Free Okolunu

Bruno arrived at around 7.30 as Okolunu remained wrapped up in a corner of the garage. After a short discussion it was agreed to make haste and release it that evening. Bruno had to prepare his power tools for the attachment of a GPS logger which Paul was programming, and I played the role of photographer. The logger take GPS readings at set times, and has 4 windows during which it can be called on a cell network to retrieve its current location. All of this had to be tested and programmed, and there were a few issues to be dealt with.

It was late when we started work. First we placed Okolunu in a sack and weighed it: 13,1kg. The Bruno drilled two small holes in a scale on its back and attached the GPS logger. Scale clippings were taken for DNA. We tried to open it up in order to get some photos of its genitals and sex it, but it resisted strongly, occasionally viciously lashing out with its tail and contracting to cut off Tim’s fingers with its sharp scales. We tried to hang it by its tail until it would unroll but it jerked around and we had to let go, we tried to tickle it open but it didn’t open far enough and eventually we had to give up. Mites were observed underneath the scales. Bruno tried to take blood samples from the flesh underneath its scales but no matter how deep he pierced no blood was drawn; eventually we had to give up on this also. An inspection was made of the RF tag, and despite some damage to the antennae we decided to keep it on.

Okolunu was then bagged up and we drove to the release site; Tim on the back as usual, Paul driving and I with the bag between my legs, rubber underneath to protect it. Occasionally it shifted and rolled around, and I could feel its warmth. We arrive at Nshandi’s farm and the manager came with us to show us the way. Eventually we had to continue on foot and found a slightly open area close to where we found it. Okolunu was released from its sack. It lay there for a while coiled up, but eventually unraveled. It must have been stressed still as it behaved a little unusually, walking a short distance through the bush before eventually settling under a thorny acacia. It lay there, looking dazed, occasionally moving its head and even sticking out its tongue. We left and got back to the house at around 4am – finally able to sleep for a decent length.

Maybe we will go tonight to the GPS location and observe it, maybe we won’t. The battery will expire in about two weeks and someone is needed to retrieve it – the logistics are unclear so far. In any case, it feels like the end of a chapter; I’ll have to write a report soon and I’ll spend my last 4 days here down at the bush camp with my aunt and uncle who are visiting. It was a very special experience being so close to the pangolin; they are truly incredible animals. I know we must have stressed it out greatly, trying to pry it open like a predator and keeping it in a sack, but hopefully the data obtained will benefit him and others in the long run.

Bruno struggling

Damage to the tag

weighing

Okolunu curled up

Stretched out, but still protecting its face

Mite, parasites

Gps Logger being attached

GPS logger and RF tag

Trying to open it up, nearly succeeding

Its very narrow head with legs on either side

Trying to get out blood, only a vacuum

Okolunu walking after release

Okolunu resting under a bush

Sticking out its tongue at us