Like other pangolin species, populations of Chinese pangolins experienced steep declines in recent decades due to habitat destruction and poaching for their parts.
In June 2020, China upgraded all pangolins within its borders to the highest level of legal protection. With this upgrade came increased conservation efforts, particularly in research and monitoring. This includes the placement of infrared cameras in pangolin habitats across the country to better understand the status, habits, and needs of these shy, elusive animals.
This ongoing monitoring of Chinese pangolins has revealed an improvement in their habitat conditions and an uptick in their numbers in the wild!
To bring awareness to this initiative, WildAid ambassador Wang Yibo recently joined us on a field mission to personally help with the setup of infrared cameras. We put up billboards and ran a PSA across China sharing this exciting news and encouraging millions of people to pledge to say no to all pangolin products.
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY TO PROTECT COSTA RICA’S OCEAN MARVELS
Cocos Island, located 500 km off Costa Rica’s Pacific shore and the inspiration for the movie Jurassic Park, is a haven for marine wildlife like giant manta rays, whale sharks, and hammerhead sharks. Due to its rich biodiversity, the Island has been protected as The Cocos Island National Park since 1978.
In order to strengthen surveillance of the park and protect against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which harms vulnerable marine ecosystems, WildAid’s marine team recently supported the installation of a long-range radar. The radar complements the control and surveillance of the control center and adds a much-needed additional layer of surveillance that can continuously monitor the area even when rangers aren’t on-site.
We’re proud to work with Costa Rica in Cocos to protect its vulnerable marine habitats and wildlife. Conservation is a team sport!
Every day, our actions and lifestyle choices ripple across the globe, influencing the natural world in profound ways. From the food we eat to how we wash our clothes, the collective impact of our everyday decisions can either harm or heal our planet. As we face a climate crisis that threatens a third of all species with extinction within our lifetimes, it’s clear that the path we choose today shapes the legacy we leave for future generations.
YOU’RE INVITED TO A SPECIAL EARTH DAY CONVERSATION WITH US
Join WildAid on Earth Day, Monday, April 22nd at 12pm PST/3pm EST and celebrate the inspiring ways people are working together worldwide to protect wildlife and habitats from critical threats.
We’re hosting a 50-minute online conversation with WildAid's new leadership team: Meaghan Brosnan, Chief Executive Officer, John Baker, President and Chief Program Officer, and Leila Melody, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer.
Join us, and you’ll hear directly from Meaghan, John, and Leila as they share WildAid’s work, impact, and vision for the future. Register on Zoom and come ready with your questions and suggestions!
Small But Mighty Agents of Change. WildAid's Mission is to inspire and empower the world to protect wildlife and vital habitats from critical threats.
