In Tanzania, Ashy red colobus (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) occur in the western part of the country: in the Ufipa Plateau (Mbizi and Mbuzi forests), Gombe National Park, Greater Mahale Ecosystem and Burigi-Chato National Park. In the Ufipa plateau, two subpopulations may now be locally extinct (Davenport et al., 2007 Primate Conservation 22:97-105). During his PhD research, Dr. Kibaja discovered this primate species in two new sites: Chala forest and Ufipa escarpment.

 

The Ufipa Ashy Red Colobus Project was born from Dr. Kibaja’s PhD research, which included conducting comprehensive surveys to assess the status of Ashy red colobus in Tanzania and studying the behavioural ecology of two groups living in a forest mosaic and a savanna woodland, respectively.

We continue to study the behavioral ecology of red colobus living in the savanna woodland in the Ufipa escarpment, in order to understand the strategies they use to survive in this dry and open landscape.

 

In 2022, we conducted new surveys to update the population data for Ashy red colobus in the Ufipa plateau (except Mbizi Forest Reserve). Red colobus in all sites of the Ufipa Plateau are highly threatened. We have recorded new evidence of primates being hunted for bushmeat, and this, coupled with different forms of anthropogenic alterations to their habitat could lead to the disappearance of primate species in this area, including the red colobus. 

 

As part of our conservation efforts, we have been carrying out sensitization campaigns for several years in schools and with village leaders, centering on the importance of conserving the red colobus and their habitat. We also conduct awareness campaigns for village environmental committees. In January 2024, together with one of these committees, we organized patrols to ask illegal farmers to stop cultivating in the Ufipa Escarpment. However, the escarpment is surrounded by at least 20 villages and thus extensive awareness campaigns are needed.

 

We are currently preparing grant applications to expand our awareness campaigns and update the red colobus numbers in all sites on the Ufipa Plateau and adjacent areas.

 

Recources:

Kibaja, M. J., Mekonnen, A., Reitan, T., Nahonyo, C. L., Levi, M., Stenseth, N. C., & Hernandez-Aguilar, R. A. (2023) On the move: Activity budget and ranging ecology of endangered Ashy red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in a savanna woodland habitat. Global Ecology and Conservation, 43, e02440.

 

Gonzalez-Moreno, O.; Kibaja, M.J.; Chueca, P.; Goñi, P.; Nahonyo, C.; Torres, J.; Huguet, J. & Hernandez-Aguilar, R.A. (2019) Prevalence of intestinal parasites in endangered ashy red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in Tanzania. Folia Primatologica 91:533-534.

 

Kibaja, M.J.; Mekonnen, A.; Reitan, T.; Nahonyo, C.L.; Levi, M.; Stenseth, N.C.; Hernandez-Aguilar, R.A. (2022) Activity budget and ranging ecology of ashy red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in western Tanzania. International Primatological Society XXVIII Meeting. Quito, Ecuador.

 

Gonzalez-Moreno, O.; Kibaja, M.J.; Chueca, P.; Goñi, P.; Nahonyo, C.; Torres, J.; Huguet, J.; Hernandez-Aguilar, R.A. (2019) Prevalence of intestinal parasites in endangered ashy red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in Tanzania. VII Iberian Primatology Conference. Lisbon, Portugal

 

Kibaja, M.J.; Hernandez-Aguilar, R.A.; Davenport, T.R.; Nahonyo, C.L.; Stenseth, N.C. (2018) Population size of the endangered Ashy red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in the Mbuzi forest and newly discovered areas, Tanzania. XXVII Congress of the International Primatological Society. Nairobi, Kenya.

 

Kibaja, M.J.; Davenport, T.R.B.; Mpunga, N.E.; Machaga, S.J. & Hernandez-Aguilar, R.A. (2015) Dramatic population decline of Ashy red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus tephrosceles) in Mbuzi forest, Rukwa region, Tanzania. 10th Tanzanian Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) Scientific Conference. Arusha, Tanzania.