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Abstract African pangolins are hunted for their meat and for use in local traditional medicine, as well as for their scales, which are trafficked internationally, especially to growing Asian markets. Pangolin’s population genetic structure can be used to trace the geographic origins of trafficked scales, but substantial sampling gaps across pangolins’ ranges hinder these efforts. In this study, we documented population structure and dynamics in the two species of African pangolin, the white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and the giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) in the underexplored Republic of Congo. Using the mitochondrial control region and two nuclear markers (beta-fibrinogen and titin), we identified high genetic diversity in both species. We document a distinct mitochondrial lineage of the white-bellied pangolin, which was most likely shaped by river barriers together with dynamics of forest refugia related to the climatic shifts during the Pleistocene. We detected population growth in the white-bellied pangolin coinciding with a dry period during the Pleistocene, suggesting some ability for this typically forest-dwelling species to persist under diverse environmental conditions. Using landscape genetics, we found all but one of the pangolins we sampled at bush meat markets originated locally. A single individual appeared to have been imported to Congo from Cameroon. These findings significantly contribute to our understanding of pangolin population biology and local trade dynamics. In addition, our data from a previously unstudied part of pangolins’ ranges will help us to better understand international wildlife trafficking patterns and to target conservation and protection strategies for these highly vulnerable species.

Abstract Habitat loss and overexploitation are the most severe threats to wild animals in Central Africa. One mammalian group under pressure from hunting is the Pholidota (pangolins), with three species of pangolin inhabiting the region. While local uses of pangolins have been investigated in several Central African countries, data originating from the Republic of the Congo are lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a semistructured questionnaire survey in 65 rural communities around the Odzala‐Kokoua National Park. Our research focused on collecting baseline information on local knowledge of species ecology, and perceived economic values and uses of pangolins in local communities. We identified significant differences in our data corresponding to respondents' sociocultural and demographic profiles in the surveyed villages. Recognition of pangolins was high (98.2%), we recorded 22 traditional medicinal or cultural uses of pangolins by respondents, and the taste of pangolin meat was ranked highly (71.3%). Respondents based along the northern boundary of the park were more familiar with pangolins and the market value of their meat and scales, which could be due to better quality roads in the area and proximity to Cameroon. We then provide guidelines for further research to better understand the dynamics of local use, needed for conservation policy and actions.