Developing release protocols for trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) in Vietnam
Trade-confiscated pangolins are often released into protected areas with no monitoring and no, or inadequate, health checks. Many of these releases have involved Vietnam's wildlife confiscation authorities. There is no data to suggest that these animals survive post-release. Indeed, experience at the Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program in Vietnam has shown that many trade-confiscated pangolins are nutritionally stressed, have injuries from hunting traps and need substantial rehabilitation. It is highly likely, therefore, that many of the released pangolins do not survive.
This project has been designed to develop nationally feasible, international standard release guidelines and protocols for trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins. The protocols will function as a blueprint for future releases and will raise awareness of the required steps in a successful release amongst Vietnam's confiscation authorities. This project will involve the complete rehabilitation, full health checks and monitored release of trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins. The release site will be in Cat Tien National Park and the pangolins will be monitored for a minimum of 10 months using VHF radio-telemetry.
This will be the first project of its kind in Vietnam and will produce a better national strategy for dealing with trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins that is highly beneficial to the conservation of this incredibly endangered mammal.
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| 92. Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) EN | |
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The term pangolin comes from the Malayan word peng-goling, meaning a roller. |
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To develop nationally feasible, international standard release guidelines and protocols for trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins Manis javanica. |
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1. Improvement in the ability to assess the health of trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins through the establishment of baseline biochemical and haematological parameters for this species. 2. Initiation of an in-country genetic reference library for Sunda pangolins, enabling the provenance of trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins to be compared and analyzed, once samples from all range countries have been collected. 3. Verification of whether release into a protected area in Vietnam is a viable option for the placement of trade-confiscated Sunda pangolins and an improved understanding of what factors determine the success/failure of a release program for this species. 4. Improvement in the decision-making ability of Vietnam’s Forest Protection Department when placing confiscated Sunda pangolins 5. Improved capacity and practical skills in the Forest Protection Department (FPD) Rangers to independently carry out appropriate release programs for trade-confiscated pangolins, which includes quarantine and basic health checks as well as post-release monitoring. 6. Increased capacity, motivation and ability amongst young Vietnamese researchers in the field of pangolin conservation 7. Raised awareness amongst conservation NGOs, rescue centres and wildlife confiscation authorities on the need for well-planned release programs for Sunda pangolins. 8. Raised awareness amongst the general public on the threats facing pangolins in Vietnam and why poorly-planned releases are not a positive action for the species’ conservation. |
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Mr Phuong Tran : Project Manager
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Phuong is a conservationist working on little known but highly threatened species of small carnivore and pangolin Within this project: I will be leading and co-ordinating on all project activities with the rest of my team. Other members in my team are Do Thanh Hao, Luong Tat Hung, Nguyen The Truong An and Daniel Willcox |
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Cuc Phuong National Park Cat Tien National Park |
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EDGE Fellowship Programme Newquay Zoo Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Seaworld and Busch Gardens People's Trust for Endangered Species Chicago Zoological Society Keidanren Nature Conservation Fund |
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EDGE Fellow Phuong is the Project Manager on this project
Rehabilitated Sunda pangolin in the CPCP's centre in Vietnam
Pangolins are used for wild meat and in traditional medicine in China and Vietnam
Rehabilitated Sunda pangolin in the CPCP's centre in Vietnam