Researchers in Cameroon plan to use the red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus spp.) as a standard bearer for conservation and a barometer of forest health.
Red stump monkeys are tree-dwelling monkeys with 17 species found in the rainforests of Africa from Senegal in the West to Zanzibar (Tanzania) in the East, with over 75% of species are either endangered or critically endangered.
Florence Aghomoits researcher and coordinator Red Colobus Conservation Network (RCCN), says these monkeys are an ideal flagship primate species for Africa because each forest bioregion of Africa is represented by its own endemic species of red stump.
“They are the proverbial canary in the coal mine, they are the first large mammal to be extirpated (disappeared) from an area by hunting, as they are slow, large (provide more meat per unit of effort) and conspicuous. monitored to serve as an early warning indicator,” he says.
In a 2024 Maintenance Letters paperAghomo and her colleagues argue that the red colobus species can act as critical barometers of forest health and serve as flagships to spark broader African rainforest conservation efforts.
“Red colobus monkeys help spread plant seeds: they consume a variety of fruits, seeds and leaves and then disperse the undigested seeds through their feces,” says Aghomo, adding that they are also an important prey species for a variety. of predators.
“Their presence and abundance can reflect the overall health of forest ecosystems and consequently human health,” he says, “Motivating local populations and governments to conserve red monkeys involves a mix of financial incentives, education and commitment community.
Aghomo explains that ecotourism and payments for ecosystem services can provide economic benefits, while educational programs and community workshops raise awareness of the importance of conservation.
“Educating local communities and using technology to manage resources, encouraging sustainable development practices and recognizing outstanding local conservation efforts with awards can increase motivation and commitment to conserving the red stump and their habitat” , says.
Conservation in Cameroon
Aghomo was born and raised in the small town of Kumba in southwestern Cameroon, in a remote neighborhood close to agricultural lands, secondary and primary forests.
“Going to the forest was one of my favorite activities – it was always a quiet area for me with a special aroma and melody,” he says, adding that as a child he would go to the forest with friends and family to pick fruit. , leaves and firewood.
After National Geographic documentaries sparked interest in a career in forest exploration as a teenager, Aghomo’s father suggested she apply to a forestry program at the University of Dschang, where she had studied.
“Fortunately, I was accepted into the 2008 batch of the five-year Forest and Wildlife Engineer program at FASA’s Forestry Department,” she says, adding that she would return to her home region to conduct field research and academic research. before joining the red colobus conservation initiative.
Aghomo explains that scientists from the Global South should be included and consulted in global decision-making because some communities from these countries are highly dependent on natural resources.
“This means that the loss of biodiversity and forest cover will have a direct impact on their livelihoods and health,” he says, adding that these communities have traditional ecological knowledge that is key to conservation.
“I believe that empowering local communities is key to conservation: there are many people who live close to the forest, with great knowledge of the landscape and the species, and who are aware of the threats, but unfortunately, they haven’t had the opportunity to go in school like me,” he says, adding that local people can be trained to conduct basic biodiversity surveys, develop conservation strategies and help them carry out those strategies.
Conservation of the Golden Langur in Bhutan
Elsewhere in the Global South, Kuenzang Dorji, a primatologist at the Bhutanese government’s Center for the Study of Nature is helping to reduce conflict between marginalized farmers and the endangered Golden Langur monkey.
Ji’s golden langur, Trachypithecus geei, is a monkey found in a small forest zone in India and Bhutan. it is considered a good omen and is one of the 25 most endangered primates in the world.
“This project is particularly timely as the population of endangered golden eagles is declining and they are increasingly exposed to avoidable man-made threats such as road deaths and electrocution,” he says.
Dorji explains that by mapping human-langur interaction hotspots, devising non-lethal methods to protect crops and conducting educational outreach programs, he and his team are able to reduce human pressures on the endangered species.
“Finding practical and sustainable solutions is vital to ensuring the food security of vulnerable communities,” he says, “Approaches such as citizen science, community participation in research and conservation efforts, dynamic leadership, conservation policies and following Buddhist principles offer endless hope. to make Bhutan a conservation champion’.