CONSERVATION STATUS OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE: THE CASE OF THE PANGOLIN IN A COMMUNITY FOREST AND TWO CLASSIFIED FORESTS IN THE TONKPI REGION, WESTERN COTE D IVOIRE

Wildlife is an essential component of global biodiversity. Among the animal species most threatened with extinction is the pangolin. This insectivorous mammal belongs to the order Pholidota. It is considered the most illegally trafficked mammal in the world due to the growing demand for its meat and scales. This study aims to assess the conservation status of the pangolin in three forests in western Côte d'Ivoire, in order to better understand its distribution, preferred habitats, and the threats facing this animal species. Ethnozological surveys and reconnaissance walks (RECCE) were conducted to inventory pangolin species in the field. This study was carried out in four habitat types: humid dense forests, mountain dense forests, dry dense forests, and anthropogenically modified forests. The pangolin species identified during this study were Phataginus tetradactyla and Phataginus tricuspis. Pangolin species could be detected directly or indirectly. Direct observations included any visual contact with the animals during our fieldwork. Indirect observations encompassed all indirect indicators that could definitively confirm the presence of pangolins at the study site. During the study, 89 pangolin signs were recorded, including 66 (74.16%) signs of Phataginus tricuspis and 23 (25.84%) signs of Phataginus tetradactyla. These two pangolin species have essentially the same distribution ranges. They are generally observed in forest habitats, particularly in mountainous areas. The sustainable conservation of these mammals in western Cote d Ivoire is threatened by human activities, including agriculture, hunting, logging, and bushfires.