Giant ground pangolin  (Smutsia gigantea)

Threats

In common with other pangolins, the giant ground pangolin is hunted for bushmeat and persecuted for use in traditional medicine (1). Furthermore, some people maintain old ritualistic beliefs that the pangolin’s scales and other body parts can be used to generate rain, neutralize evil spirits, and ward off lions (4) (7). Although only scant data is currently available, its population is thought to be gradually declining (1).

Conservation

Although the giant ground-pangolin occurs in several protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and the Ivory Coast, there are no specific targeted conservation measures for this species. The primary concern is that despite its listing on Appendix II of CITES, the legislation restricting trade is not being effectively enforced in many African states (1).

The Smithsonian Institution's Monitoring and Assessment of Biodiversity Programme and Shell are working together to increase understanding of biodiversity and energy resource development in Gabon.
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