Silent Guardians: Pangolins Spotted Again in Upemba National Park

In the heart of the Upemba National Park, where savannas meet riverine forests and miombo woodlands stretch into the horizon, a quiet yet remarkable sighting has recently taken place. Our camera traps – patient sentinels of the wild – have captured pangolins moving through the park’s mosaic of habitats. Though brief, these rare images carry profound meaning: they are indices de présence, evidence that this elusive species continues to roam the landscapes of Upemba.

Pangolins are among the most secretive mammals on Earth. Their nocturnal habits and solitary nature make sightings extremely rare, even in protected areas. Yet, these gentle creatures are also among the most threatened. Across Africa and Asia, pangolins face immense pressure from poaching and illegal trafficking, driven by demand for their scales and meat. All eight known pangolin species are currently listed on the IUCN Red List, ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.

In Africa, four species occur – the Ground Pangolin (Smutsia temminckii), White-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), Giant Pangolin (Smutsia gigantea), and Black-bellied Pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla). The individuals photographed in Upemba most likely belong to one of these African species, and their appearance here underscores the park’s vital role as a refuge for wildlife that is vanishing elsewhere.

For Upemba, this sighting is both a scientific and symbolic milestone. It confirms that the park’s ecosystem, though challenged, still harbors remarkable biodiversity. It also highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to strengthen protection, expand ecological monitoring, and curb wildlife trafficking in the greater Upemba-Kundelungu landscape.

Pangolins, often called the “silent guardians of the forest,” play a crucial role in regulating insect populations and maintaining soil health. Their survival is interlinked with the health of entire ecosystems. Each confirmed presence – each trace or photograph – is a sign of resilience and a reminder of what’s at stake in the global fight against biodiversity loss.

As we continue our conservation work, these indices de présence renew our hope and reinforce our commitment to safeguarding Upemba’s hidden wonders – for science, for nature, and for future generations.