and recommendations.
Together, we can strengthen collaborative action for pangolin conservation in Tanzania.
Download the full workshop report here TRCO_Pangolin_Conservation_Workshop_Report_2026