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World Pangolin Day, 15th February 2025 Celebrating the amazing Pangolin
At AfriCat UK we are keen to increase people’s awareness of these unusual, fascinating and endearing creatures.
Of the eight different species, four are found in Asia and the other four in Africa. Sadly, the humble pangolin has become the world’s most trafficked mammal.
The key reasons for this are the fact that Asian cultures consider it a delicacy and it is believed (mistakenly) by some, again predominately Asian cultures that their scales have healing/medicinal properties. They do not have such properties and are made of keratin like our fingernails.
World Pangolin Day, February 15th 2025
Celebrating the amazing Pangolin
At AfriCat UK we are keen to increase people’s awareness of these unusual, fascinating and endearing creatures.
Of the eight different species four are found in Asia and the other four in Africa. Sadly, the humble pangolin has become the world’s most trafficked mammal.
The key reasons for this are the fact that Asian cultures consider it a delicacy and it is believed (mistakenly) by some again predominately Asian cultures that their scales have healing/medicinal properties. They do not have such properties and are made of keratin like our fingernails.
For years catching a glimpse of a pangolin was high on the list for many seasoned African traveller. Indeed, very experienced guides might see two or three within a lifetime. It was and still remains to be a very special highlight of any safari.
In the last 15+ years things have begun to change, with pangolin sightings increasing in Africa. This is due to a combination of factors and include the advent/development of camera traps; greater availability of night sights; now thermal imaging cameras; the development of digital photography: the advent of GPS tracking including lightweight gps tracking devices; all of which have in some way made it possible to see and study the nocturnal animals and those active in low light.
The growth in the poaching of these animals has spurred on research work and conservation efforts to protect these animals. If you want to protect a pangolin in Africa or elsewhere it helps to understand their behaviour and ecology – the conditions they need to thrive. The numbers of African pangolins alongside their Asian cousins have been in rapid decline now on the CITES Red list due to it seems an insatiable appetite as the world population grows, communication is easier and wealth increases.
The Okonjima Nature Reserve, home of the AfriCat Foundation has been studying predator behaviour since its inception in the early 1990’s. It too has seen the development of technology making it easier to track charismatic species. The leopard is a wonderful example with the research work done at Okonjima providing many insights that have informed better management and improved the life of the leopards.
With more visitors and therefore more eyes in the Nature Reserve be they researchers, guests or guides the sightings of the pangolin at Okonjima has increased. Chris Packham Patron of the AfriCat Foundation saw his first ever pangolin in the Okonjima Naure Reserve in 2011, watch Chris talking about it on youtube.
The AfriCat Foundation began a study of pangolins a couple of years before the pandemic, and the work revealed many unknown things about the life of the pangolin some of which meant re writing textbooks! Today if you are lucky enough to stay at Okonjima there is the possibility of you, being able to go tracking a pangolin but as with all wildlife encounters there are no guarantees and do remember that things change, like the fact that animals die or change location. Habituating a pangolin to being visited does take time and effort.
Key Facts about Pangolins
It is a scaled mammal, toothless that lives underground. It has a most amazing tongue that starts in its tummy which it uses to great effect to in effect suck up ants (and occasionally termites) on the sticky substance secreted onto the tongue as it passes a glad at the back of its throat.
The ground pangolin found at Okonjima Nature Reserve, as do other pangolins walks on his powerful back legs and uses its shorter front ones to forage, break up logs and dig burrows.
The pangolin’s defence mechanism is to roll into a ball, a bit like our hedgehog, and rolled up is very well protected from most predators except man. Sadly, rolled up it becomes very easy to pick up and put it in a sack, but it does take local bush craft to locate them.
The mother will carry her baby on her back. Pangolins are endangered with numbers plummeting.
This pangolin had a lucky escape. Following a tip off the Wildlife Police team raided a restaurant where they confiscated three pangolins destined for ‘the pot’. Sadly, the smallest of the three died and another had an injury and was treated before being released successfully back into the wild as this one was. A tracking device was affixed to its scale so that it could be monitored to ensure its well being.
There are many organizations and charities working to support the pangolin in a variety of ways and donations are always much appreciated. If you wish to make a donation to support the programme at Okonjima then please just say pangolin as the reference on in the relevant box and it will be so allocated.
Calling all Photographers!
Do you have a stunning image of a Pangolin, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Rhino, African Wild Dog, Elephant, Great Ape, Bear, or Tiger? The first six of which can all be found on the Okonjima Nature Reserve and the lion of course with Namibian Lion Trust alongside all the other wildlife found on the conservancies including elephant.
AfriCat UK would love a photo taken at Okonjima to be featured in the 10th book from Remembering Wildlife. The Namibian Lion Trust did receive funds for its work from the proceeds of the Remembering Lion Book – thank you Margot and her team.
For details on the Book and to learn more on pangolins do watch the youtube video.
Details of the photo competition can be found here.
NB closing date is 23.59 GMT on Sunday 9th March 2025. NB, they do get a lot of high quality entries!
Namibian Lion Trust T-shirts designed by Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James
The Namibian Lion Trust are super-excited to announce a ground-breaking initiative in wildlife conservation.
Today we are launching a unique range of specialist designer clothing based on the fusion of the core values of Fashion, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Conservation, and designed from the outset in support of the Namibian Lion Trust.
Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James, has very kindly designed a unique range of clothing incorporating specialist features that combine style with practicality, functionality with flair.
All profits/proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
Namibian Lion Trust T-shirts designed by Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James
The Namibian Lion Trust are super-excited to announce a ground-breaking initiative in wildlife conservation.
Today we are launching a unique range of specialist designer clothing based on the fusion of the core values of Fashion, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Conservation, and designed from the outset in support of the Namibian Lion Trust.
Leading London Fashion Designer, Daniel James, has very kindly designed a unique range of clothing incorporating specialist features that combine style with practicality, functionality with flair.
All profits/proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
World Rhino Day is a day of awareness for all five rhino species and the work being done to save them by rhino experts and advocates around the world.
Okonjima Nature Reserve is home to a small number of White Rhino, which are a treat to see in their natural habitat. Those staying at Okonjima can arrange to visit them, in certain circumstances this may be on foot.
White Rhinos are struggling as they continue to be poached for their horn, which is nothing more than what your nails are made of. Really sadly some people still hold onto a belief that it has healing properties – it does not. As the horn has value on the black market these magnificent creatures are still slaughtered and worse still have their horns cut off with chain saws and then left to die.
One of Daniel’s many celebrity clients is Ronnie Woods of the Rolling Stones! Daniel designs all of Ronnie’s stage outfits and Ronnie has very kindly donated one of his specially-commissioned Lion artworks to be printed on a one-off T-shirt for our unique use. – All proceeds come directly to us at the Namibian Lion Trust.
Ronnie has been supporting conservation efforts for many years and we are very grateful for his support with this project.
With Christmas around the corner one of these specially designed t-shirts or sweatshirts would make a lovely present.
Please follow the link below to go directly to Daniels James’s website to see the whole collection he has designed alongside, as well as the very special Ronnie Woods Lion artwork T-shirt or use the QR code.
Shop now and support the work of the Namibian Lion Trust
For more information about The Namibian Lion Trust please visit their website.
Cut off date for guaranteed delivery of clothing is the 12th of December for Christmas orders.
Thank you from the AfriCat UK Board
We have been delighted to see the funds coming in from a range of sources.
The AfriCat UK online shop has increased its range of goods and includes mugs, cards water bottles as well as a range of other items. It is worth checking out from time to time as things do get added. If there is something particular you are after, do email janet@africat.co.uk with the detail of what you would like and it may be possible to design it for you. Please allow plenty of time.
The new Namibian Lion Trust merchandise from London Fashion Designer Daniel James has been well received and sales have been steady especially in the run up to Christmas. They do make excellent presents for all ages.
Easyfundraising continues to be popular and is an excellent way to help AfriCat UK without costing you a penny, please spread the word and if you have not signed up yet please do. The shop you purchase the goods from give us a small percentage of the time cost.
We have been delighted to see that people have been making donations via Benevity which is a corporate platform that enables people across the world to donate to charities of their choice.
We are very grateful to be remembered by a recent friend of AfriCat UK in their will and will ensure their generosity is used to good advantage.
There is still a supply of prints taken by Chris Packham you can purchase.
Check out the details in the shop section of the website.
In 2025 we hope to expand and increase the ways people can support AfriCat UK and The Namibian Lion Trust. Any suggestions and ideas are most welcome.
AfriCat UK
The AfriCat UK Board.
The three current Trustees of AfriCat UK are Frank Horan as Chairman, Charlotte Shipton and Janet Widdows. In addition, we have keen supporters of the work in Namibia who assist the Board with various tasks and our longstanding Patrons and Ambassadors. The Board is keen to hear from anyone who would like to help with fundraising, tasks associated with running the charity or those willing to join the Board.
Any offers of help are most welcome, please contact either Frank or Janet or Charlotte
AfriCat UK’s Vision
To contribute towards the conservation efforts of the Namibian charities who work to conserve suitable habitat and environments where carnivores and endangered species can thrive and survive. This work will involve education, research and working with local communities.
Misson Statement
To promote the need for conservation of the natural world for all in Namibia. To work with local charities supporting their projects and initiatives. This will include but not be limited too, awareness raising of issues in the UK, Namibia and the wider world; supporting local educational initiatives; fundraising; promoting visits to the region and Okonjima; encouraging and sharing relevant research work; working to reduce human wildlife conflict and to involve local communities with all relevant activities.
Contacting AfriCat UK
correspondence address: 5 Brackendale Way, Reading, Berkshire RG6 1DZ
phone: landline 0118 935 1681 (please leave a message if no reply)
email address: support@africat.co.uk has replaced info-uk@africat.org but anything sent to the old email is being forwarded and we will reply.
AfriCat UK board members can be contacted with their first name followed by @africat.co.uk
website: www.africat.co.uk
AfriCat - Behind the Scenes
The AfriCat Foundation welcomes Okonjima guests to come behind the scenes to learn first-hand about the work of the Foundation.
The AfriCat Behind The Scenes programme is available for groups of guests between 4 to 8 pax booked into the Okonjima Bush Camp or Luxury Villa for at least three nights on a fully inclusive basis.
This experience will give you a deeper insight into our research projects, such as the Brown Hyaena, Pangolin, the Leopard and other endangered species. Guests will be able to see and participate in AfriCat work that can be scheduled for the time of the visit such as re-collaring as well as the option of meeting the “AfriCat ambassador carnivores” that are in the care of AfriCat.
For more information please visit: AfriCat Behind the Scenes
Since 2014, AfriCat UK (UK Charity Commission Number 1120026) has supported The AfriCat Foundation and The Namibian Lion Trust (Formerly AfriCat North). AfriCat UK raises funds for the various programs that have been developed by the Namibian charities to assist in research of key species, research of solutions to Human Wildlife Conflict, and the education of local communities in Namibia.
We have successfully funded research that has assisted in the better understanding of the Cheetah, Pangolin, Leopard, Lion, and Hyenas. AfriCat UK have funded the building of a school for local communities to improve the link in conservation and education for future generations. Many world renowned veterinary clinicians have based their research and resultant doctorates on the animals and facilities that can be found at the two charities in Namibia that we continue to fund. The importance of this research allows for wide-spread conservation initiatives that impact species globally.