Conserving pangolins through art

Wildlife crime is a complicated subject, and because of the widespread attention that poaching has received locally, regionally, and internationally, several iconic species in Namibia have been featured in news stories. Soon after being brought to the attention of the international conservation community, it became clear that pangolin have become a principal target of this scourge.

The world's pangolin species are severely endangered and are currently the most trafficked mammals globally.

The Namibian Arts Association has organised an exhibition of unique art inspired by the predicament of the pangolin, as part of a project by the Namibian Pangolin Working Group (NPWG).

NPWG, established in 2020, is a network of concerned government and non-government organisations that have been working at various levels towards the welfare of the animals, those seized from the trade as well as improving the safety and conservation of pangolin in the wild.

Telling a story

Under the theme Let Every Scale Count, artists were asked to take part in narrating the pangolin's experiences through their art. More than 50 artworks were submitted.

The project organiser, Liz Komen said the exhibition makes use of the visual arts to widen awareness for all biodiversity, not just for one species.

The art will be for sale and the exhibition is open until 28 June.

“I think bringing awareness to the pangolin is very important and it is disturbing how we destroy the animals on the planet, as they belong here as much as human beings do,” Barbara Bolke, an artist who took part in the

competition, said. She highlighted that she uses material only from Namibia.

Awareness and rescue

Pangolin scales at the heart of the reason they are highly targeted by poachers. Pangolin scales, like rhino horn, have no proven medicinal value, yet they are used in traditional Chinese medicine to ease symptoms from arthritis and other ailments.

The NPWG has been highly active in Namibia, particularly in deciding what to do when a live pangolin is confiscated from poachers.

Several flyers, leaflets and other publications have been created in collaboration with government ministries and non-governmental organisations to inform the public about the problems and how they may help.

“This pangolin communication in Namibia recommends working through advocacy to change both a mindset and behaviour through programmes for two nationally powerful and influential groups, school learners and artists,” said Komen.