Japanese marque Mazda has levelled up its support to the conservation of the critically endangered Pangolin. Apart from naming its pickup truck the BT-50 Pangolin Edition to raise awareness for the cause, and turning over two of these BT-50 vehicles to the non-profit organization Katala Foundation Inc (KFI), it has now pledged P1,500 to KFI for every BT-50 sold.
This was announced by Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan during a May 7 dinner with German biologist Dr Sabine Schoppe, KFI co-founder and director, and the motoring media at New World Hotel Makati City.
“KFI is a non-profit organization. It relies on the charity and generosity of corporations and individuals to fund it. I talked to Dr Sabine before and asked her ‘how do you get by? How many staff?’ and she said it’s very difficult to hire people. So they do it out of love. But they still have to pay the bills (the foundation pays for the salaries of the staff). So when we launch the BT-50 this May, I will pledge to put aside P1,500 per BT-50 that we sell, and we’re going to give it over to KFI,” said Tan. .
2 BT-50 Pangolin Editions turned over
KFI previously received from the carmaker two BT-50 pickups, a Pangolin Edition I in December 2020, and then the Pangolin Edition 2 in February 2024 for its field operations. The Pangolin Edition 2 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine mated to an automatic transmission. Its 4×4 drive comes in handy for navigating deep into forests, going up and down mountains, and crossing rivers, all for monitoring and protecting Palawan Island’s endangered animals, especially the Pangolin.
Schoppe, who is also director of the Palawan Pangolin Conservation Program, said of Tan’s pledge of support: “This means a lot to us and for pangolin conservation. Your commitment does not only strengthen our partnership but it also involves others, as every person who purchases a BT 50 Pangolin contributes to pangolin conservation.”
“There is still hope for the critically endangered pangolin. We all can contribute to making a change. Be counted,” she urged.
Nocturnal, and vulnerable to poachers
The Palawan Pangolin, also known as the Philippine Pangolin, is a scaly, nocturnal mammal endemic to the Palawan province of the Philippines. It curls into a tight ball when threatened and primarily feeds on ants and termites using its long, sticky tongue.
The Pangolin has become an endangered species primarily due to relentless poaching for its meat and scales, which are highly valued in some traditional medicine practices and as a delicacy, coupled with significant habitat loss from deforestation due to illegal logging and agricultural expansion.
Schoppe has dedicated the last three decades helping save and conserve wildlife in the province.
Tan previously described Schoppe as “best friends” with Pangolins. “Dr. Sabine will always inspire you with her passion, and passion can change the world,” he said.
Tan added, “Business does not only exist to make money. There are other things that a business should do, including providing employment, and the bigger picture is to contribute to a better environment. I would say that Pangolin conservation is one of Mazda Philippines’ environment projects that is closest to my heart. We named our pick-up the BT-50 Pangolin specifically for raising awareness. If somebody sees a BT-50 Pangolin Edition truck and the Pangolin graphic, they will look it up and find out more. We would have done our part in raising awareness.”