CITIZENS of Mtakuja Subdistrict, Mvomero District, Morogoro Region have been delighted by the rare sighting of a Pangolin animal, which has raised new enthusiasm and hope in the community, interpreted as a sign of blessing especially during this rainy season.
The Pangolin was first seen on the night of December 9, 2025 in the area of a resident of the Subdistrict, Juma Mwanaguma. After identifying it as a rare animal, Mwanaguma reported it to the subdistrict leadership and relevant authorities in accordance with the conservation procedure.
Speaking about the incident, the Mvomero District Commissioner, Maulid Dotto, has commended the citizens for providing information quickly and for showing understanding of wildlife conservation. He said that this action shows solidarity and good awareness of the community in conservation issues.
In addition, DC Dotto said that according to the customs and traditions of the area, the appearance of the Pangolin is associated with positive signs. In asking for a sign of harvest, the community planted various seeds including rice, maize, sorghum and beans, and the Pangolin chose maize and rice, a sign of a good harvest season to come.
For his part, Juma Mwanaguma said that he initially thought it was a Nyegere, but when he looked closely he realized that it was an Pangolin. He said it was his first time seeing the animal which he had only heard about in stories and seen on television.
And Elder Mathei Malunga explained that after the appearance of the Pangolin, they carried out a traditional procedure of planting seeds to get a sign, and the animal moving towards maize and rice has been taken as a good sign for farmers.
District Wildlife Officer, Avelin Maingu, said that within the past five years, the Pangolin has been seen more than five times in Mvomero District. He explained that despite being a rare animal, its appearance is often considered a sign of good fortune and prosperity for society.