This study was conducted in Deng-Deng National Park (DDNP) located in the Eastern Region of Cameroon in the Lom et Djerem Division (5°–5° 25′ N/13°–23° 34′ E,). Deng-Deng National Park is characterized by an equatorial and humid climate with annual rainfall ranging between 1,500 and 1,600 mm (Diangha, 2015). It is located in the forest–savannah transition zone of the country. The park area experiences seasonal dry and wet periods (Diangha, 2015), and other than pangolins, it harbors vulnerable wildlife species including gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and forest elephant (Loxodonta africana) (Maisels et al., 2011).

This project is the second support received from IDEA WILD for continues conservation of pangolins as well as to enhance the capacity of the project participants in the field of biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability.

Objectives

1. To confirm and document the presence of Smutsia gigantea in the Park using camera traps
2. To assess the habitat preference and relative population density of giant pangolins in the different habitat types,
3. Map out and describe anthropogenic activities occurring in and around the park and their impact on species welfare
4. To divert community’s attention from forest resources to alternative livelihoods by building local awareness and developing environmental education programs for schools.

Field work

Fourteen camera traps (six Cuddeback X Change Colour Model 1279, and Long-range IR E2 Model, eight Bushnell Trophy Camera Brown 119836 and Trophy Cam HD 119875C) were deployed at sites with good potential for giant pangolin activity in different primary and secondary forest gallery such as Mixed Forest, Liana, marsh, forest with open or closed undergrowth.

Cameras were tied to trees at a height of 30–40 cm above the ground for potential ground burrows and feeding sites. Cameras targeting fallen logs were set higher according to the tree diameter and elevation above ground level and were placed ~30–40 cm above the upper side of the tree trunk. The cameras were positioned perpendicular to the targets at a distance of 3–4 m with the aim of obtaining full body lateral images of the specie.

• This project provided data on abundance and habitat distribution of the giant pangolin specie in East Cameroon, and have determined ideal habitats and conditions, where seized or orphaned life pangolins are release in the wild.
• The project will give another opportunity to document new and undiscovered species, their habitats and waypoints where they are identified. This will be important for other related conservation studies in the park.
• Through environmental education and local capacity building, inhabitants saw the need to divert attention from forest resources to alternative sustainable livelihoods, even though they decried challenges of alternative livelihood opportunities that is pushing them to exploit the forest resources. However, this will help preserve and restore forest landscape in long run as we shall be working to leverage funds to support locals towards income generating activities. Equally, by creating awareness of pangolins being potential host of corona virus stream, it has discourage its consumption in local markets where we often saw pangolins eaten as a delicacy.
• Equally, by further working with the local hunters serving as field guides during the project, their training and integration into conservation efforts has help educate and encourage others to see the conservation benefits like employment.