Données préliminaires sur l’exploitation des pangolins (Pholidota) autour du Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega, République Démocratique du Congo

A preliminary study around Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reveals that pangolins are primarily exploited for traditional food and medicine, with increasing demand driven by illegal trafficking of their scales. The research, conducted through surveys of 116 individuals in March and April 2019, identified that local children often act as intermediaries in this trade, which is fueled by demand from urban centers like Bukavu, Goma, and Kisangani, as well as neighboring countries (Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania) and international entities such as the UN Stabilization Mission. While hunting pangolins is strictly prohibited within the park, the study highlights the emerging threat to these endangered species due to external commercial pressures. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), were used to assess exploitation patterns and actor involvement.

Mbusa, J. M., Kambale, J. N., Kambale, D. M., Kambale, B. V., Tarla, F. N., Tarla, F. N., Mukinzi, J. C. I., & Gambalemoke, S. M. (2020). Données préliminaires sur l’exploitation des pangolins (Pholidota) autour du Parc National de Kahuzi-Biega, République Démocratique du Congo. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 14(7), 2538–2555. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v14i7.14