Ditsi, the Temminck’s pangolin, is winning the hearts of the world with her love of swimming; she was rescued from poachers and is slowly recovering.
South Africa (12 July 2022) – This adorable pangolin REALLY loves swimming and has no care in the world, once she’s in the water! Manyoni Private Game Reserve shared this adorable video and informative story with LatestSightings.com.
Why are pangolins on the endangered list?
“Pangolin scales are in high demand in the illegal wildlife trade. They have been dubbed the world’s most trafficked mammal! A disheartening 2.7 million pangolins are poached from the wild every year. These amazing creatures possess no vocal cords, and their only defence is to roll into a ball and lie still. This makes it easy for poachers to capture and conceal them.”
“The vulnerability of these animals is why the Zululand Conservation Trust has dedicated a large number of our conservation funds towards the protection, rehabilitation, and monitoring of these incredible animals.”
“Meet Dithlong (nicknamed Ditsi). Ditsi is a Temmincks’s pangolin who is being rehabilitated at the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. She was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade during a sting operation led by law enforcement officers. This helpless pangolin was taken by illegal traffickers in the North-Western province of South Africa in 2021. Thankfully at Manyoni, she is recovering well and enjoying her refreshing afternoon swims.”
“While in the hands of poachers, these pangolins deteriorate due to stress, dehydration, and lack of food. There are incredible people fighting against the illegal trade. The rescue efforts at the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital ensure that every confiscated animal has a second chance at life. As well as the opportunity to live freely in the wild. When a pangolin arrives, the dedicated team nurses the injured and sick pangolins back to health. When they are strong enough, the rehabilitated pangolins are taken to a suitable reserve where the “soft release” process begins. Here they are given the opportunity to be released back into the wild.”
“Ditsi, the swimming pangolin, is currently being supervised by the Zululand Conservation Trust. When she is released back into the wild, she will be monitored by the team. This will help them gain a better understanding of her behaviour which will assist with future conservation efforts. All of the work that goes into her management is done by the African Pangolin Working Group. “
Ditsi the pangolin REALLY loves swimming
Pangolins are extremely fascinating animals and can eat up to 70 million insects each year. Their sticky tongue reaching 71 cm in length allows them to slurp up insects. All pangolins are covered in scales made of keratin – the same material as human fingernails. Their tough armour provides protection from predators – not even lions are able to bite through the tough scales.
These conservation efforts provide expert knowledge and assistance to everyone involved. Without all the invested stakeholders, these animals may not get the care they need to survive.
by 