Maria David
A TOTAL of 570 pangolins have been poached in Namibia since 2018.
This was revealed by Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, who said that the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism remains dedicated to protecting the nation’s pangolins.
According to Muyunda, there is an urgent need to combat threats such as habitat loss and illegal trafficking.
Since 2018, 570 pangolins have been poached from the wild in documented cases.
“To address our concerns regarding pangolin trafficking, the government has developed a National Species Management Plan in collaboration with the Namibian Pangolin Working Group, which will be released in 2025,” he said.
He added that the government remains committed to strengthening conservation efforts through legislation, enforcement, and collaboration with local communities and NGOs such as the Pangolin Conservation & Research Foundation.
Muyunda said that through this partnership, they have rescued, released, and monitored 35 pangolins over the past four years.
He stressed that their goal is to ensure the long-term survival of pangolins and protect the nation’s biodiversity.
Furthermore, Muyunda said that as they celebrate World Pangolin Day, they do so in honour of the life and legacy of the late Founding President Sam Nujoma.
“As the first democratically elected president, Nujoma was instrumental in shaping Namibia’s commitment to conservation and embedding environmental protection into the country’s Constitution—making Namibia the first nation to do so,” he added.
He added that Nujoma’s dedication to safeguarding Namibia’s natural heritage laid the foundation for a conservation model that empowers communities, supports biodiversity, and ensures that species like the pangolin remain protected for future generations.
Moreover, he said that in honouring Nujoma’s legacy, they reaffirm their responsibility to uphold Namibia’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.
Muyunda also emphasized the need to embrace Nujoma’s foresight in ensuring that pangolins and other wild animals are protected for the benefit of Namibia’s current and future generations.
He stressed that pangolins are increasingly vulnerable to extinction due to illegal poaching and trafficking.
The Ministry reminded the public that wildlife trafficking is a serious offense, punishable by arrest and sentencing. To date, the heaviest sentence has been nine years of direct imprisonment, and the highest fine imposed was N$800,000 for trafficking a pangolin or its parts.
Namibians are encouraged to report any illegal wildlife activities to 55555 and to join efforts to protect pangolins by spreading awareness and supporting conservation programs.
