Colobus Trust

Category: Human - Primate Conflict Resolution | Date: Dec 19 2008 | By: colobus

Re: Electrocution of Colobus Monkeys on your property

We are writing to ask for your personal support in our ongoing fight to protect the endangered Angolan Pied Colobus in Diani from extinction.

In the last 4 years The Colobus Trust has recorded over 60 confirmed deaths where the power lines that pass through the forest and your private property have killed arboreal primates instantly. Shockingly 46 of these cases were of the now highly endangered Angolan Colobus Monkeys. Our statistics confirm that electrocution from un-insulted power lines claims more Colobus monkey lives than any other threat, natural or man-made. The power lines also wound and severely maim many more primates when they come into contact with them, the results being flesh cooked and burnt to the bone, loss of limbs and more frequently infection, which leads to an agonising and slow death.

The data collected by The Colobus Trust has so far identified 17 “hotspots” where electrocutions most frequently occur. The total length of un-insulated power lines on the south coast runs into may hundreds of kilometres, however 4,888 meters of live cable have been identified as the most harmful. Working with Camps International and the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) the Colobus Trust has recently completed a pilot project at the hotspot surrounding Diani Marine and the Ali Barbour’s properties; after identifying and installing a unique and highly cost effective insulation system, all the previously un-insulated cables in this area have now been made 100% primate safe. This is a very significant result for the Colobus population in this area who can now live peacefully without the risk of a traumatic death.

Initial finances to jump-start this program were contributed by the Camps International Trust, with the work being completed by volunteers and KPLC engineers under the supervision of the Colobus Trust.

The electric cables on your property have been identified as one of these leading electrocution ‘hot spots’ and an area where recorded Colobus deaths through electrocution have happened. We are now requesting you as a responsible landowner to contribute to the cost of insulating these power lines to save these magnificent animals for generations to come. The alternative to not acting is possibly the end of the wild Colobus monkey on Kenya’s South Coast forever.

We believe that the material costs (Average Ksh 7,500 per plot) are minimal, in return for the absolute privilege of being able to view these rare and beautiful primate, living at peace and without threat of electrocution in your garden. There is also a unique satisfaction in knowing that your personal contribution will have a significant and immediate effect in conserving these beautiful Colobus monkeys. Your contribution will be used entirely for the materials to insulate your power lines, which will be 100% effective after a very quick installation.

There is indeed a strong argument from many quarters that this project should be funded by KPLC, however after many years of appealing NOTHING has happened, with the result being continued deaths by electrocution and a steady decline in the Colobus population. It is for this reason that we are now acting directly to effect change. Other than your contribution the provision of materials there will be no further charges, as The Colobus Trust, Camps International and KPLC will provide the workforce, tools and expertise to place the insulating conduits.

Your voluntary contribution to fund this highly effective project will be recognised through a joint program grading landowners & local stakeholders on their efforts in conservation. The Camps International Trust will also provide indigenous hard wood tree saplings FREE OF CHARGE that can be planted on your property to reduce habitat loss & increase the local forest cover. Your contribution and support for this very important program will be recognized online, through e-newsletters and throughout the international conservation community.

We believe that the only way forward to conserve the now highly endangered Angolan Colobus Monkey is to work together with responsible conservation-minded landowners; in this regard we are appealing for your much needed and valuable support. Representatives of the Colobus Trust, KPLC & Camps International will be contacting you shortly to arrange for a survey and to provide an accurate cost for the required insulation work to be completed.

Many thanks in advance for your cooperation,

Kindest regards,

From caring Diani residents…

Tags: Camps International, Colobus Trust, diani, electrocutions, Human-Primate Conflict, Kenya Power Lighting Company, South Coast