The Realities of Community-Led Conservation in Protecting Pangolins
By Lia Syafitri , Aurore Maxey and Josephine Mejia Johnson
Earlier this year, 109kg of pangolin scales were seized just south of the city of Pontianak by Kalimantan’s Environmental and Forestry Law Enforcement Agency (Gakkum) [1]. That represents 179 individual Sunda pangolins - if we go by Yang et al’s calculations [2] - poached from the wild and stripped of their scales for sale. This one seizure, in which 3 were arrested, follows a pattern of seizures, arrests, and prosecutions of pangolin traders in West Kalimantan over the last few years.
Confiscated pangolin scales from a major seizure in West Kalimantan. Credit: Betahita.id
In one of the largest cases from 2023, experts claimed up to 2000 pangolins could have been killed for the scales in just one seizure [3].
Poached traditionally for their meat in rural Indonesia, in the last decade pangolin scales have risen on the market, sold to middlemen and eventually exported to meet the growing demand in international markets. Pangolins have the tragic title of the world’s most trafficked mammals and these events in West Kalimantan underscore the severity of the crisis.
How do we keep pangolins alive in their forests?
Pangolins are nationally protected by law in Indonesia; however, our efforts and research to protect these elusive creatures reveal a complex and challenging reality. While some communities have expressed interest in increasing pangolin populations, poaching of Sunda pangolins continues, driven by economic necessity and traditional practices.
In 2023, Planet Indonesia, in partnership with the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program, conducted a survey on the attitudes, perceptions, and legal knowledge of pangolins for those living in close proximity to the scaly creatures to help identify and design behavior change initiatives to reduce hunting at the source.
When asked, “What are the advantages of living near pangolins?” an overwhelming number of respondents responded that “the meat is eaten, and pangolins can be sold for economic gain.”
"It’s not easy to convince people to stop hunting when it’s how they’ve fed their families for generations," said a village elder during a recent community meeting.
While it is true pangolins are seen as a commodity to communities, many survey respondents also shared tales of joy and intrigue of the pangolin.
A rescued Sunda pangolin being released back into its natural habitat, climbing a tree to return to the wild.
“We used to have pangolins all over. One fell through my roof once—they are funny little creatures. Now we never see them in the village, only deep in the forest.”
“It is necessary to protect the pangolin so that children and grandchildren can see them and not just hear stories.”
While there is a strong belief among community members that pangolins should be protected for future generations, the reality of implementing such protection is far more complex. Survey¹ respondents unanimously agreed that pangolins need protection from extinction, but here is where the disconnect between national law and village law is. Everyone asked said there were no rules or that they didn’t know the rules around pangolin hunting. Traditional law enforcement and government regulation does not always get communicated here.
Most villagers follow village and customary law, and actually many agreed that their own village and customary law should be the ones to address this decline and protection of pangolins before it is too late (fig 1). However, as the survey results reveal, even when communities feel responsible, immediate economic pressures often drive their behavior (fig 2).
To better understand this disconnect, the following graph illustrates the gap between community perceptions of responsibility and their actions when encountering a pangolin in the wild.
(fig 1.) Survey results show that while 18.3% of respondents believe it is their community's responsibility to protect pangolins, a significant portion (41.7%) are unsure who holds this responsibility, reflecting a lack of clarity around conservation laws and enforcement.
(fig 2.) Despite recognizing the need for protection, the majority (over 50%) of respondents indicated they would consume or sell a pangolin if caught, driven by economic necessity. Notably, no respondents chose to release the animal back into the wild, highlighting the challenges in aligning conservation awareness with actual behavior.
While we know pangolins are being poached and that their number has declined in Indonesia’s forests in the last 30 years, the forests of Gunung Naning - part of the largest remaining continuous intact forest that makes up the ‘Heart of Borneo’ - are a stronghold for the critically endangered Sunda pangolin, evident by numerous signs - such as burrows and tree scratches - and sightings by community SMART patrol members on their patrols. This landscape plays a critical ecological role, yet it is under constant threat from illegal logging, illegal gold mining, encroachment, and poaching.
Signs of pangolin presence in Gunung Naning: Burrows and feeding holes found by SMART Patrol teams during their field surveys.
A deforested area, marked by charred remnants of trees and cleared land, highlighting the impact of illegal logging and land encroachment.
Standing firm against this encroachment on the frontlines are community-led SMART Patrol teams in Gunung Naning working as part of the Core Model. For four years, they have not only safeguarded the forest - leading to a 70% decline in illegal hunting and logging - but also raised awareness among locals about the importance of conservation.
However, the involvement of villagers has varied, with some showing increased awareness and willingness to participate in conservation efforts. In contrast, others continue to engage in poaching due to the lucrative nature of the pangolin trade.This disparity underscores the importance of understanding the socioeconomic and cultural drivers behind poaching behavior.
As evident from the survey responses and our 10 years of working with communities, the integration of conservation measures into customary law has been a significant factor in determining the level of community engagement. In some areas, villagers are more likely to support conservation if it aligns with their customary practices. Still, in others, enforcing national laws without local buy-in has led to resistance and continued poaching. It is an area in which, particularly for poaching behavior, we need to know more about the impact of integrating conservation with local customs.
A lush, forested river landscape in Gunung Naning
A Community Effort: Rescuing and Releasing a Young Pangolin
In January, the SMART Patrol team, facilitated by cooperation with local authorities, helped successfully rescue and release a young pangolin that may have otherwise ended up on the black market.
Apen, a local resident, discovered the young pangolin on his plantation during the early morning hours. Understanding the significance of protecting this endangered species, Apen contacted the SMART Patrol Team, ensuring the pangolin's safety until it could be released back into the wild. "At that time, I decided to bring the pangolin home to secure it temporarily or as a form of rescue action. I was worried that if I left the pangolin in the durian plantation, other people would find or see it and take it to sell it" said Apen.
"This proactive response from the community demonstrates a growing awareness and commitment to wildlife conservation” remarked an officer from FMU of Sekadau, Hendri Winoto.
Before returning the pangolin to its natural habitat, the team carefully assessed its health and condition. The young pangolin, weighing 2.6kg, was deemed healthy and ready to thrive back in the wild. "Ensuring the animal was in good health was our priority "said one of the members of SMART Patrol. "It’s not just about releasing them; it’s about making sure they can survive once they’re back in their natural environment."
“I was so happy to play a part in saving this remarkable creature” Apen shared. “But there is still a lot of work to do. Many of my neighbors don’t understand why we should protect pangolins when selling them can bring in much-needed money. It’s hard to convince them otherwise” he added, reflecting a broader sentiment in the community, where imminent economic needs often clash with conservation efforts.
“STOP HUNTING PROTECTED WILDLIFE!” This sign highlights Indonesia’s Law No. 5 of 1990 on the Conservation of Natural Resources and Their Ecosystems. According to Article 40, Section 2, anyone found violating the protection of wildlife faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 100 million. Article 21, Section 2 further prohibits capturing, injuring, killing, possessing, keeping, transporting, or trading protected animals, whether alive or dead.)
While awareness is growing, many community members still struggle to see the immediate benefits of conservation, especially when weighed against the financial incentives of poaching. "We know it's illegal, but sometimes we have no choice" admitted one villager. This highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies that address both ecological and socio-economic realities.
SMART Patrol: A Model of Collaborative Conservation
Community members and SMART Patrol team engaging in discussions under the forest canopy, highlighting the collaborative efforts.
The SMART Patrol Team operated within the Gunung Naning forest, working closely with regional forest management units to align their conservation efforts. These patrols are not just about safeguarding wildlife; they are a core component of community management plans for the area. By actively participating in these patrols, local communities secure tenure rights and sustainably manage their forests, which are essential not only for preserving the ecosystem but also for protecting their health and livelihoods. Each year, the patrol teams synchronize their plans with local authorities to ensure a cohesive approach, implementing activities that support the long-term conservation goals of the forest. However, while the SMART Patrols have been a step forward, their impact is uneven across different areas.
One major obstacle is the need for more local participation. Some villages are actively involved and supportive of the patrols, understanding the long-term benefits of conservation. "In some communities, there’s a strong willingness to participate, especially when they see the direct benefits, like improved crop yields from reduced wildlife damage" noted a SMART Patrol coordinator. However, participation is minimal or non-existent in other areas due to mistrust and economic pressures. "In certain areas, there's still deep-seated mistrust towards conservation efforts, especially when they feel that these initiatives don’t address their immediate needs" the coordinator added.
Logistical challenges also hinder the patrols, particularly in remote areas where illegal activities often occur. These regions are difficult to reach, especially during the rainy season, which limits the patrols' effectiveness. "We can only cover so much ground, and poachers know this. They operate in areas we can’t reach easily" a local patrol member explained. The diverse landscape, ranging from dense forests to open lands used for agriculture, further complicates monitoring efforts
A Path Forward: Integrating Conservation with Community Needs
SMART Patrol team members conducting data collection in the forest.
Throughout the year, the SMART Patrol Team dedicates substantial time and effort to safeguarding the forest. They covered significant distances each month, ensuring extensive coverage and vigilance, reflecting their dedication to preserving the region’s rich biodiversity. The team encounters a variety of wildlife, including hornbills, gibbons, and macaques, underscoring the forest’s incredible biodiversity. In 2023, among the 27 species observed, 13 are classified as protected, highlighting the importance of their conservation efforts.
Looking ahead, the SMART Patrol team and biodiversity teams will gain additional support in 2025 with the integration of bioacoustics and camera trap technology. These tools will enhance their ability to monitor wildlife and gather data more efficiently, strengthening the overall conservation and management strategy for Gunung Naning. This work will be conducted with Wildmon and is supported by Cartier for Nature.
On one hand, there are success stories of reduced poaching and increased conservation. On the other hand, the persistence of illegal hunting, the complexities of aligning conservation goals with customary laws, and the deep-rooted economic challenges mean that much work remains to be done. This is especially true for the critically endangered Sunda pangolin, which continues to face severe threats despite growing community awareness. Protecting these unique creatures will require ongoing collaboration, adaptive strategies, and deeper integration of conservation efforts into local customs to ensure pangolins have a future in their natural habitat.
For conservation efforts to truly succeed, they must go beyond surface-level engagement and address the deep-rooted economic and cultural factors that drive poaching
Ensuring that conservation initiatives are culturally relevant and providing support for existing sustainable livelihood opportunities are essential components of a more comprehensive strategy. Only by fully integrating these elements can we hope to safeguard the future of these unique and critically endangered creatures.
¹ Surveys took place with community members not already working with Planet Indonesia, and therefore not already committed to conservation aims and practices.
Thank you to the communities of Gunung Naning for both participating the survey and their community-led conservation work.
This work is supported by the OAK Foundation, the UK Government through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, Mandai Nature, the David and Lucile Packard foundation, Greenboots and The Pangolin Crisis fund through the Wildlife Conservation Network.
References
“Sindikat Trenggiling Kalbar Digulung, 109,54 Kg Sisik Disita.” Betahita.id, https://betahita.id/news/detail/9948/sindikat-trenggiling-kalbar-digulung-109-54-kg-sisik-disita.html?v=1708992078. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.
Yang, L., Zou, J., Zhang, F., Su, C., Ma, G., and Wu, S. 2010. “Estimation of number of individuals of Malayan pangolin with number of their scales.” Chin. J. Wildl, 31, pp.180-181.
Pontianak Post, https://pontianakpost.jawapos.com/kriminal/1464171634/pelaku-pembunuh-ribuan-trenggiling-jalani-sidang-di-pengadilan-negeri-sintang.
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