Research Associate, Operation Pangolin
franklin.simo@biology.ox.ac.uk

Franklin Simo

Background

I am a conservation biologist specializing in wildlife ecology, human-wildlife interactions, and biodiversity conservation in Central Africa. My research focuses on the sustainability of wildlife use, community-based conservation, and the ecological dynamics of threatened species, particularly pangolins and the African golden cat.

I completed my Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, in 2024, where I investigated mammals’ diversity and ecology in forest-savanna ecotones to inform conservation strategies. I currently serve as a Research Associate at the University of Oxford, contributing to the Social-Ecological Systems (SES) pillar of Operation Pangolin.

I am also the Executive Director of the Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Initiative (CWCI), a local organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and sustainable resource management. In 2025, I was appointed as the Central Africa Regional Co-Chair of the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group, where I work to enhance regional coordination for pangolin conservation.

Research interests

My research interests focus on biodiversity conservation, wildlife monitoring, and the social-ecological dynamics of human-wildlife interactions. I am particularly interested in the use and trade of wildlife, with an emphasis on its sustainability, governance, and the socio-economic factors influencing hunting and trafficking. My work integrates ecological and social science approaches to assess conservation challenges and inform policy interventions. I have a strong focus on pangolins and African golden cats, examining their ecology, threats, and conservation strategies, while also exploring community-based conservation models to promote sustainable resource management.

Current research

I am currently involved in several research streams aimed at understanding the dynamics of human-wildlife interactions and their implications for conservation policy and practice. As part of Operation Pangolin at the University of Oxford, my work investigates the socio-ecological systems in which pangolins are used and traded in Cameroon and Gabon. This includes conducting field-based research to assess the drivers of pangolin exploitation, mapping trade networks, and evaluating local community perceptions and engagement in conservation. My research also explores the integration of local knowledge and governance structures into conservation strategies to enhance the sustainability of pangolin populations.

Beyond pangolins, my research extends to broader wildlife trade and human-wildlife interactions. I am analyzing the impact of urban wild meat consumption patterns in Cameroon, assessing the effectiveness of conservation interventions, and developing community-based approaches for mitigating human-carnivore conflicts, with a particular focus on the African golden cat.

Through my roles as Co-Chair for Central Africa in the IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group and Executive Director of CWCI, I am actively involved in translating research findings into practical conservation actions, working closely with local stakeholders, policymakers, and international conservation networks to strengthen the protection of threatened species.

Brief CV

2024–Present Research Associate, University of Oxford 2021–Present Executive Director, Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Initiative (CWCI) 2024–Present Central Africa Regional Co-Chair, IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group 2024 Project Manager, University of Kent/ABOYERD 2022–2023 National Wildlife Trade Expert, University of Hong Kong 2023 Technical Consultant, Fauna and Flora International, WABiLED, IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group 2024 Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Yaoundé I 2016 M.Sc. in Animal Ecology, University of Yaoundé I

Membership

Central Africa Co-Chair, IUCN SSC Pangolin Specialist Group

Member, African Golden Cat Conservation Alliance and Working Group (AGCCA)

Member, Cameroon Pangolin Working Group (CPWG)

Founder, Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Initiative (CWCI)

Publications

Simo T. Franklin, Ghislain F. Difouo, Christian N. Tchana, Alain Christel Wandji, Alfiery Laurel Djomnang-Nkwala, Marcelle Mbadjou-Nziké, Sévilor Kekeunou, Markéta Swiacká and Daniel J. Ingram. Urban wild meat and pangolin consumption across southern forested Cameroon: The limited influence of COVID-19. People Nat.

Simo T. Franklin, Difouo Fopa G, Kekeunou S, Ichu IG, Esong Ebong L, Olson D, Ingram DJ. 2020. Using local ecological knowledge to improve the effectiveness of detecting white‐bellied pangolins (Phataginus tricuspis) using camera traps: A case study from Deng‐Deng National Park, Cameroon. African Journal of Ecology: aje.12762.

Simo T. Franklin, Difouo GF, Kekeunou S, Ingram DJ, Kirsten I, Olson D. 2021. African golden cat and serval in forest–savannah transitions in Cameroon. African Journal of Ecology: aje.12891.

Simo T. Franklin, Difouo GF, Kekeunou S, Ichu IG, Bissek JP, Kirsten IE, Bastien D, Olson D. 2019. African golden cat confirmed in Mpem et Djim National Park, Cameroon. CATnews 70:6–7.

Simo T. Franklin, Difouo GF, Kekeunou S, Ichu IG, Ingram DJ, and Olson D. (2023) Pangolin hunting and trafficking in the forest–savannah transition area of Cameroon. Oryx, 1‑10. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0030605322001429.

Simo T. Franklin, Difouo GF, Kekeunou S, Ichu IG, Olson D, Ingram DJ. (2023) Adapting camera-trap placement based on animal movement patterns for rapid detection: a focus on the endangered

white-bellied pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis). Ecology and Evolution, 13(5). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10064.

Tinsman, J.C., Gruppi, C., Bossu, C.M., Prigge, T.-L., Harrigan, R.J., Zaunbrecher, V., Koepfli, K.-P., LeBreton, M., Njabo, K., Wenda, C., Xing, S., Abernethy, K., Ades, G., Akeredolu, E., Andrew, I.B., Barrett, T.A., Bernáthová, I., Černá Bolfíková, B., Diffo, J.L., Difouo Fopa, G., Ebong, L.E., Godwill, I., Koumba Pambo, A.F., Labuschagne, K., Nwobegahay Mbekem, J., Momboua, B.R., Mousset Moumbolou, C.L., Ntie, S., Rose-Jeffreys, E., Simo, F.T., Sundar, K., Swiacká, M., Takuo, J.M., Talla, V.N.K., Tamoufe, U., Dingle, C., Ruegg, K., Bonebrake, T.C. & Smith, T.B. (2023). Genomic analyses reveal poaching hotspots and illegal trade in pangolins from Africa to Asia. Science 382, 1282–1286.

Difouo GF, Simo T. Franklin, Kekeunou S, Ichu IG, Ingram DJ, Olson D. 2020. Understanding Local Ecological Knowledge, Ethnozoology, and Public Opinion to Improve Pangolin Conservation in the Center and East Regions of Cameroon. Journal of Ethnobiology 40:234–251. Society of Ethnobiology.

Difouo GF, Simo T. Franklin, Kekeunou S, Titti Ebangue G, Ndoh LG, Olson D. 2021. Ant and termite prey of the giant pangolin Smutsia gigantea Illiger, 1815 in forest–savannah mosaics of Cameroon. African Journal of Ecology 59:548–553.

Harvey‐Carroll J, Simo T. Franklin, Sonn‐Juul T, Tsafack JP, Aka’a SJD, Nchembi Tarla F, Fowler A, Ingram DJ. 2022. Continued availability and sale of pangolins in a major urban bushmeat market in Cameroon despite national bans and the COVID‐19 outbreak. African Journal of Ecology 60:146–152.

Kitchener AC, Simo T. Franklin, Mugerwa Badru, Sanderson JG. 2022. Evidence that Temminck described Felis aurata in 1825, not 1827. Archives of Natural History 49:78–85. Edinburgh University Press.

Mouafo Takoune Alain Delon, Aghah Binda Valery, Taku Awa II, Simo T. Franklin, Ngwayi Nfor Itoe Constantine, Ambassa Ongono Edgar Désiré And Daniel J. Ingram “Confirming the presence of African golden cat (Caracal aurata, Temminck 1827) in Mbam and et Djerem National Park, Centre-Cameroon” CATnews.

Difouo, G. F., Simo T. Franklin, Kekeunou, S., Ebangue, G. T., Fokou, O. R., Ndoh, L. G., Ichu, I. G., & Olson, D. (2023). Diversity patterns of ants and termites in forest-savanna mosaic habitats in two protected areas of Cameroon. African Journal of Ecology, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1111/aje.13183.

Difouo F. Ghislain, Simo T. Franklin, Kekeunou S, Olson D and Ingram DJ. (2022) Black-bellied pangolin Phataginus tetradactyla (Linnaeus 1766) documented in Deng-Deng National Park, Cameroon, using camera-traps. Oryx.

Challender, D. W. S., Embolo, L. E., Keboy Mov Linkey Iflankoy, C., Mouafo, A. D. T., Simo, F. T., Ullmann, T., & Shirley, M. H. (2024). Incentivizing pangolin conservation : Decisions at CITES CoP19 may reduce conservation options for pangolins. Conservation Science and Practice, 6(5), e13117. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.13117

Massoh, G. D., Kirsten, I., Wandji, A. C., Difouo, G. F., Simo, F. T., Breuer, T., Bauer, H., Kamgang, S. A., Bastin, D., Mvéimané, A., Ndiye, A., Tamesse, J. L., & Kekeunou, S. (2024). First record of albinism in long-nosed mongoose Xenogale naso documented with camera traps in the Yoko Council Forest, Centre Cameroon. Mammalia, 88(4), 316‑319. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2023-0136