Black colobus (Colobus satanas*)

Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 11251806

The distribution of the threatened black colobus monkey (Colobus satanas) is restricted to four countries in the western part of the central Africa region: Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Congo and Gabon. Black colobus populations in Equatorial Guinea have undergone rapid declines in recent years since vast oil fields were discovery off-shore resulting in a dramatic economic boom. The increase in the size and wealth of the urban population has resulted in a surge in demand for bushmeat and a switch to the use of guns to increase supply. Black colobus is particularly vulnerable to overhunting due to its slow and inquisitive behaviour and relatively large body size making it a target for hunters. Black colobus has received very little conservation attention to date but measures to address unsustainable bushmeat hunting are urgently needed.

 

The Zoological Society of London is implementing a two-phased approach to tackling uncontrolled bushmeat hunting and trade in Equatorial Guinea. Phase I aims to undertake research, capacity-building and planning for Phase II, which will involve testing carefully selected bushmeat alternatives. Small-scale bushmeat alternatives projects can fail to demonstrate a conservation impact if insufficiently planned with limited understanding of the socio-economic situation. To ensure that implemented projects have the desired conservation outcomes, extensive research is being conducted across the mainland section of Equatorial Guinea. Participatory socio-economic research is on-going in seven rural communities to gain an understanding of current activities, incomes, expenditures, needs and skills. A feasibility analysis is also underway to evaluate the economic and infrastructural feasibility, cultural acceptability, community capacity and financial requirements of a variety of potential bushmeat alternatives. The options under consideration include livestock rearing, artisanal and commercial fisheries, aquaculture, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture, community-forest management, marketing of non-timber forest products and improved sourcing and distribution of fresh and frozen produce.