Press Releases

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
New Species of Bark Spider Discovered by PangolinConservation.org
 
St. Augustine, FL USA
August 19, 2016
 
While conducting a survey for tree pangolin habitat in western Togo, Justin Miller, director of Pangolin Conservation, came across a very unique spider. After posting photos of the spider on social media, Miller came to find out this it appears to be a new species of Bark Spider (Caerostris sp.).
 
These type of spiders are well known for their extremely strong silk, potentially large webs and odd characteristics.
 
Confirmation of a new orb-weaving spider species will be made by after being deposited in a natural history museum. “Who knows, if the species is scientifically described in the future maybe they’ll name it after a pangolin.”, Miller says. “I can always hope the exposure of one animal can get the word out about another.”
 
This discovery demonstrates the interconnectedness between habitat conservation and species conservation. By attempting to protect this habitat for the world’s most illegally trafficked animal (the pangolin) we are also able to protect it for other very fascinating animals and plants.
 
“While it’s one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, the continued discovery of new and exciting animals in Togo details how much work we need to do to understand and protect the biology of this region. Recently, a new species of duiker and gecko has been discovered. Even species once thought lost, such as the critically endangered frog, Conraua derooi, have been found as a result of Pangolin Conservation’s work with pangolins.”, says Miller.
 
Pangolin Conservation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to promote the conservation, education, and research of pangolin species.
 
ENDS
 
Contact: Media@PangolinConservation.org
Photos & Video: A new species of Bark Spider (Caerostris sp.) discovered by PangolinConservation.org during a survey for tree pangolin habitat in Western Togo.

A new species of Bark Spider (Caerostris sp.) discovered by PangolinConservation.org during a survey for tree pangolin habitat in Western Togo.

A new species of Bark Spider (Caerostris sp.) discovered by PangolinConservation.org during a survey for tree pangolin habitat in Western Togo.

A new species of Bark Spider (Caerostris sp.) discovered by PangolinConservation.org during a survey for tree pangolin habitat in Western Togo.

 

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rare Baby Tree Pangolin Born at Pangolin Conservation

St. Augustine, FL USA
August 30, 2015

Justin Miller, the founder of the non-profit organization Pangolin Conservation, confirmed that a healthy single baby female White-bellied Tree Pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) was born on Friday 28th of August 2015, weighing in at 98.2 grams. This rare event has only happened once previously in captivity.

“This is a momentous occasion, resulting from our groundbreaking research and efforts to maintain pangolins in captivity” says pangolin conservationist Justin Miller. “We are happy to be the driving force to encourage zoos throughout the USA to work with and protect these endangered species. Our recently developed diet allows facilities to exhibit these specialized ant feeders. It is our goal to bring the serious issues these endangered species face to the American public with these ambassadors.”

White-bellied tree pangolins are one of the eight pangolin species, also called scaly anteaters. They are referred to as the artichokes of the mammal world, with their unique protective scales made from keratin, the same material as human hair and fingernails. The illegal trade in pangolins, to supply traditional Asian medicine, is causing the rapid decline of these animals. As smugglers exhaust the species’ populations in Asia, their focus increases on African species.

Pangolin Conservation is a non-profit organization founded to promote the conservation, education, and research of pangolin species.

ENDS

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Contact: Media@PangolinConservation.org

Photo: A newborn female White-bellied Tree Pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) being weighed, photo by Justin Miller of Pangolin Conservation.

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