Study Reveals Pangolins in Nigeria Primarily Hunted for Meat

A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge has unveiled that the majority of pangolins hunted in Nigeria are primarily targeted for their meat rather than for their scales, which are often trafficked to East Asia. The study, published in the journal Nature Ecology & Evolution, highlights a significant shift in understanding the motivations behind pangolin hunting in West Africa, suggesting that local consumption is a more pressing issue than previously recognized.

The research team, led by Dr. Charles Emogor, collected data from over 800 hunters and traders across 33 locations in Nigeria's Cross River Forest region from 2020 to 2023. Their findings indicate that approximately 98% of pangolins caught were intended for meat consumption, with about two-thirds of the scales discarded after being harvested. This challenges the prevailing notion that international demand for pangolin scales is the primary driver of their exploitation.

Dr. Emogor, who is also a Gates Cambridge Scholar, emphasized that the hunting of pangolins in Nigeria is largely opportunistic, with about 97% of pangolins captured during general hunting trips for other wildlife. The study estimates that around 21,000 pangolins are killed annually in this region alone. Notably, the local market values pangolin meat at three to four times the price of the scales, underscoring its importance as a food source in the area. In various surveys, local hunters ranked pangolin meat as one of the most palatable options available, often sought after for pregnant women due to cultural beliefs regarding its nutritional benefits.

This research comes at a critical time, as all eight species of pangolins are currently threatened with extinction, with three species classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The study highlights a complex interplay of factors affecting pangolin populations, including not only hunting for meat but also habitat destruction and the belief in their medicinal properties.

Co-author Professor Andrew Balmford, also from the University of Cambridge's Department of Zoology, pointed out the necessity of developing targeted conservation strategies that address local consumption practices. The study advocates for interventions that may be more cost-effective than those primarily aimed at curbing the international scales market. This includes establishing anti-poaching patrols and community programs focused on food security and sustainable practices.

The researchers propose that efforts to mitigate pangolin hunting should consider the cultural significance of the meat and the economic benefits it provides to local communities. Dr. Emogor has initiated a project called Pangolino, which aims to create a network of volunteers and scientists dedicated to the conservation of pangolins in Southeast Nigeria. This project includes developing community by-laws that prohibit pangolin hunting while offering financial incentives for compliance.

In conclusion, while the international trade in pangolin scales remains a critical issue, this study has revealed that the primary motivation for hunting pangolins in Nigeria is local meat consumption. Understanding this nuanced perspective is essential for designing effective conservation initiatives that not only protect pangolins but also respect the livelihoods and cultural practices of local communities. As Dr. Emogor poignantly stated, losing pangolins would mean losing millions of years of evolutionary history and biodiversity, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies across the region.