Red colobus (Piliocolobus) conservation action plan 2021-2026

Abstract

Ranging from forests in Senegal to the Zanzibar Archipelago, red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus spp.) are the most threatened group of African monkeys. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM in 2020, every form of red colobus monkey is threatened with extinction, and 14 of the 18 taxa (>75%) are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered. Despite their conservation status, only a few populations have been studied in any detail and the general public is largely unaware of these monkeys and their plight. Following over two decades of calls to prioritise red colobus conservation efforts, this publication finally brings together the knowledge of experts on these monkeys and African wildlife conservation to identify the populations in most urgent need of conservation and to develop priority conservation actions for each taxon and across the red colobus’ geographic range.

The importance of well protected forests for the conservation genetics of West African colobine monkeys

“…It is believed that only a few individuals are left in the forests, illustrating the challenges faced by colobine monkeys in West African anthropogenic landscapes (Oates et al, 2000, 2020). It is urgent that targeted conservation measures are taken for the CFNP colobines so as to prevent their extinction in the park, which would greatly compromise the persistence of both species in Guinea‐Bissau (Gonedelé et al, 2020; Minhós et al, 2020; Linder et al, 2021).…”

“…We worry that the genetic consequences of the recent (Oates et al, 2000(Oates et al, , 2020. It is urgent that targeted conservation measures are taken for the CFNP colobines so as to prevent their extinction in the park, which would greatly compromise the persistence of both species in Guinea-Bissau (Gonedelé et al, 2020;Minhós et al, 2020;Linder et al, 2021).…”

Researchers join forces to conserve red colobus (Piliocolobus badius temminckii) in West Africa

“…• Review the ReCAP (Linder et al, 2021). • Support the following collaborative efforts that aim to inform people about the plight of red colobus monkeys and ways to help conserve them.…”

“…(3) establishing continent-wide initiatives to facilitate collaboration (e.g., standardized protocols; a range-wide genomic database; proper management to oversee administration, implementation, and evaluation of funds and activities), and (4) building capacity through training and mentoring programs, especially for African professionals committed to red colobus conservation (Linder et al, 2021;Nakkazi, 2019).…”

Mammal depletion processes in a UNESCO biosphere reserve: an integrative analysis of population viability

“…Linder et al 2021). Research conducted in 2019, gathering information from traditional hunters, revealed that it has been more than 10 years since individuals of Kisangani red colobus were killed in the YAB(Kaisala et al 2020).…”