Perceptions and uses of pangolins (Pholidota) among remote rural communities in the Republic of the Congo: A baseline study from the Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Habitat loss and overexploitation are the most severe threats to wild animals in Central Africa. One mammalian group under pressure from hunting is the Pholidota (pangolins), with three species of pangolin inhabiting the region. While local uses of pangolins have been investigated in several Central African countries, data originating from the Republic of the Congo are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a semistructured questionnaire survey in 65 rural communities around the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Our research focused on collecting baseline information on local knowledge of species ecology, and perceived economic values and uses of pangolins in local communities. We identified significant differences in our data corresponding to respondents' sociocultural and demographic profiles in the surveyed villages. Recognition of pangolins was high (98.2%), we recorded 22 traditional medicinal or cultural uses of pangolins by respondents, and the taste of pangolin meat was ranked highly (71.3%). Respondents based along the northern boundary of the park were more familiar with pangolins and the market value of their meat and scales, which could be due to better quality roads in the area and proximity to Cameroon. We then provide guidelines for further research to better understand the dynamics of local use, needed for conservation policy and actions.