Pangolin in Odzala-Kokoua National Park Congo Postcard

Odzala-Kokoua National Park, established in 1935 and located in the Republic of the Congo, is one of Africa's oldest national parks. Spanning approximately 13,500 square kilometers, it lies at the heart of the Congo Basin, the world's second-largest tropical rainforest. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including over 100 mammal species such as the western lowland gorilla, African forest elephant, and bongo antelope. It also boasts more than 440 bird species and serves as a critical habitat for various reptiles and amphibians. In 2023, the Forest Massif of Odzala-Kokoua was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its exceptional ecological value. Conservation efforts are managed by African Parks in collaboration with the Congolese government, focusing on anti-poaching initiatives, community engagement, and sustainable ecotourism . Among the park's notable inhabitants is the pangolin, a unique mammal known for its protective keratin scales and nocturnal, solitary behavior. Three pangolin species are found in the Republic of the Congo: the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis), the black-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla), and the giant ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea). These species are highly sought after in illegal wildlife trade due to their meat and scales, leading to significant population declines. In response, Odzala-Kokoua has implemented conservation strategies, including genetic studies to understand population structures and monitoring of local trade dynamics. Research indicates that the white-bellied pangolin in this region exhibits a unique mitochondrial lineage, which is crucial for tracing the origins of trafficked individuals and informing conservation policies