South Africa’s Fedair has stepped up to assist in a project aiming to improve conservation of the endangered pangolin species.
FEDAIR ASSISTS PANGOLIN CONSERVATION PROJECT
On 17 July, the airline ,which operates passenger flights between Johannesburg and various game reserves around the country was involved in supporting a project helping to protect the pangolin from extinction.
The pangolin is an animal on the endangered species list. This is due to continued poaching, spurred by demand from countries where there is desire for its meat and body parts. In some cultures, the pangolin’s meat is considered a delicacy, while its scales are also used in traditional medicines.
SAVING THE PANGOLIN
In efforts to curb poaching and mitigate species loss, game reserves often erect electric fencing, to beef up security. However, this may also have a negative impact on species like the pangolin.
A project, by Tshwane University of Technology and the Conserve Earth organisation aims to study the effects of electric fencing on the pangolin. To conduct this important research, equipment needs to be transported to remote locations where it is deployed for the study.
Fedair supported this project by transporting camera equipment for the largest wildlife fence line study in Africa. Phase 2 of Project Pangolin thus took flight. Fedair flew equipment, destined for key reserves across three South African biomes to various remote locations.
The ground-breaking study will monitor wildlife activity along electric fences to determine safer, more effective fence designs, reducing harm to animals while maintaining reserve security.
The long-term impact of this study could drive conservation legislative change and safeguard countless species, including the endangered pangolin.
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