Zanzibar Red Colobus - Conservation

Conservation

A number of factors have contributed to the monkey's endangered status. First, an increase in deforestation has resulted in a significant reduction in resources and habitat; second, it is hunted for meat and pet markets. To counteract the decline in population, various attempts have been made to protect the species. In 1974, specimens were moved to Ngezi Forest on Pemba Island to try to re-establish the monkey's population. It had been found, however, that 20 years after the translocation to the island only one group of Procolobus kirkii was found and with few sitings and interviews with locals, the population was estimated to be between 15 and 30 individuals. Researchers concluded that the group had certainly survived but did not increase in number possibly due to adverse relations with humans. Some locals in Pemba hold superstitions against the monkey because of the idea that it brings bad luck upon farmers. This may explain the reason that they have not significantly grown in population size.

On Uzi and Vundwe Islands, P. kirkii monkeys are subject to extensive habitat destruction, particularly with coral rag forests. There is also reported poisoning, netting, and disappearance of monkeys as well as other with animals.

Various attempts have been made for conservation of the species. One project was with the World Wildlife Fund, specifically in Menai Bay which is located just west of Uzi Island. Second, the Wildlife Conservation Society has funded conservation projects intended for the colobine but in both cases, there has been no apparent action that was directly supportive of the monkey.

The African Convention has played a role in the conservation of the animal by categorizing it as 'Class A.' According to the document African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, 'Class A' is described as:

species in Class A shall be totally protected throughout the entire territory of the Contracting States; the hunting, killing, capture or collection of specimens shall be permitted only on the authorization in each case of the highest competent authority and only if required in the national interest or for scientific purposes.

It has been suggested that an important way to promote conservation of the monkey is to simply spread awareness about it – that it is not a harmful animal and that it can actually be good for the region's economy because it draws tourism. This has been the case on Unguja Island. Furthermore, it would be necessary to establish and designate protected zones.