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16 February 2023

First camera trap images of Critically Endangered pangolin in El Nido, Philippines 

The most illegally trafficked wild mammal in the world makes its appearance on our camera trap images in the Philippines’ El Nido for the first time since the area was proposed as a protected area for the Critically Endangered species.  

Pangolin climbing tree caught on camera trap in the dark at El Nido, Philippines

Pangolins in El Nido Philippines 

Our conservationists surveying the leafy forests of El Nido recorded the world’s only scaly mammal, so elusive it is rarely spotted on camera, scurrying over logs and foliage in search of a midnight snack of ants and termites. 
 
The images have been shared as part of a growing body of evidence for the region to be designated an official pangolin conservation area, cared for in collaboration with the local community – part of our work protecting species. 

Pangolin scurrying in foliage in El Nido, Philippines

 
Pangolins are the most illegally traded wild mammal in the world, with all eight species being considered threatened with extinction due to demand for their meat and scales.  
 
We're working in the Philippines, Thailand, Cameroon, Nepal and the Philippines to protect pangolins through collaborating with local communities and authorities, and creating protected habitats where pangolins can thrive.  

Our work protecting pangolins

  • White-bellied pangolin
    Protecting pangolins in Central Africa

    Protecting pangolins in Central Africa

    We've developed a cross-disciplinary team of conservation leaders to tackle the growing threats the species faces.

  • Pangolin close-up in a desert
    Species

    Pangolins

    Once found thriving in the wild, today all of the eight remaining species of pangolin are rapidly decreasing in numbers. We're working to o keep them a part of a vibrant and balanced world of wildlife and biodiversity.

  • Sunda pangolin
    Back from the Brink Behind the scenes

    Notes from the field: saving pangolins in Vietnam

    Our senior veterinary nurse Sophie Sparrow tells us about her time at the Save Vietnam’s Wildlife centre in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam, to help pangolins rescued from traffickers.

  • Baby pangolin on grass close-up
    Saved from the clutches of the illegal wildlife trade

    Baby pangolin rescued from poachers

    Our conservationists rescue a baby pangolin from the illegal wildlife trade.

  • A pangolin holds onto a branch
    Pangolin conservation in Thailand

    New hope for Thailand’s Sunda pangolins

    It is only a few seconds of black and white footage, but video from a remote camera trap in Thailand has given new hope to ZSL’s team of pangolin conservationists. 

  • Baby pangolin walking on green mossy ground.
    China pangolin conservation

    Saving pangolins from extinction in China

    Sharing inspiring stories to protect the world's only scaly mammal.

  • Chinese pangolin sitting amongst undergrowth
    Pangolin, tiger and Asian elephant conservation in Thailand

    Pangolin, tiger and Asian elephant conservation in Thailand

    Find out how we're working on the ground and behind-the-scenes to protect Asian elephants, tigers and pangolins.

Be there for wildlife

We believe nature can recover, and that conservation is most effective when driven by science and innovation. We call for science to guide all global decisions on environment and biodiversity and build a healthier future for wildlife, people and the planet.