LIMPOPO – Two pangolins have been recovered from the illegal wildlife trade following operations supported by K9 Conservation in Gravelotte and Hoedspruit three weeks ago.

Arrests and seized vehicles

According to a post shared by K9 Conservation on its Facebook page, the operations resulted in the rescue of two pangolins, with one recovered in Gravelotte and the other in Hoedspruit. Five people were arrested during the operations, while two vehicles believed to have been involved in the illegal movement of the animals were confiscated.

Why quick response matters

K9 Conservation said the operations highlighted the importance of having trained conservation teams and the resources needed to respond quickly when wildlife crime incidents are reported.

The organisation said that, outside its contracted sites where it is paid to provide protection, its specialist teams frequently respond to wildlife crime incidents using their own vehicles and covering fuel costs themselves.

The recent operations were conducted in conjunction with the SAPS Endangered Species Unit in Phalaborwa and Hoedspruit.

Local organisations join the effort

The organisation also acknowledged several conservation and wildlife organisations for their involvement and assistance during the operations.

These included Scales Pangolin Rescue Fund, Hoedspruit Animal Hospital ProVet, Umoya Khulula Wildlife Centre, Wildlife Crime Information Network and the African Pangolin Working Group.

Supporting the fight against wildlife crime

While the animals have been removed from the illegal trade, conservation groups continue to rely on resources and public support to respond to wildlife crime and protect threatened species.

K9 Conservation has appealed to the public for donations for the Limpopo Pangolin Collective.

For more information, email k9.conservation@gmail.com.