Colobus Trust

Category: Primate Rescue/Rehabilitation | Date: May 14 2008 | By: colobus

Having been in a cage from the 3rd of April 2008, the female juvenile Sykes monkey has finally joined family and friends in their daily struggle. Today is the 13th may 2008 and it is exactly 0ne month and ten days since our dear patient was admitted. Our vet had no hope on his survival, his diagnosis was not promising. In most cases, animals with posterior paralysis due to spinal injuries do not do very well, so the vet suggested we put the patient down to relieve him of the pain. We could not buy this idea of putting him to a sleep, though in pain he showed a sign of hope in life. From the face of the monkey, she obviously looked traumatized. So a good diet, proper medication and dedication did the magic; she went home happier than ever and with only a faint limp. This is thanks to our supporters who made sure that there were drugs and food to this poor little fellow. It is now very true that young fellows can easily come back to a normal life even after multiple fractures of the body.

John Jared Abuor
Field Assistant - colobus trust

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Category: Human - Primate Conflict Resolution | Date: May 09 2008 | By: admin

This time of year is low season in Kenya and life is very tough. The effects of this, along with a high rate of inflation and a high level of unemployment caused by Post Poll Chaos, have led to a staggering increase in the amount of hunting. In the last fortnight we have had sightings of several hunting parties reported to us in Diani and in the neighbouring Tiwi Beach.

Although hunting has traditionally been practiced here since the dawn of humanity, the small, fragmented forest patches that are left on the coast cannot sustain such pressure. We must also mention that the hunting of wildlife is illegal in Kenya. Sadly this global trend (the collapse of wild animal populations in areas of high human disturbance) has occurred throughout history.

The main targets here are small antelopes, most commonly the Suni Antelope. However, in some of the less disturbed forests, Bush Pigs, other antelope & large ground birds are targeted. Suni’s are one of the smallest of the antelope species, weighing only 4-5 kg, but are sadly targeted for their meat, which is locally considered a delicacy. They are hunted by using packs of dogs, or more commonly, snares. Snares are fashioned using a length of wire or cord. One end is secured (usually to a fence or small tree) at the other a noose is tied. They are then placed on outskirts a patch of forest, often along the small trails used by animals. Then, when the Suni leave the shelter of the forest to feed, in the mornings and evenings, they are at risk of catching their leg in a noose. If this happens the suffering the animal goes through is immense, the snare only immobilises the animal. They then suffer until either they die of starvation or the wounds inflicted by the sharp wire, or are found by the hunter or another predator. Other animals (in particular Baboons, Vervet Monkeys & domestic animals such as cats & dogs) are often accidentally caught in snares, this leads to infection and usually the loss of a limb or death.

The Colobus Trust has been carrying out an active desnaring program for the last decade, focusing on areas of the forest in which hunters are reported. In an average year we collect a thousand snares. Unfortunately for the last 4 months we operated on a reduced schedule due to a lack of manpower (a large team is required to work efficiently) and funding. Last week we were able to start work again, and we did so with a passion. In the ten days we collected over a hundred snares! Unfortunately yesterday we found one Suni too late. The poor animal had a snare cutting her leg to the bone. In the struggle to try and get free she broke the leg and eventually strangled herself on the wire. It was apparent from the post mortem that she had been trapped for some time before she died.

We have been working in collaboration with the South Coast Residents Association on this matter and they have been very supportive and great at raising awareness and funds. We have also been able to increase our efficiency this second week through the addition of three casual labourers. The money to pay these enthusiastic chaps, who are all boat captains by trade but make excellent desnarers, was kindly donated to us by Luciana Parazzi, one of our trustees and the SCRA Chairperson (so a big thank you to her). More good news with the donation of 50,000 KSh from Diani resident John Buckle (thank you John!). This money is to be used solely for the employment of desnaring casual labourers. This is fantastic as it allows us to attain the numbers necessary for a proper transect sweep! This afternoon we have sent out a team to Kaya Ukunda, this is a local scared forest and is shockingly still being targeted!

Desnaring is now moving up on our weekly schedule and will be added to the other daily conservation activities we undertake. Next week, thanks to the SCRA, we will have a large team of casuals and CT staff sweeping areas where we know, or suspect, that snares are being set. On Monday we are also going to be working with Kenya Wildlife Services, who are sending a team down from the Shimba Hills NR to join us. This is very promising for us and we are sure that their presence will help discourage people from setting snares. We also hope to make a few arrests to set an example.

If you would like to help, please donate using the “Sponser a Desnarer” window or just write “this donation is to sponser a desnarer” in the comments box. Remember, not only will you be helping our work to protect wildlife, but you will also be giving a very grateful unemployed Kenyan a job!

Regards,

Gwili

Tags: 129, 130, 131, 132, 133

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Category: Blogroll, Habitat Restoration/Conservation | Date: May 06 2008 | By: admin

On the 25th of April, a consultative stakeholders meeting was convened as stipulated by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), at the Baobab Resort to discuss the Environmental Impact Assessment report. In attendance were representatives from Baobab Beach Resort’s management, Pollmans, The South Coast Residents Association, The Colobus Trust & the District Environmental Officer designated by NEMA and Mr Suresh Patel, the lead expert undertaking the EIA for Baobab Resort.

Mr. Suresh led the discussions and the meeting was open and candid in discussing all the concerns on environment impacts envisaged that the development could have on the forest. We firstly discussed as to why this process was 5 months overdue. Our main concern was the impact the extra guests and additional staff would have on the environment and other pertinent environmental concerns, namely the water recycling system, electricity, sewage and garbage disposal systems. We have assurance that Baobab Beach Resort’s has adequate facilities and this was confirmed by the District Environment Officer and as with any other tourism establishment, would be assessed by NEMA periodically. We were also told that these systems were to be evaluated (using scientific analysis where possible) and this would be published in the final report.

Encouraging is the involvement of Abdulaziz Abdalla, Pollmans Special Project Executive who is also representing Baobab Resort. Over the years he has worked in conservation undertakings involved with the Kenya Wildlife Service. He presented a balanced reporting on the matter and has pledged to work with the Colobus Trust in a mutual cooperation in addressing issues pertaining to tourism development and its effects on the Diani’s Forest Ecosystem. We report to our supporters and readers that we are glad that this matter has taken an amicable turn and look forward to seeing the final report and hope that Baobab Resort can be an example for others.

We are still being notified of numerous developments underway in Diani, where large areas of natural beauty, and importance, have been cleared. Sadly this is a nationwide problem and soon many unique habitats, and their inhabitants, will be lost due uncontrolled development. Therefore we desperately need NEMA to clarify the laws governing development and see these upheld. If this is not the case and development goes on unabated then we are faced with a bleak future for Diani. The forest cannot take this level of disturbance and fragmentation, and at current rates it will not be able to support a viable Colobus population (and many other species) within the next decade. Please help us fight for what is right, without your help all our work will be in vain. We are currently forming a partnership with other like-minded organisations and people to promote truly eco-friendly tourism in Kenya. But this work will be undone, unless the government and developers commit themselves, in action, to protect Kenya’s remaining beauty, before it is too late.

Watch this space!

Gwili Gibbon
Assistant Manager

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