Colobus Trust

Category: Education, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Human - Primate Conflict Resolution, deforestation, volunteer | Date: Sep 19 2009 | By: colobus

Our peaceful Saturday morning was interrupted by a call on our hotline. Diani Sea Resort was calling to report a dead juvenile Colobus monkey. We knew this wouldn’t be an easy call out, but nothing could quite prepare us for what was waiting at the scene. The juvenile was in fact a very young infant, its death a result of fighting between two troops on the premises. Our animal welfare officer John estimated the infant was around one week old, as its fur was still completely white and the remains of its umbilical cord were still present. The Colobus only carry a single offspring at a time (although a set of twins can occur on very rare occasions) and take four to six years to reach sexual maturity. Therefore to lose an infant after a six month gestation period is a big blow to any Colobus troop, but more so in Diani where the population is dangerously low.

We were told by staff at the resort that intense fighting had occurred the previous day, with visible injuries to some of the adults. It is unclear at what stage and how the infant was killed, but it is likely that the mother continued to carry the infant after its death.

Increasingly fragmented habitats result in increased levels of stress in the species which live in them. Territorial disputes between rival Colobus troops are a natural occurrence; however the forest loss in Diani gives rise to a greater number of conflicts between the troops over the territory that remains.

To try and counter this, the Colobus Trust is working to create forest corridors for the Colobus and other native species to have better mobility between forest fragments.

More on this in another post!

Rob and Cara

Tags: Colobus monkey, Colobus Trust, conflict, diani, forest, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Kenya, Monkey, reforestation, trees

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Category: Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Marketing, Research, deforestation, sustainable, volunteer | Date: Jul 23 2009 | By: colobus

Camp Kenya along with Colobus trust completed a preliminary study of Kaya Muhaka (KM) from July 14-16. The following is a brief summary of what was found and recommendation for further research. The three days used with Camp Kenya volunteers and Colobus Trust staff were used as a preliminary study to decide whether or not further research would be necessary and which methods would best suit research in KM.

Two methods were tried during the three days, transects and casual watch. Transect method involves picking a starting point on one end of the forest and walking along a baring, in this case 90 degrees or East. Transects are then repeated every 100m. In the end you have a parallel transects running along the entire length of the forest. In the future distance sampling will be used with the data collected to give an estimated population size of a particular species, in this case the Angolan black and white colobus. Casual watch is done by gridding the entire forest and remaining stationary for an extended period of time. Groups set out into the forest to predetermined position. The groups then separate within the limits of the section, generally 50m sq. and sit quietly recording all observations.

During the three days of field work we completed six transects. Because there was no existing map we arbitrarily picked a point in the forest near the tree nursery. Without a GPS it was difficult to determine the exact distance walked but with pacing we estimate the length of transects to be around 1.8k. During these transects we spotted twelve individual Colobus in three troops. The majority of sightings were located on the East side of the forest where the percentage of canopy cover and height is much greater. Other species noted: One bell hinged tortoise, one squirrel species, one viper species and one troop of yellow baboons.

Two periods of casual watch were completed with two groups resulting in 4 hours and 30 minutes of total survey time. During this period nine individuals of Colobus in two troops had been spotted. A number of unidentified bird species had been observed as well as two bush pigs. Droppings from what was believed to be a suni antelope were also found.

On the final day two teams set out in different directions to gain an estimated size of the entire forest. Walking in two directions and counting paces we gauge the perimeter to be about 6-7k around and likely 2k at its widest depth from East to West.  It appears to be slightly rectangle in shape but without a GPS or more time it was not possible to be certain.  On this walk three more individuals Colobus had been spotted alone from a distance. It was not possible to confirm whether they were lone males or if their troops were nearby. In total 24 individuals and 5 troops had been spotted in 3 days.

Kaya Muhaka is a protected forest reserve located near Camp Kenya’s base in Muhaka, Kenya. Camp Kenya is in the process of planting a buffer zone around the Kaya in order to reduce the reliance on the natural resources from the forest and to increase protection.  In order to help gain support in conservation efforts it is necessary to know the importance if this forest to the wildlife and surrounding communities. KM is a very unique forest in that the forest bed is almost entirely sand measuring 0.5m or more in many places. This creates a number of interesting micro-habitats which could be of conservation value.

It is the Colobus Trusts opinion that more research is needed to fully understand the importance of this forest. From the impressive number of sighting we obtained in the three survey days we can assume that a large population of Colobus still lives in KM and that this is still an important habitat for this species. A full census should be completed to compare against the previous one done in 2005. It would also be useful to have a look at bird species. The spotted ground thrush is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. If it was found to nest or migrate through KM, as it does in other forest nearby, this would add significant value to KM. The Zanji elephant shrew is not listed due to deficient data. It is unclear if KM is an appropriate habitat for this animal because of its sandy floor. Knowing this would add helpful information to understanding the habitats of this little understood species.

In order to complete a full survey of this forest we recommend using the transect method. It is much less time consuming and generally more accurate. Full maps will first need to be built to have a clear view of the area to be covered and to decide number of transects needed. While on transects all species sightings should be recorded. Time should also be allocated for bird surveys.

These are basic recommendations for the next steps in KM. Further research will be of both conservation and socio-economical value. It is up to Camp Kenya to decide where they would like to go from here. Colobus Trust was hired as research consultants and would be happy to continue this relationship. For any further quires please contact the Colobus Trust.

www.ColobusTrust.org

Tags: deforestation, Habbitat restoration, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Research, sustainable, volunteer

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Category: Education, Fundraising, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Primate Rescue/Rehabilitation, climate change, deforestation, volunteer | Date: Jun 04 2009 | By: colobus

I arrived last week so apologies for the delay in writing my first blog.  I have been settling into this beautiful place quite nicely.  The Colobus Trust is located in Diani which is one of the most beautiful places in Kenya.  I was so happy to arrive here last week and see for myself all the work the Colobus Trust does to support conservation.

Arriving last week my first day at the Colobus Trust was quite busy.  I helped to plant some new indigenous tree seedlings in the nursery that will go to local hotels in Diani to support native trees for monkeys.  I also helped to clean the monkey cages (the only monkeys that are in cages here are ones that are currently in rehabilitation from being pets).  It is very sad to see the monkeys in the cages when you can easily see the rest of the wild troops jumping and playing in the trees all around the Colobus Trust grounds.  The staff explained to me that some of these monkeys have been pets for years and are currently being weaned off people food as well as learning how to forage for themselves.  They place large branches, flowers, seeds and other natural foods that are found freely here in Diani so the monkeys can get an idea as what to eat for themselves.

These monkeys look so sad but I know the Colobus Trust will do a good job to rehabilitate them and re-release them in their natural environment.

Re-release is such an important part of what the Colobus Trust do to support conservation.  They take in monkeys that were pets, sick or injured and help them rehabilitate so they can get back to their natural environment.  I happened to arrive on a day when one of the monkeys that was rescued by Colobus Trust was re-released.  He was a very young Sykes monkey and he fell from a tree and was seriously knocked unconscious.   A Diani resident called Colobus Trust and the Colobus Trust team rescued him from the road and took him in for assessment.  He stayed at Colobus Trust for a few days and was deemed to be ok after a thorough check up and fit for re-release.

Here are some of the pics I took on my first day at Colobus Trust.  I was so happy to see a success story on my first day and so glad I am here to help work alongside the Colobus Trust staff.  These guys are so caring and concerned about their environment and of course the monkeys.

If it wasn’t for volunteers like me and donors like you the Colobus Trust wouldn’t be here.  They make such a huge difference in their community in supporting the ecosystem and conservation.  Please support them even if you can only donate $5 or $20.   They are such a worthy conservation project that needs your support now more than ever as tourist and volunteer numbers are so low at the moment.  Thank you.

Heidi

Eco-Volunteer, Colobus Trust

www.colobustrust.org

Tags: Colobus monkey, Colobus Trust, diani, forest, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Kenya, Monkey, rescued animals, trees

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Category: Human - Primate Conflict Resolution, Primate Rescue/Rehabilitation, Research, volunteer | Date: May 11 2009 | By: colobus

Cheza, Luciana’s Troop

To keep up-to-date with the actual number of Colobus monkey population in Diani – which also tells a lot about the conservation situation – The Colobus Trust is now launching the Colobus Monitoring again. This means that at least once a week, a team of volunteers and staff members go out in Diani and systematically track the Colobus Troops of Diani. The Colobus check includes collecting data about the number of monkeys, the sex and age of every individual, where and when they were spotted and where they were heading. Each Colobus troop has its own favourite spot of the forest and more or less they stay within this area. This is why we can name the troops and be almost sure of where they can be found.

During the last weeks, our team has been out in the field counting these black-and-white monkeys, and so far – ¼ of the Diani area checked – we have found 100 monkeys, belonging to 13 different troops, which looks very promising. Also, the large number of Colobus infants is surprising, and means that the future for these monkeys looks much brighter than before.

 Chip, Luciana’s Troop

Nevertheless, we have to remember that this is mainly due to conservation work, such as building the colobridges, tree-trim around the electric wires, de-snaring programmes and wildlife & environmental education of locals which is only possible to carry out with the support from all of you. An increased number of Colobus monkeys in Diani means our work really contributes to ensuring its survival and breeding, which of course is very encouraging! So keep up the good work, we still have a long way to go.

Anna Sandahl, Colobologist

Tags: animal monitoring, Colobus check, Colobus Troops, Habitat Restoration/Conservation

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Category: Education, Newsletter | Date: Mar 14 2009 | By: colobus

 Indeed it is and it’s available online too! Simply click on the image below to take you to the site where you can read it online or download it. We will be sending it out to everyone on our database and thanks to Superior Printers we have 500 printed copies for distribution across the South Coast of Kenya!

In this issue: update from CT Manager, Onesmus Macharia; advice from Lulu Clark on how you can care for wildlife in your backyard; fun learning for students by CT Education officer, Hamisi Pakiah and volunteer Julie Belmont explains why it is so critical to monitor population sizes of primates plus more…

So get clicking below and enjoy your read!

CT Newsletter Issue 1 2009

If you would like to receive a pdf file of the newsletter, please email: dipesh (at) colobustrust (dot) org

Tags: Fundraising, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Habitat-Protection, Newsletter, volunteer

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Category: Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, deforestation | Date: Dec 21 2008 | By: colobus

Poverty is complex. One can never truly fault a person who is driven by the sole motive of putting a decent meal in front of their family should they be forced into illegal actions in order to do so. But when actions are taken purely for greed and self gain, for a sickening desire to accumulate more and more wealth at the cost of the environment and its inhabitants, it is a lot easier to confront but so much more difficult to do anything about. Conservation in Africa is a mixture of the two and there is not a place on the continent that has not been affected by the misery of poverty and the avarice of the wealthy.

And as if it is not hard enough in Kenya to deal with our own corruption and greed, we are often landed with foreign riffraff who think that this is Africa so they can do what they want. The Kenyan coastline has always been prime choice for spoils.

Chale Island, a beautiful little paradise south of Diani is under attack once again.

The other day, the Colobus Trust was informed that a foreigner had bought a plot at Chale Island, and had cut down with electric chain saw some very old (200+ years) beautiful indigenous trees and very old mangroves.

We have left contact numbers with the island security who have been instructed to call us as soon as the culprits return. On receiving a report from them our collective intention is to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators including the land owner. A clear message has been sent.

The Forestry Department is particularly keen to follow up. The ignorance of the clearing operation with a view to ‘development’ is frankly blinding and completely unnecessary. Some of the felled trees and mangroves are estimated to be around 200 years old and irreplaceable. You will see from the photos that any further cutting will encroach both further into the forest and the water line.

If you are aware of any similar grotesque actions, please use the NEW HOT LINE to report incidences of FOREST DESTRUCTION, CUTTING OF INDIGENOUS TREES, CHARCOAL MAKING, ETC.
The number is : 0800 2212323 and the people concerned are:
PERMANENT SECRETARY : MR WAMACHAI
DEPUTY PERMANENT SECRETARY : MR PETER KAMWERE
PUBLIC RELATIONS : MNRS MARY NGARUMA

Tags: Chale Island, deforestation, Development, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Illegal logging, Indian Ocean, Indigenous Trees, Mangroves

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Category: Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Research | Date: Nov 21 2008 | By: colobus

Mount Kasigau is a remote peak of the Eastern Arc Mountains bordering the southernmost reaches of Tsavo West National Park. Located a third of the way between the Taita Hills and the Indian Ocean it rises majestically 3,000 feet above the Taru Desert, a refuge from the deserts dry heat. Although clearly visible from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.Mt Kasigau has seen limited scientific study and still holds a great deal of mystery about its ecological makeup. This is due to the limitations imposed by its remote location and inaccessibility; due to its thick, forested slopes and shear rock faces.500×146When the Colobus Trust heard that a black and white monkey had been spotted on the mountain interest was stirred, notably mine! The population of C. angolensis palliatus is known to stretch inland into the southern highlands of Tanzania, but according to literature held at our site the remaining Kenyan population is confined to what is left of the coastal forests of the Kwale District, with the most inland population being in the Shimba Hills NR, a mere 30 km from the coast.Therefore the identification of a surviving inland Kenyan population of our focal species would be of great significance, not just for ensuring the protection of the forest but also for the scientific study of the causes and effects of isolation.Last month we were kindly invited to stay at Rukinga Wildlife Sanctuary, otherwise known as Camp Tsavo (visit http://www.campsinternational.com for more information), an 80,000 acre area of land in the Tsavo Migration Corridor. We set out with the specific intent on shedding more light on the situation. At their wonderful camp we got talking to Ken, who has worked and lived in and around Kasigau for many years. We also got talking to Rob Dodson, who set up Rukinga and who led IUCN Primate Group Director Tom Putchinski around the mountain to answer the same question as us after spotting what he believed to be Colobus monkeys traversing a rock face. We learnt of several other sightings. In the end there was nothing conclusive and the general consensus was that there was no population present. However, we were still keen to investigate further as there were still unanswered questions.The next day we headed for the mountain. Led by Ken, we climbed up the slopes past Blue Gum Trees and Wild Bananas to the home of an old farmer who’s farm has one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. He made his living farming maize, oranges and other crops high on the slopes of the mountain with thick forest bordering the fields. With a lifetime spent on the mountain we decided he would be a good person to ask if he’d ever seen a Colobus and we’d brought along my Kingdon Field Guide to Mammals to help.375×496Conversing in a mixture of Taita and Swahili I was only able to pick up a few words. So Ken helped by translating for me. The farmer said that there were three kinds of monkey he has seen on the mountain. Kima (Sykes Monkey), Tumbili (Vervet Monkey) and one he had no name for. We confirmed this by showing him drawings of the monkeys in the field guide.500×375Then we asked him about the unnamed species. He said they lived in groups up to 50 (Colobus troops in Diani usual have from 4-12 members), were black and white and visited his farm regularly. We showed him the field guide and as a test asked him to distinguish whether they were the Angolan Colobus (below left) or Guereza Colobus (below right) as a test. The Guereza are found in mountainous regions in East Africa, such as Mounts Kilimanjaro, Kenya & Meru, as well as in numerous parts of the Rift Valley.500×189He was certain that it was the Angolan Colobus he saw. He even pointed out that they have shorter epaulets (white hair on the shoulder). This is one of the distinguishing features of our sub-species (C. angolensis palliatus). This was very exciting! We asked when he last saw them. He said they passed through about half an hour ago! We tried to track the monkeys for about an hour, but to no avail. This was a shame but more interesting information was to come on the way back. The farmer was convinced that the monkeys we were looking for occasionally raided his crops. This was strange to hear, as Colobus are not known to be crop raiders at the coast. More excitement was to come when we were nearing his house. We found skulls of what appear to be two large male Colobus! These were taken back to our office where they await a proper scientific analysis.499×334The questions posed by this discovery on return to the Colobus Trust caused quite a stir. As I said, the possibility of locating this isolated, inland population not only will help promote the protection of one of the remaining forests in the area, but will also open up many scientific questions about the effects of isolation.  One example is how they got there? When discussing it with Danny Woodley, KWS Senior Warden of Tsavo West NP, he mentioned that many animals (including several Sable Antelope) were displaced from the coast by the effects of the 1997-98 El Nino. Could they have been driven there in response to the change in rainfall patterns, or have they been there since the lowland forest receded 3,000-5,000 years ago? If they have been isolated for such a long period then there could be every chance that their behaviour could be so altered that they live in troops of such a large number (other subspecies of C. angolensis have troops this size) and could the gradual decrease in the size of their habitat have driven them to feed on different food sources? It would explain why the farmer was so certain they raided his crops?   More excitement came when Camps International were told by one of their students that a picture of a Colobus had been taken on Kasigau. Sadly though, when the photo was examined it was nothing but a rather large, fluffy male Sykes Monkey! We are currently looking for funding to send a team up the mountain for a 3-night, 5-day expedition. During this time we will undertake a sweep census of all primates (and hopefully other wildlife) and a thorough analysis of the known Colobus food species of Diani’s population. If Colobus are deemed present, then we have our work set out for us!Watch this space!Gwili

Tags: Angolan Colobus, colobus, Habitat Restoration/Conservation, Kasigau, Monkey

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