Newsroom 

“This project has the potential to transform pangolin conservation, first in key locations in Central Africa, and then extending into parts of Asia. By taking an interdisciplinary approach and using novel technology and artificial intelligence approaches, the project will give pangolins populations in these regions the best chance of survival.”

—Dan Challender, Conservation Scientist from the University of Oxford

“Operation Pangolin is a chance to alter the conservation landscape for pangolins and other wildlife threatened by illicit human behavior.”

—Matthew H. Shirley, Operation Pangolin lead principal investigator and conservation ecologist at Florida International University

“In partnership with local communities, we will unite diverse streams of data on pangolin populations and on wildlife crime, and design innovative AI tools and data science platforms to identify patterns and trends in illicit wildlife trafficking. This work will enable us to better understand threats to wildlife and make inferences to stop biodiversity loss.”

—Bistra Dilkina, Associate professor of computer science and industrial and systems engineering, University of Southern California (USC) and co-director of USC’s Center for AI in Society

“Accurate, actionable data is the foundation of effective conservation efforts. Operation Pangolin will provide a blueprint for how conservationists can turn data into solutions that address important issues like wildlife trafficking and the biodiversity crisis head on.”

—Gabe Miller, Director of technology on behalf of the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

“Without urgent conservation action at a global scale, all eight species of pangolins face extinction.”

—Matthew H. Shirley, Operation Pangolin lead principal investigator and conservation ecologist at Florida International University