CONSERVATION SPOTLIGHT: THE PANGOLIN PROJECT

A Pledge to Protect the Pangolin

At Bush and Beyond, conservation is more than a commitment - it’s a call to action. In 2024, we proudly selected The Pangolin Project as one of the recipients of our conservation levy, contributing $21,000 to their incredible conservation efforts. This vital initiative is not just about saving Africa’s most trafficked mammal, it’s about safeguarding a unique ecosystem, empowering communities, and rewriting the story of a species on the brink.

A Hidden Haven Revealed

High above the western edge of the Maasai Mara lies the Nyekweri Forest, an ecological gem teeming with life. Once part of an expansive network of forests stretching to the Congo, it now stands as a vital refuge for Giant Pangolins, creatures so elusive they were thought extinct in Kenya until a groundbreaking discovery in 2021. This marked the beginning of a bold new chapter for The Pangolin Project.

Shifting focus from their earlier work in the Mara Reserve, the team at The Pangolin Project took on the monumental challenge of protecting Nyekweri. Despite heavy deforestation 80% of the forest was lost in just a few years, they uncovered a thriving hub of biodiversity. From pangolins to rare birds and mammals, this forest supports species found nowhere else in the Mara ecosystem.  

Restoration for All 

The Pangolin Project isn’t just about preserving pangolins, it’s about revitalising Nyekweri and ensuring it thrives for future generations. Working closely with the local community, they’ve introduced innovative solutions to protect the forest while addressing the needs of 2,170 landowners who rely on it for water, medicine, honey, and more. Together, they aim to secure 25,000 acres for conservation, creating a Forest Sanctuary that supports both wildlife and the people who call this land home. 

Why Nyekweri?

• A critical hotspot for biodiversity, hosting species that rely on this unique habitat. 

• Pangolins, a keystone species, indicate the health of ecosystems that are vital for climate stability. 

• Community-driven restoration is feasible, thanks to existing seed banks, consistent rainfall, and a shared desire to rebuild. 

• It is the water shed for the Migoris River that serves over 1 million people in western Kenya and supports micro climates and rainfall across the savannah of the Greater Mara and Serengeti Ecosystem

• The forest is a maternity zone for elephants and other wildlife, underscoring its importance for the broader ecosystem.

Making Strides: 

• 4,000 acres are now protected under conservation agreements with 134 of the local landowners. 

• 72km of dangerous fencing has been removed, drastically reducing pangolin fatalities. 

• Signs of recovery are emerging, Giant Pangolins are breeding, with three pups observed in 2024! 

• A team of 21 community rangers is on the ground, safeguarding this fragile habitat. 

The Path Forward

The road to full restoration isn’t without obstacles. From land-use conflicts to the persistent threat of  deforestation, the challenges are significant - but so is the progress. Over the next six months, The Pangolin Project aims to:   

• Protect 12,700 acres of Nyekweri through conservation agreements with local landowners. 

• Remove harmful fencing within the area to allow wildlife to move freely and safely. 

Lay the groundwork for the creation of the Nyekweri Forest Sanctuary, ensuring long-term stewardship and sustainable use of this vital habitat.  Every step forward brings us closer to a future where pangolins thrive, forests regenerate, and people flourish. Together, we can protect this incredible ecosystem and the countless lives it supports.