2021-015-En RED COLOBUS

Red colobus (Piliocolobus)
conservation action plan

2021-2026
Joshua M. Linder, Drew T. Cronin, Nelson Ting, Ekwoge E. Abwe, Tim R.B. Davenport, Kate M. Detwiler, Gérard Galat,
Anh Galat-Luong, John A. Hart, Rachel A. Ikemeh, Stanislaus M. Kivai, Inza Koné, Deo Kujirakwinja, Fiona Maisels,
W. Scott McGraw, John F. Oates, and Thomas T. Struhsaker
INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE
IUCN SSC
PRIMATE
Specialist Group
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on taxonomic issues, and publishing information on primates to inform IUCN policy as a whole. The PSG facilitates the exchange of critical
information among primatologists and the professional conservation community. The PSG Chair is Dr. Russell A. Mittermeier and the Deputy
Chairs are Drs. Anthony B. Rylands and Christoph Schwitzer.
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Red colobus (Piliocolobus)
conservation action plan
2021–2026
Joshua M. Linder1*, Drew T. Cronin2*, Nelson Ting3*, Ekwoge E. Abwe4,5,
Tim R.B. Davenport6, Kate M. Detwiler7, Gérard Galat8, Anh Galat-Luong8, John A. Hart9,
Rachel A. Ikemeh10, Stanislaus M. Kivai11, Inza Koné12, Deo Kujirakwinja13,
Fiona Maisels14,15, W. Scott McGraw16, John F. Oates17, and Thomas T. Struhsaker18
1
James Madison University, USA
2
North Carolina Zoo, USA
3
University of Oregon, USA
4
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, USA
5
Ebo Forest Research Project, Cameroon
6
Wildlife Conservation Society, Tanzania
7
Florida Atlantic University, USA
8
IRD (French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development), France
9
Lukuru Foundation, Democratic Republic of Congo
10
SW/Niger Delta Forest Project, Nigeria
11
Institute of Primate Research, Kenya
12
Centre Suisse de Recherches Scientifiques, Côte d’Ivoire
13
Wildlife Conservation Society, Democratic Republic of Congo
14
Wildlife Conservation Society, USA
15
University of Stirling, UK
16
The Ohio State University, USA
17
Hunter College CUNY, USA
18
Duke University, USA
*These authors contributed equally to this work

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IUCN is pleased to acknowledge the support of its Framework Partners who provide core funding: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark;
Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland; Government of France and the French Development Agency (AFD); the Ministry of Environment, Republic
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Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the United States Department of State.
Funded by: This publication has been made possible by funding from the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, the Margot Marsh
Biodiversity Fund, and the National Geographic Species Recovery Conservation Grant.
Published by: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland
Produced by: IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group
Copyright: © 2021 IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Reproduction of this publication for educational or other non-commercial purposes is authorised without prior written permission
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Citation: Linder, J.M., Cronin, D.T., Ting, N., Abwe, E.E., Davenport, T.R.B., Detwiler, K., Galat, G., Galat-Luong, A., Hart, J., Ikemeh, R.A.,
Kivai, S., Koné, I., Kujirakwinja, D., Maisels, F., McGraw, W.S., Oates, J.F., Struhsaker, T.T. (2021). Red colobus (Piliocolobus)
conservation action plan 2021–2026. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.
ISBN: 978-2-8317-2112-5 (PDF)

978-2-8317-2113-2 (print)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.2021.08.en
Compiled and Joshua M. Linder, Drew T. Cronin, Nelson Ting, Ekwoge E. Abwe, Tim R. B. Davenport, Kate M. Detwiler, Gérard Galat,
edited by: Anh Galat-Luong, John A. Hart, Rachel A. Ikemeh, Stanislaus M. Kivai, Inza Koné, Deo Kujirakwinja, Fiona Maisels,
W. Scott McGraw, John F. Oates, and Thomas T. Struhsaker
Contributors: See Contributors List, pp.62-63
Red Colobus Florence Aghomo

Conservation
Network
Coordinator:
Cover photos: [front cover] Udzungwa red colobus, Piliocolobus gordonorum. Raffaele Merler
[back cover] Ashy red colobus, Piliocolobus tephrosceles. Thomas T. Struhsaker
Layout by: Jessica Avanidhar, jessavanidhar.com and Stephen D. Nash, [email protected]
Printed by: Tray, Inc. www.trayinc.com
Available from: IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature

Rue Mauverney 28
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The text of this book is printed on paper made from wood fibre from well-managed forests certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC).
Table of Contents
Foreword by Russell A. Mittermeier�� v
Executive summary �� x
Acknowledgements � �� xi
Introduction�� 1
Taxonomy � �� 1
Distribution�� 1
Anatomy and behavioural ecology�� 1
Conservation status �� 3
Threats�� 4
Red colobus action plan rationale and goal�� 5
Range-wide conservation priorities � �� 6
Red colobus conservation action plan taxon entries� �� 8

Western red colobus - Piliocolobus badius� �� 9
Temminck’s red colobus, Piliocolobus badius temminckii�� 11
Bay colobus, Piliocolobus badius badius�� 15
Miss Waldron’s red colobus, Piliocolobus waldroni�� 17
Niger Delta red colobus, Piliocolobus epieni�� 19
Pennant’s red colobus, Piliocolobus pennantii � �� 21
Preuss’s red colobus, Piliocolobus preussi�� 23
Bouvier’s red colobus, Piliocolobus bouvieri�� 25
Oustalet’s red colobus, Piliocolobus oustaleti � �� 27
Tshuapa red colobus Piliocolobus tholloni�� 29
Lomami red colobus, Piliocolobus parmentieri�� 31
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) red colobus�� 33
Kisangani red colobus, Piliocolobus langi�� 35
Ulindi red colobus, Piliocolobus lulindicus � �� 37
Foa’s red colobus, Piliocolobus foai�� 39
Semliki red colobus, Piliocolobus semlikiensis�� 41
Ashy red colobus, Piliocolobus tephrosceles � �� 43
Tana River red colobus, Piliocolobus rufomitratus�� 45
Udzungwa red colobus, Piliocolobus gordonorum�� 47
Zanzibar red colobus, Piliocolobus kirkii �� 49
References�� 52
Contributors�� 62
Appendix: Summary budget for taxon-based recommended actions�� 65
iii
Piliocolobus badius temminckii. © Russell A. Mittermeier
iv
FOREWORD
Russell A. Mittermeier, Chief Conservation Officer, Re:wild, and Chair, IUCN SSC Primate
Specialist Group
The origins of this Red colobus conservation action plan go back to the early days of organised primate conservation
efforts, and I think it informative to summarize them here. The first mention of red colobus conservation in an action
plan was in the 1977 Global Strategy for Primate Conservation (Mittermeier, 1977), which provided the first ever
worldwide overview of primate conservation needs. In this strategy, red colobus were included in seven projects:
three of Highest Priority, including the forests of Upper Guinea (Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte
d’Ivoire) and the creation of national forests in Cameroon (both written by the late Stephen Gartlan), and one for the
conservation of primates in rain-forest relics in the East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda (written by
Thomas Struhsaker); two High Priority projects covering the Congo Basin in what was then Zaïre (now Democratic
Republic of Congo); and two Priority projects, the “Conservation of Primates in Senegal” and “Primate Conservation in
the Ankasa Area of Ghana”. Later that same year, this early strategy led to the creation of a primate program at World
Wildlife Fund – U.S. and the first ever primate action fund for rapid, small-grant project support.
Even before this strategy, Thomas Struhsaker was highlighting the fact that the rain forests of Africa were largely
overlooked. In a paper entitled “Rain-forest conservation in Africa”, published in the journal Primates in 1972
(Struhsaker, 1972), he goes into detail on what was already becoming a crisis. Even though he did not single out red
colobus, he did highlight several key sites, including the Taï Forest in Côte d’Ivoire, and Korup in Cameroon, and Kibale
in Uganda, all of them with populations of different taxa of red colobus. Three years later, Struhsaker (1975) published
his classic monograph entitled The Red Colobus Monkey, based on his studies of Piliocolobus tephrosceles in Kibale
Forest in Uganda. Although not focused on conservation, this book includes a brief section on habitat destruction and
conservation in which he mentions that red colobus in countries like Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon were already on the
decline, that these monkeys appear to be dependent on large areas of mature rain forest, and that if protected they
could eventually become a tourist attraction.
Three years on after the appearance of the Global Strategy, in 1981, John Oates, Thomas Struhsaker, Stephen
Gartlan and I met at Rockefeller University in New York to talk about it. We discussed the need for a more “strategic”
approach, based on a study of primate distribution patterns that John Oates had begun to undertake and also on
Thomas Struhsaker’s thoughts concerning priority sites, as discussed in his above-mentioned 1972 paper. All of this
resulted in an article in the first newsletter of the International Primatological Society (IPS) in 1982 (Stephen Gartlan
was then IPS Vice-President for Conservation), which outlined a framework for African primate conservation (Oates
et al., 1982).
Four years later, building on the framework outlined by Oates, Struhsaker and Gartlan in that 1982 paper, Oates
compiled the very first of the modern action plans produced by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of IUCN, the
Action Plan for African Primate Conservation, 1986-1990 (Oates, 1986). https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/5795 In
it, he discussed five taxa of red colobus as among the most threatened primates in Africa. This same information was
published again in our book, Primate Conservation in the Tropical Rain Forest (eds. C. W. Marsh and R. A. Mittermeier),
in 1987, in a chapter entitled “A framework for African rain forest primate conservation” (Oates et al., 1987), and then
again in the IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre publication entitled Threatened Primates of Africa: The IUCN Red
Data Book (eds. P. C. Lee, J. Thornback and E. L. Bennett) (Oates, 1988). https://portals.iucn.org/library/node/5876
Ten years after that first African primate action plan, John Oates again led the way with the first-ever follow-up action
plan produced by the SSC, African Primates: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan (Revised edition). https://
doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.CH.1996.SSC-AP.4.en In it, he again featured red colobus monkeys and specifically stated in
his Executive Summary that: “Given the large number of highly localized and threatened populations of red colobus
monkeys it is recommended that a Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan be prepared and implemented” (Oates,
1996, p.vi).
In the interim, a lot of field work was conducted on several red colobus species, and one paper stated that Miss
Waldron’s red colobus (P. waldroni) from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana was probably already extinct (Oates et al., 2000).
This was a major wake-up call for the primate conservation community since we had not lost a single primate taxon in
the 20th century. The subsequent discovery of the skin of a recently killed red colobus from the Tanoé Forest in Côte
v
d’Ivoire (McGraw and Oates, 2002; McGraw, 2005) called this into question, but there is no doubt that this species,
if it still exists, is in dire straits. Interestingly, as early as 1956, Angus Booth predicted the eventual extinction of red
colobus in Ghana.
In 2005, the idea of a red colobus action plan emerged again, this time at the African Primate Red-Listing Workshop
held from 26−31 January at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, part of a Global Mammal Assessment
carried out by IUCN in the latter part of that decade. At that time, there was considerable discussion of the critical
situation of many red colobus species, Thomas Struhsaker and others stressed the need for an action plan. A few
months later Struhsaker published a paper entitled “Conservation of red colobus and their habitats”, which highlighted
the urgency of the situation for many red colobus species (Struhsaker, 2005).
Five years later after the Orlando workshop and 35 years after his first book on red colobus, Thomas Struhsaker
published another landmark volume on these monkeys. Entitled The Red Colobus Monkeys (Struhsaker, 2010), it
includes an entire detailed chapter dedicated to red colobus conservation. Although not labelled as such, it was de
facto an action plan.
Seven years later, at the 2012 IPS Congress in Cancun, Mexico, discussions were held about the creation of an Africa-
wide primatological organization. Following up on those discussions, David Mbora (involved for many years with the
conservation of the Tana River red colobus) took the lead in planning such an organization via an African Primate
Working Group (APWG). Further meetings were held at the August 2014 IPS Congress in Hanoi, and these in turn
led to a workshop in Cape Town, South Africa on July 12, 2015, again led by David Mbora and including Inza Koné,
Denis Ndeloh-Etiendem, Riashna Sithaldeen, four members of the Primate Ecology and Genetics Group, South Africa,
and Sian Waters via Skype. This meeting, which was funded by the Primate Action Fund, Primate Conservation, Inc.,
and the Arcus Foundation, produced a series of recommendations, one of which was to use the IUCN Red-listing
Workshop planned for 2016 to finalize plans for the creation of an African society.
Little happened in the nine months that followed, but, as hoped for in the Cape Town meeting, the IUCN African
Primate Red-listing Workshop, held in Rome, April 18-23, 2016, proved finally to be catalytic. This important event
included a large delegation of African primatologists led by Inza Koné from Côte d’Ivoire, Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh
from Nigeria, and Denis Ndeloh-Etiendem from Cameroon, as well as some of the most senior expatriate specialists on
African primates, among them Thomas Butynski, John Hart, Jonathan Kingdon, John Oates and Thomas Struhsaker.
On the last day, a special meeting was held to push forward the concept of an African Primatological Society, and this
discussion continued into the dinner that night.
Of particular relevance to this action plan, the Rome Workshop again highlighted the serious situation of the red
colobus monkeys, and the need to develop an action plan for them once again emerged as a top priority.
Shortly thereafter, at the XXVI International Primatological Society Congress in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in August
2016, there was a follow-up meeting about creating an African Primatological Society, led by Inza Koné and Rachel
Ashegbofe Ikemeh, and about the need to finally take the steps necessary to write a red colobus action plan. Several
of the authors of this document, notably Joshua Linder, Nelson Ting, Drew Cronin, and Inza Koné, agreed to take on
this challenge.
Less than a year later, July 24−26, 2017, we held the First Congress of the African Primatological Society in Bingerville,
Côte d’Ivoire, hosted by Inza Koné (Imong et al., 2016). The turnout was amazing and surprised even the most
optimistic of us, with more than 150 participants, at least 90% of them from 22 African countries. Elections were
held, and Inza Koné was elected President, Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka (Uganda), Vice President, Ekwoge Enang Abwe
(Cameroon), Secretary General, and Riashna Sithaldeen (South Africa), Communications Secretary.
Of particular relevance to red colobus conservation, we took an entire day (July 27) immediately after the congress to
hold a Red Colobus Action Plan Workshop, with many experts, mainly from Africa, contributing to what they thought
necessary to structure the plan and ensure the survival of these animals. The process was now finally underway, and
the writing began in earnest. At this congress, we also saw the emergence of Florence Aghomo from Cameroon as
one of the young leaders of African primatology.
The result was that red colobus conservation was a major feature of the XXVII Congress of the International
Primatological Society in Nairobi, 19–25 August 2018. We held four events dedicated to red colobus, with Drew
vi
Participants in the 2016 IUCN African Primate Red-Listing Workshop in Rome, Italy. © Russell A. Mittermeier
Participants in the Red Colobus Action Plan Workshop at the Inaugural Congress of the African Primatological Society
in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. © Drew T. Cronin
vii
Cronin from the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (Equatorial Guinea),
Nelson Ting from the University of Oregon, Joshua Linder from James Madison University in Virginia, Barney Long
from Re:wild (formerly known as GWC), William Konstant from the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, and Rachel
Ashegbofe Ikemeh playing important roles in their organization. The first was a Symposium entitled, “The Red Colobus
Conservation Action Plan: Catalyzing Range-wide Conservation Efforts”, which looked at the conservation status and
ecology of the entire genus. It was very well-attended with 80 people present, including a large contingent of young
African conservationists working on red colobus across their range. Next there was a workshop entitled “The Red
Colobus Conservation Action Plan: Taking Stock and Planning Strategic Next Actions”, focused on next steps, range-
wide initiatives, and a discussion of how we can work together as a conservation community. This also had excellent
participation with 75 people joining. We then had an evening launch event of the Red Colobus Conservation Action
Plan with more than 100 people present and with presentations by Inza Koné President of the African Primatological
Society, by Hasting Ozwara, the Director of the Kenyan Institute of Primate Research, by Ekwoge Enang Abwe,
Secretary-General of the African Primatological Society, and from me as Chair of the Primate Specialist Group, as well
as a video message from Jane Goodall on the importance of red colobus conservation. Discussions continued well
into the night, helping to further build bonds within the community of red colobus conservationists. To cap it all off,
we had a two-hour leadership meeting on the action plan, looking at how we could turn the plan into concrete action.
Among the decisions taken at the Nairobi congress was the need to set up both a Red Colobus Conservation Network
(along the lines of the Lemur Conservation Network) and a Red Colobus Working Group, a joint initiative of the
Primate Specialist Group and the African Primatological Society. This working group was set up to guide a network
coordinator, whose job would be to drive the implementation of the action plan, so that it would have a team behind
it to make sure it results in action. A few months later, on June 10, 2019, Florence Aghomo was selected as the
Red Colobus Conservation Coordinator to lead both the network and the working group. The group has held regular
meetings since then.
The following year, we again held two sessions on red colobus at the Second Congress of the African Primatological
Society in Entebbe, Uganda, 2–6 September 2019, hosted by Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka of the NGO Conservation
through Public Health. One of these was a two-day working session on the development of a monitoring and
evaluation system for both the Red Colobus Conservation Network and the Action Plan, and the other was a plenary
presentation on the Action Plan. Florence Aghomo led the discussions, and several of the other authors of this action
plan were also active at the Congress. Immediately after the congress, in collaboration with National Geographic,
we ran a day-long training session on fund-raising for up-and-coming red colobus conservationists. This highly
successful congress was attended by more than 300 people, including large delegations from Cameroon and Nigeria.
It is also worth noting how taxonomy can complicate conservation efforts, a point raised by Oates and Ting in 2015
in a book celebrating 50 years of the career of Colin Groves, whose review of the colobus monkeys in 2007 gave us
the baseline for understanding their diversity, and as such the wherewithal for drawing up this plan. There have been
many changes in red colobus taxonomy over the years, ranging from all taxa once being considered subspecies of a
single wide-ranging species to the current arrangement of 17 species and 18 taxa, with numerous variations along the
way (Groves, 2007). Even today, however, the status of several taxa from the eastern DRC such as lulindicus, langi,
and semlikiensis remains unresolved.
What is more, the process of Red-Listing can also be very complex and time-consuming. This became very clear at
the workshop in Rome in 2016, and in the follow-up efforts to finalize the Red List assessments for these species.
Liz Williamson, one of the Primate Specialist Group’s Red List Coordinators, estimates that she alone had more than
1,100 back and forth email communications on red colobus alone after the Rome workshop in order to arrive at the
final assessments shared in this action plan. And many others were involved.
Now, at long last and thanks to the outstanding efforts of the authors, we finally have a full-blown red colobus action
plan, which we are very pleased to present here. However, we should point out that we have not waited for publication
of this plan to begin fund-raising for red colobus and have since 2018 already succeeded in raising more than US$
866,000 for red colobus projects, many of which have been providing additional information to consolidate the action
plan. Of course, this is only a small amount compared to the needs identified here, but it is a start. We hope that this
outstanding document will help to find much more in the way of resources, to stimulate further interest in red colobus
conservation, and to establish these monkeys as one of the most important flagships for forest conservation in Africa.
viii
References
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122–133.
Groves, C.P. (2007). The taxonomic diversity of the Colobinae of Africa. Journal of Anthropological Sciences 85: 7–34.
Imong, I., Ikemeh, R., Koné, I. & Ndeloh, D. (2016). The birth of the African Primatological Society for the future of African
primates. African Primates 11: 49–50.
Marsh C.W. & Mittermeier, R.A. (eds.). (1987). Primate Conservation in the Tropical Rain Forest. Monographs in
Primatology 9. New York: Alan. R. Liss.
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26: 605–619. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10764-005-4368-9
McGraw, W.S. & Oates, J.F. (2002). Evidence for a surviving population of Miss Waldron’s Red Colobus. Oryx 36: 223–
226. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003060530200042X
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Species. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

ix
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ranging from forests in Senegal to the Zanzibar Archipelago, red colobus monkeys (Piliocolobus spp.) are the most
threatened group of African monkeys. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
of Threatened SpeciesTM in 2020, every form of red colobus monkey is threatened with extinction, and 14 of the 18 taxa
(>75%) are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered. Despite their conservation status, only a few populations have
been studied in any detail and the general public is largely unaware of these monkeys and their plight.
Following over two decades of calls to prioritize red colobus conservation efforts, this document finally brings together
the knowledge of experts on these monkeys and African wildlife conservation to identify the populations in most urgent
need of conservation and to develop priority conservation actions for each taxon and across the red colobus’ geographic
range.
The primary proximate threats driving red colobus population declines are hunting and habitat loss, which are ultimately
being driven by a combination of human population growth, worldwide demand for natural resources, and an increasingly
globalized economy. Seventeen of the 18 red colobus forms are threatened by illegal hunting, especially to supply the
commercial bushmeat trade. Red colobus monkeys are among the primate species most vulnerable to hunting due
to their large size (which makes them a preferred target, providing more meat per unit effort than smaller species)
and behaviours that are poor defences against human hunting techniques. They are typically the first primates to be
extirpated from any given area because of these two factors. Logging, agricultural expansion, charcoal production,
mining, and infrastructure development are the main drivers of habitat loss, and one or more of these factors affect nearly
all red colobus species. For many taxa, especially those in West and Central Africa, the expansion of extractive industries
and large-scale industrial agriculture is putting increasing pressure on red colobus habitats and exacerbating bushmeat
hunting and trade. Focusing conservation efforts on red colobus monkeys will also help to protect habitats for animal
species that are also threatened by these human activities.
Range-wide and taxon-specific conservation actions are centred around seven main strategies that aim to prevent
red colobus extinctions and improve their conservation outlook. First, 16 of the 18 red colobus forms urgently require
field surveys and monitoring to assess their distribution, abundance, and the threats they face. The success of most
other conservation actions depends on this most basic of information. Second, protected areas and their buffer zones
(government and community managed) are critical to the future of red colobus and their habitats. Creating new protected
areas and improving the effectiveness of current ones are among the top priorities for all red colobus taxa. Third, engaging
and collaborating with local communities living close to red colobus monkeys and integrating these communities into
wildlife conservation initiatives is a top priority, especially since many red colobus populations occur outside protected
areas. The fourth strategy is to develop partnerships between conservation and public health organizations to address
issues of human health and family planning in and around red colobus habitats. Fifth, for most of the red colobus forms,
implementation of local and global education and awareness programmes focused on red colobus and their habitats
is identified as a priority action. Sixth, the formation of a global network of red colobus researchers and conservation
practitioners will help to develop and coordinate conservation interventions. Finally, the actions described in this plan are
more likely to be effective if they are supported by governments of the 18 countries where red colobus monkeys live.
Conservation priorities and their estimated costs were also identified for each taxon. Costs were estimated for smaller-
scale actions (e.g. surveys, education and outreach), which totalled c. US$ 2.44 million over the five year period (2021–
2026). Costs were not estimated for long-term or recurrent recommended actions that require considerable investment
from the governments of red colobus range countries and that are typically associated with government spending (e.g.
protected area gazettement and management). These additional costs would likely exceed US$ 17 million across all red
colobus taxa over five years.
We hope that this plan will lead to increased funding for the recommended priority actions outlined in this plan and
improved conservation status of red colobus populations. It is very clear that if current trends continue, failure to act will
result in red colobus extinctions in the coming decades.
x
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to the many people who have contributed directly to this Red colobus conservation action plan (they are
listed on pp. 62–63), and for the invaluable contributions of so many individuals living and working in red colobus range
countries (governmental officials, community members, educators, rangers, managers, policy makers, and others), who
have contributed to the conservation of red colobus and their habitats for so many years.
We thank all who participated in the workshops and symposia associated with this action plan, including: Laurie Alapini,
Emmanuel Bassey, Anderson Bitty, Genevieve Campbell, Moses Chemurot, Edward Wiafe, Rebecca Goldstone, Reiko
Matsuda Goodwin, Mariano Houngbédji, Sami Blaise Kambire, Amani Kitegile, Amani Salum Kitegile, Kwadwo Mensah,
Ahmim Mourad, Magnant Mukulumanya Mubonge, Urbain Ngobobo Ibungu, Paul N’Goran, Jacob Oluwafemi Orimaye,
David Osei, Soiret Serge Pacome, Tenekwetche Sop, Michael Stern, Tsoumbou Thierry, Armand Didié Zadou, and
Omobayo Ghislain Zoffoun.
We thank the African Primatological Society (APS) and the International Primatological Society (IPS) for their support, as
well as the organizations that have provided funding, including: The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund,
the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Fund, and the National Geographic Species Recovery Conservation Grant. We thank Bill
Konstant and Barney Long and Re:wild (formerly known as GWC) for helping to mobilize support for this action plan,
especially at the 2017 African Primatological Society (APS) Congress in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the 2018 Congress of
the International Primatological Society (IPS) in Nairobi, Kenya, and the 2019 African Primatological Society Congress in
Entebbe, Uganda, as well as for supporting the formatting and printing of the action plan.
We also thank Stephen Nash for his illustrations of the red colobus species, maps, and the design of the document;
Anthony Rylands for reviewing and copy editing; Liz Williamson for copy editing and her efforts to coordinate the IUCN
Red Listing of red colobus monkeys with the publication of the action plan; and those who contributed photographs and
map files.
Finally, the primary editors (JL, DC and NT) wish to highlight the lifelong contributions of Thomas Struhsaker and John
Oates for bringing the plight of red colobus monkeys to the attention of scientists, conservation organizations, and
national governments. This plan is founded on their knowledge of, experience with, and dedication to red colobus
monkeys and their conservation.
Piliocolbus pennantii. © Ian Nichols
xi
INTRODUCTION
Taxonomy
There are three main kinds of colobus monkeys living in the forests of Africa: the red, olive, and black-and-white colobus.
At present, these three groups are usually placed in three separate genera: Piliocolobus, Procolobus and Colobus,
respectively. This plan focuses on the genus Piliocolobus – the red colobus. Below the genus level, most taxonomists
organize all red colobus into 16–18 distinct taxa, which may also be referred to as “forms”, based largely on variation in
coat-colours and patterns. Which of these forms should be afforded species status as opposed to subspecies status
has caused the number of recognized species to fluctuate between one and 17.1,2 The result is that there is currently
no universal agreement upon how many red colobus species exist. Taxonomic uncertainty is especially high for the red
colobus forms in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (hereafter DRC), where an area of hybridization likely occurs
among a number of red colobus forms (see ‘Hybrid Zone’, Figure 1). To avoid further confusion, this plan uses the
classification generated by the Primate Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), which follows
the classifications of Groves3 and Zinner et al.4, and which is followed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. This
plan, therefore, highlights the conservation status and needs for 17 red colobus species, with one species (Piliocolobus
badius) divided into two subspecies, resulting in 18 distinct forms (Figure 2). As red colobus have been diversifying in
Africa for at least 3 million years5, the 18 forms have come to differ from one another in aspects of coat colour and
pattern, facial appearance, behaviour, size, genetics, and vocalizations.
Distribution
Red colobus monkeys are found only in sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal in the west to the Zanzibar Archipelago
in the east (Figure 1, Table 1). Despite a distribution that spans the entire continent, red colobus are strikingly absent from
large blocks of forest, including all of Gabon and most of Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and Republic of Congo
(hereafter Congo). These monkeys inhabit a diversity of forests, including rainforest, riparian forest, mangrove swamp,
and dry savanna woodland, ranging in altitude from sea level to 2,600 m above sea level.
Figure 1. Red colobus distribution. Map by Stephen D. Nash
Anatomy and behavioural ecology

As with the other colobus monkeys, red colobus monkeys have thumbs that are greatly reduced in size and a large,
multi-chambered stomach that allows them to feed on difficult-to-digest foods, especially leaves and seeds.6 Their
relatively long tails and hind feet facilitate long distance leaps between trees. Most of the information on red colobus
behavioural ecology comes from detailed studies of only a handful of taxa. These studies indicate that although there
is considerable ecological and social variability among red colobus forms, most live in large, multi-male, multi-female
groups, in which females typically outnumber males, and group members spend most of their day feeding or resting.7
They are frequently found in association with other monkeys, partly as a means to reduce predation pressure.8
1
Figure 2. The 18 red colobus forms. Illustration by Stephen D. Nash
2
Table 1. Alphabetical list of countries where red colobus occur
Country Taxa
Cameroon P. preussi
Central African Republic P. oustaleti
Congo, The Democratic Republic of P. tholloni, P. oustaleti, P. langi, P. parmentieri, P. lulindicus, P. semlikiensis, P. foai
Congo, Republic of P. bouvieri, P. oustaleti
Côte d’Ivoire P. badius badius, P. waldroni (possibly extirpated)
Equatorial Guinea P. pennantii
Gambia, The P. badius temminckii
Ghana P. waldroni (likely extirpated)
Guinea P. badius badius, P. badius temminckii
Guinea-Bissau P. badius temminckii
Kenya P. rufomitratus
Liberia P. badius badius
Nigeria P. epieni, P. preussi
Senegal P. badius temminckii
Sierra Leone P. badius badius, P. badius temminckii (?)
South Sudan P. oustaleti
Tanzania, United Republic of P. gordonorum, P. kirkii, P. tephrosceles
Uganda P. tephrosceles, P. semlikiensis
Conservation status
The conservation status of African primates was reassessed in 2016 at the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group African
Primate Red List Assessment workshop in Rome, Italy. The subsequently published IUCN Red List assessments indicate
that every form of red colobus monkey is threatened with extinction, and 14 of the 18 taxa are listed as Critically
Endangered or Endangered (Table 2). Five red colobus taxa – Miss Waldron’s red colobus (P. waldroni), the Niger Delta
red colobus (P. epieni), Pennant’s red colobus (P. pennantii), Preuss’s red colobus (P. preussi), and the Tana River red
colobus (P. rufomitratus) have appeared regularly on the list of the World’s Top 25 Most Endangered Primates. Miss
Waldron’s red colobus may have been hunted to extinction − possibly the first primate species to go extinct in over 400
years and, as such, highlighting the threatened status of this group of primates.
Despite their conservation status, only two red colobus species (P. kirkii and P. rufomitratus) are listed by the Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora on Appendix I, which includes the species most
threatened with extinction and prohibits the international commercial trade in specimens of those species.
3
Table 2. Red colobus IUCN Red List conservation status (2021). Taxa are listed as they are found in Africa from
west to east and as they are presented in this action plan.
Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List status
Temminck's red colobus P. badius temminckii Endangered9
Bay colobus P. badius badius Endangered10
Miss Waldron's red colobus P. waldroni Critically Endangered11
Niger Delta red colobus P. epieni Critically Endangered12
Pennant’s red colobus P. pennantii Critically Endangered13
Preuss’s red colobus P. preussi Critically Endangered14
Bouvier’s red colobus P. bouvieri Endangered15
Oustalet’s red colobus P. oustaleti Vulnerable16
Tshuapa red colobus P. tholloni Vulnerable17
Lomami red colobus P. parmentieri Endangered18
Kisangani red colobus P. langi Endangered19
Ulindi red colobus P. lulindicus Endangered20
Semliki red colobus P. semlikiensis Vulnerable21
Foa's red colobus P. foai Endangered22
Ashy red colobus P. tephrosceles Endangered23
Tana River red colobus P. rufomitratus Critically Endangered24
Udzungwa red colobus P. gordonorum Vulnerable25
Zanzibar red colobus P. kirkii Endangered26
Threats
The primary threats to red colobus are very clear: commercial and subsistence hunting as well as habitat loss, degradation,
and fragmentation resulting from numerous factors (i.e., logging, mining, charcoal production, infrastructure development,
and conversion of forest to farms and agricultural plantations).7,27 These threats are driven by the confluence of both
global and local demands for natural resources (e.g., land for agriculture, timber, charcoal, firewood, minerals, meat),
increasing human population size (via both intrinsic growth and migration), and increasing levels of resource consumption
per capita. Red colobus monkeys do not adapt well to hunting pressure and have the reputation of being the easiest
monkeys to hunt. They are easy to find, as their large and noisy groups attract hunters’ attention, and once they see a
hunter they typically do not flee, just watch the human below.27 They are game of choice for gun-hunters as their large
size provides more meat for the price of a cartridge than the smaller monkeys such as guenons with which they share
their range. Due to their susceptibility, red colobus are generally the first primates to be extirpated from an area. Indeed,
red colobus can be considered as early indicators of a larger faunal decline, like the canary in a coal mine. Their demise
is indicative of what is happening to all of the larger animals throughout the African tropical forest zone.
4
RED COLOBUS ACTION PLAN RATIONALE AND GOAL
In 1996, the Primate Specialist Group’s African Primates: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Revised edition 28
called for a red colobus action plan to be prepared and implemented given the large number of highly localized and
threatened populations of red colobus monkeys. Nearly 10 years later, Thomas Struhsaker27 reviewed the status of, and
threats to, red colobus monkeys, and presented a conceptual framework for their conservation. Despite these calls to
action, the conservation status of most red colobus species has continued to worsen, researchers have studied only a
few populations in detail, and the general public is largely unaware of these monkeys. General awareness of red colobus
and their plight is further hindered by the lack of any captive populations in zoos around the world – these monkeys
have never done well in captivity. All red colobus taxa are threatened with extinction and several forms are on the brink,
thus making them the most threatened group of monkeys in Africa. Red colobus monkeys are facing an extinction crisis
requiring urgent in situ conservation action.
A concerted and coordinated range-wide and taxon-based conservation effort, as laid out in this action plan, is urgently
required to conserve all red colobus forms. Implementation of this action plan is important for the conservation not only
of red colobus monkeys, but also for the conservation of African tropical forests.27 Focusing conservation efforts on red
colobus could protect many other species inhabiting the same area. Their ranges overlap, for example, with those of at
least 75% of other primate species on mainland Africa, including all the African apes and more than 50% of African ape
habitat.
The goal of this plan is to unite and mobilize local and international conservation groups, governments, communities,
academic and research institutions, zoos and wildlife centres, and other interested parties to prevent red colobus
extinctions and protect the viable and representative populations of each taxon.
We see this approach as a dynamic effort, one that can be adapted according to circumstances and with information
acquired through frequent monitoring and reporting of red colobus populations, their habitats, and the effectiveness of
conservation actions.
Piliocolobus badius badius. © W. Scott McGraw
5
RANGE-WIDE CONSERVATION PRIORITIES
The key to preventing red colobus extinctions and improving their conservation outlook rests on implementing the taxon-
specific recommendations and the following range-wide conservation priorities, each of which includes a description of
actions that can be addressed within the time frame of this action plan (2021–2026).
1. Improve knowledge on the distribution, abundance, population size, ecological

relationships, and demographic structure of each red colobus form
Surveys are urgently needed for most taxa in order to assist in setting conservation priorities and understanding
conservation status. Surveys will confirm the presence of red colobus, reveal previously unknown populations that might
have conservation significance, identify areas for protection, improve understanding about ecological needs such as
habitat and food resources, and provide a baseline for monitoring changes through time in their distribution, abundance,
and threats.
2. Improve and establish government-managed and community-based conservation

areas
Protected areas, including government-managed areas and community-based conservancies and reserves and their
buffer zones, are the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation worldwide and will be critical to the future of red colobus
monkeys. Many of the protected areas that already exist face significant challenges that reduce their effectiveness,
including insufficient human and financial resources, degradation and loss of habitat tied to human pressure and/or climate
change inside and immediately outside their boundaries, socio-political crises, and lack of support from surrounding
communities and/or central or regional governments. Some red colobus taxa have no populations in protected areas.
A fundamental tenet in this action plan is that, where possible and appropriate, viable populations of each of the 18
red colobus forms should be protected in at least two relatively large and well-managed, strictly-protected areas (IUCN
category I–IV in the case of a government-managed area). For those taxa that occur in more than one country, they
should benefit from at least one well-managed protected area (or potential protected area) in each.
3. Engage with local communities and integrate them into red colobus conservation
There is a need to engage more effectively with people living in close proximity to red colobus monkeys in order to aid in
the establishment and effective maintenance of protected areas and to reduce over-exploitation of natural resources. It is
important to collaborate with communities adjacent to priority red colobus sites to reduce the impact of human activities
that lead to forest loss or degradation. Hunting and commercial trade in bushmeat must be addressed immediately, while
mitigating issues of food security that can arise from reducing access to forest resources. Such “bottom-up”, community-
supported approaches require the development of projects that train, employ, and otherwise support (especially in
the long term) local people to transition away from unsustainable harvesting of forest resources and to participate in
monitoring and conservation activities, and that encourage communities to take a more active role in preserving forests
and protecting endangered species.
4. Identify and remove barriers that prevent local access to healthcare and family
planning services
Human population expansion continues to place increasing pressure on natural resources at both global and local levels,
and underlies many of the proximate factors threatening red colobus populations. Human population expansion stems
from intrinsic growth, as well as changing patterns in morbidity, mortality, and migration. To this end, and recognising that
this is a sensitive issue, red colobus conservation would benefit from projects and partnerships that connect public health
sectors and existing organizations working with local communities to address local barriers and access to healthcare
and family planning. At least one of the priority sites identified for each red colobus taxon should be associated with a
collaborative project that links conservation with public health and family planning that can serve as a model for wider
application.
5. Raise local, national, and global awareness of red colobus monkeys and their habitats
Education outreach programmes, developed in collaboration with organizations and local institutions with skills in the
environmental education domain, are needed to support protection efforts. Localized education outreach can help build
and improve the long-term relationship between local communities and conservation, while inspiring people to get
6
involved in conservation activities. For each taxon, at least one priority site identified (for each country in which the taxon
occurs) should have at least one red-colobus focused education and awareness programme geared towards people
living near red colobus habitat. Outside the field of primatology, red colobus monkeys are poorly known to the general
public, as is their conservation status. A coordinated, global campaign should attempt to elevate red colobus monkeys to
the status of flagship species to help rally public support for African tropical forest conservation and to increase funding
and capacity for red colobus protection efforts.
6. Create a global network of red colobus researchers and conservation practitioners

A red colobus network of researchers, conservation practitioners, government institutions, zoos and wildlife sanctuaries,
and volunteers is needed to improve communication, collaboration, and coordination around red colobus conservation.
A Red Colobus Working Group has been formed under the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, a working group
coordinator has been appointed, and a red colobus network has been established to support the development,
implementation, and monitoring of the range-wide and taxon-specific conservation recommendations presented in this
plan.
7. Increase government support for the conservation of red colobus and their habitats
This conservation plan is more likely to be successful if there is strong political will from the governments of the countries
where red colobus monkeys live. This includes publicly acknowledging conservation needs, reviewing national legal
frameworks and addressing gaps related to red colobus protected status, enacting relevant environmental policy, and
ensuring the implementation of laws that protect these primates and their habitats.

Piliocolobus tephrosceles. © Nelson Ting
7
RED COLOBUS CONSERVATION ACTION PLAN TAXONOMIC ENTRIES
The remainder of this action plan is organized according to the 18 red colobus taxa (presented from west to east) listed
by the current IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM. Researchers and conservation practitioners familiar with each
taxon contributed to a narrative (adapted from the IUCN Red List entry) describing that taxon’s population status and
threats to its survival. Conservation priorities were then identified for each taxon.
All red colobus forms are threatened but some are in greater danger than others. For this reason, some conservation
actions have higher priority than others. More specifically, we believe the most immediate attention (and funding) should
be directed at the five Critically Endangered forms that are at highest risk of extinction in the near future if no actions are
taken.
Multiple criteria were used to identify taxon-specific priority conservation sites (e.g., sites with the most viable population,
protected areas under severe threat from human activities). Contributors to each taxon entry prioritized conservation
actions by identifying smaller-scale projects (e.g., surveys, ecological research, outreach, engagement, and capacity
building) that could be completed within the 5-year timeframe (2021–2026) and estimating the cost of those projects
(Appendix). While the smaller-scale actions will help improve the short-term conservation status for the highest priority
populations, a much larger and sustained investment of resources is needed to secure the long-term survival of red
colobus monkeys across Africa. Contributors, therefore, also identified long-term or recurrent actions that require
considerable investment from the governments of red colobus range countries and that are typically associated with
government spending (e.g., projects that establish protected areas, biomonitoring programmes, or law enforcement
patrols). The costs of these kinds of actions are difficult to estimate, but would likely exceed US$ 17 million across all red
colobus taxa over five years.
A list of all recommended actions identified in this action plan and associated budgets can be downloaded from:
www.redcolobusnetwork.org/actionplan
Piliocolobus kirkii. © Thomas T. Struhsaker

8
WESTERN RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus badius
The Western red colobus (Piliocolobus badius) occurs in The Western red colobus has two subspecies: Temminck’s
fragmented populations across seven countries, from The (P. b. temminckii) and the Bay colobus (P. b. badius). The
Gambia and southwest Senegal, south and east to the Nzi- geographic boundary separating these taxa is unclear
Bandama River system in western Côte d’Ivoire.3,29,30 The because the subspecies grade into one another.3,30 Red
coat of the Western red colobus is a combination of black/ colobus observed from the Kilimi area of northwestern
grey (face, crown, dorsum, tail) and red/orange (ventrum Sierra Leone (hashed area in the map below) reportedly
and limbs), although across its range pelage colour varies have a coat colouration similar to typical temminckii 31,
from orange to auburn and from grey to shiny black. Coat while further south and east in Sierra Leone only typical
colouration varies within single populations.7 badius colouration is observed.
Figure 3. Piliocolobus badius distribution (Map by Stephen D. Nash)
9
P. b. temminckii
P. b. badius
Figure 4. Piliocolobus badius forms: P. b. temminckii and P. b. badius. Illustration by Stephen D. Nash
Piliocolobus badius temminckii. © Michael Mayhew Piliocolobus badius badius. © W. Scott McGraw
10
TEMMINCK’S RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus badius temminckii
Temminck’s red colobus, the western-most member of An important and relatively large red colobus population
the genus, is endemic to southern Senegal, The Gambia, occurs in Guinea-Bissau’s highly fragmented Cantanhez
Guinea Bissau, northwestern Guinea29,32, and possibly Forest National Park, with an estimated population of
northwestern Sierra Leone.31 The distribution and current c. 300 adults but declining.38 Elsewhere in Guinea-
range limits of Temminck’s red colobus, including its Bissau, Temminck’s red colobus have been confirmed
boundary with the Bay colobus, are unclear, complicating in the relatively large Dulombi and Boé National Parks
conservation planning.31,33,34 but population estimates are unavailable and they may
occur only in patches of community sacred forests.32,39
The main conservation threats vary by location and include Temminck’s red colobus are present but seem to be rare in
habitat loss, hunting, and infectious diseases (e.g., yaws). Guinea Bissau’s Cufada Lagoons National Park.39
Infrastructure development, agricultural expansion, tree
harvesting, human-induced fires, and decreased rainfall The Gambia is by far the smallest of the Temminck’s
stemming from anthropogenic factors and climate change red colobus range countries; however, its status there
are primary drivers of habitat loss and degradation. Most is particularly well known thanks to several people and
protected areas that have Temminck’s red colobus are programmes interested in wildlife conservation. The forest
small islands of habitat surrounded by towns, roads, farms, around Sambel Kunda in the Central River Region near the
and buildings; forest cover within these protected areas is River Gambia National Park is estimated to have the largest
declining. These threats have led to a highly fragmented, known national red colobus population, with a minimum of
and declining population. The number of Temminck’s red 587 individuals.40 Fewer than 110 red colobus monkeys are
colobus monkeys across their entire range is unknown, found in The Gambia’s Abuko Nature Reserve. Populations
but estimates from surveys suggest there may be as few of red colobus in The Gambia’s Kiang West National
as 2,000 remaining. Park, Niumi National Park and River Gambia National
Park (Baboon Island) require more survey effort, but rapid
Although Temminck’s red colobus occur in almost two assessments in 2019 identified 58 red colobus monkeys in
dozen protected areas, many of these are very small (< Kiang West, and 80 on Baboon Island. Surveys in 199641
6 km2), disconnected, and shrinking. Even in the largest and further observations in 200542 in Njassang Forest Park
protected areas, the monkeys tend to be restricted to (on the south bank of the River Gambia, adjacent to the
small patches of undisturbed habitat. River Gambia National Park) confirmed the presence of
several groups of Temminck’s red colobus. Approximately
In Senegal’s Delta du Saloum National Park (1,800 km2), half of the area they formerly used in The Gambia’s Bijilo
red colobus are found only in the Fathala Forest Reserve Forest Park has been cleared for development, destroying
and nearby mangroves (76 km2) and this population of an important habitat corridor, isolating two neighbouring
approximately 500 individuals has declined by at least populations, and resulting in displaced monkeys moving
20% over the last 45 years.35 Colobus monkeys living in into nearby hotel gardens. There, as well as in the Abuko
core gallery forests, where individuals do not move on Nature Reserve and surrounding areas, habitat loss
the ground and where human presence is less frequent, and degradation have increased contact between red
are significantly less infested with intestinal parasites than colobus monkeys and humans, leading to greater hunting,
those living in more open habitat and near human presence persecution, and disease transfer from humans and
– there they are also more vulnerable to pythons, hyenas domesticated animals.43,44 The Pirang forest groups have
and dogs.35 Senegal’s Niokolo Koba National Park is home sought refuge in the Pirang Bonto Community Forest.45
to c. 300 red colobus monkeys. In these savanna areas, Most remaining forest in The Gambia suffers from logging
bush fires are frequent and constitute a real danger for the and collection of non-timber forest products.
red colobus because, unlike most animals, they do not
flee but take refuge at the top of the trees where they die Harding31 described a population of red colobus monkeys
from asphyxiation.35,36 Hunting has reportedly extirpated observed in the Kilimi section of Outamba-Kilimi National
Temminck’s red colobus from Senegal’s Casamance Park, Sierra Leone, as resembling Temminck’s red colobus
National Park and decimated the wildlife in Niokolo Koba in colouration, but that there has been no follow-up study
National Park.37 since that time.
11
Priority sites
Country Priority sites
The Gambia Pirang Forest Park, Kiang West National Park, River Gambia National Park and surrounding
ecosystem (including Njassang Forest Park and Sambel Kunda area)
Senegal Niokolo Koba National Park, Forêt Classée des Narangs, Fathala Forest Reserve in Delta
du Saloum National Park
Guinea Bissau Cantanhez National Park, Dulombi and Boé National Parks
Guinea Badiar National Park
Sierra Leone Outamba-Kilimi National Park (and contiguous habitat in Guinea)
Priority objectives and recommended actions

Estimated budget*
US$ 329,000
Priority objectives Recommended actions
Surveys to Conduct forest surveys in and between protected areas in The Gambia, Casamance region
assess presence/ and Forêt Classée des Narangs in Senegal, southern and northwestern Guinea-Bissau and
absence, relative north and western Guinea
abundance, and
threats to red Conduct forest surveys in Niokolo Koba National Park
colobus
Conduct forest surveys in Outamba-Kilimi National Park, Sierra Leone to investigate
presence of red colobus monkeys and, if found, assess population status and taxonomic
affinity
Strengthen Pirang Forest Park, The Gambia

protection and • Build a perimeter fence
conservation • Plant hedges and trees to improve corridors connecting the main forests
• Build boreholes to provide fresh water for red colobus monkeys and other wildlife
• Train local community members to become tourist guides and forest guards
Kiang West National Park, The Gambia

• Develop awareness programmes to sensitise the community about red colobus
conservation
• Implement forest patrols to reduce illegal logging
• Build boreholes to provide fresh water for red colobus monkeys and other wildlife
• Develop a park management plan including delineating zones of high/low-use areas
and promote focused enforcement measures in red colobus priority areas
River Gambia National Park and surrounding ecosystems

• Improve and implement forest patrols in gallery forests in the national park to reduce
illegal logging
• Implement a biomonitoring programme in the national park and surrounding
ecosystems
• Develop a forest management plan outside park areas to describe and quantify
forest products, establish use categories through forest zonation, and identify red
colobus priority areas
• Develop tree nurseries and woodlots to establish a sustainable alternative source of
forest products and to restore degraded forest areas
• Upgrade boreholes to provide water sources for red colobus monkeys
• Develop awareness programmes to sensitise surrounding communities about red
colobus conservation
*Excluding costs of long-term/recurring actions

12
Priority objectives and recommended actions (continued)
Strengthen Niokolo Koba National Park

protection and • Rehabilitate guard posts
conservation • Support/enhance patrol efforts within the park, including rehabilitation of guard posts
Fathala Forest Reserve in Delta du Saloum National Park

• Build perimeter fence to reduce illegal exploitation of resources
• Complete construction and staffing of the research station
• Improve water availability and access for red colobus
Cantanhez National Park

• Hire, train, and equip park guards to enforce hunting laws
• Develop and implement a wildlife monitoring programme to assess population status
of red colobus monkeys and human threats
• Collaborate with local communities to develop education/awareness materials cen-
tred on red colobus monkeys
Dulombi and Boé National Parks

• Develop and implement a wildlife monitoring programme to assess the population
status of red colobus monkeys and human threats
• Collaborate with local communities to develop education/awareness materials and
campaign centred on red colobus monkeys
Badiar National Park

• Support/enhance patrol efforts along the Gambia and Koulountou rivers including
rehabilitating guard posts
13
Piliocolobus badius temminckii. © Dawn Starin
14
BAY COLOBUS
Piliocolobus badius badius
The Bay colobus is found in Sierra Leone, southern Guinea,

Liberia, and western Côte d’Ivoire.3,29,30 The eastern extent
of its distribution historically met that of Miss Waldron’s red
colobus (Piliocolobus waldroni) at Côte d’Ivoire’s Bandama
River.
The most immediate threat to the Bay colobus throughout

its range is hunting for subsistence and to supply the
commercial trade in bushmeat, which is driven to a
significant degree by demand from urban centres and from
mining and logging camps located in and around forests.46,47
Signs of hunting are encountered frequently during
surveys of forests where red colobus occur. Deforestation
through logging, charcoal production, mining, and the
spread of subsistence farming has occurred over much
of this monkey’s range. Large-scale, industrial agriculture Piliocolobus badius badius. © W. Scott McGraw
may also be an increasing threat. High rates of human
population growth throughout the Bay colobus range have Liberia’s North Lorma National Forest55 and were sighted
intensified hunting and deforestation. Civil conflict in Côte during 2013–2014 surveys of the Kpayan district in Sinoe
d’Ivoire, Liberia, and Sierra Leone from 1989 to 2011 has, County.56 Red colobus were recorded in Liberia’s Gola
in some cases, exacerbated threats facing this monkey. Forest National Park and Foya Natural Forest during
rapid assessment surveys in 2017 and were encountered
There are no overall population estimates for the Bay during 2016–2017 primate and hunter surveys in Tonglay
colobus, but the most recent surveys indicate that it has and Norman Community Forests adjacent to Gola Forest
disappeared from and is declining across much of its National Park.57
range.
In Sierra Leone, the Bay colobus is found in Gola Rainforest
In Côte d’Ivoire, the Bay colobus is now largely restricted National Park, where there may be over 5,000 red colobus
to Taï National Park. Surveys of Taï conducted in 2006 with group densities almost two times higher in the
and 2008 generated estimates of c. 97,000 red colobus northern section of the park than in other park areas.58
monkeys, with most located in the park’s northwestern Bay colobus are also still present in Sierra Leone’s Tiwai
portion.48 This figure is near the c. 100,000 individuals Island Wildlife Sanctuary59 and in the Kambui Hills Forest
estimated in 1985.49 Estimates from genetic data collected Reserve, Kangari Hills Non-hunting Forest Reserve, and
in the park in 2004 to 2010 suggested that there are now Loma Mountains National Park.60 Harding31 reported red
only 18,505–37,860 adult individuals.50 The Bay colobus colobus in the Kilimi section of Sierra Leone’s Outamba-
may also occur in the Cavally Classified Forest to the north Kilimi National Park in 1981–1982 and described these
of Taï National Park51 and in relic forests in the Tonkpi region, animals as resembling Temminck’s red colobus. The
near Côte d’Ivoire’s border with Guinea and Liberia.52 status of this population and its taxonomic affinity needs
There are recent conflicting reports of the existence of the investigation.
Bay colobus in and around Mount Nimba Strict Nature
Reserve, straddling the border of Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.
Information on the range and abundance of the Bay

colobus in Liberia is scant. It is possible that a sizeable
population exists in Sapo National Park, but surveys are
needed to confirm this. To the north of Sapo National Park,
red colobus were encountered on two ridges (Jideh, Ghi)
during 2011 surveys in the Putu Mountains, but this area
is threatened by an iron-ore mining project.53 This species
was confirmed to be present in the newly-created Grebo-
Krahn National Park54 and the corridor linking it to Sapo
National Park.46 In 2005, Bay colobus were confirmed in
15
Priority sites
Côte d’Ivoire Taï National Park
Liberia Sapo National Park, Grebo-Krahn National Park
Sierra Leone Gola Rainforest National Park, Loma Mountains National Park, Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Estimated budget*
US$ 97,000
Surveys to Cavally Classified Forest, Côte d’Ivoire and forests west of the Cavally River in eastern
assess presence/ Liberia
absence, relative
abundance, and Tonkpi region, Côte d’Ivoire
threats to red
Mount Nimba area, Guinea/Côte d’Ivoire/Liberia
colobus
Greater Gola Landscape – assess existence of forest corridors, and their use by red
colobus between Gola Rainforest National Park, Gola Forest National Park, Tiwai Island
Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kambui Hills Forest Reserve
Strengthen Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire:

protection and • Construct one ranger and one research station in the eastern portion of Taï National
conservation Park
• Train and deploy rangers; staff ranger station in eastern Taï National Park
Sapo National Park and Grebo-Krahn National Park, Liberia; Loma Mountains National
Park, Sierra Leone:
• Evaluate status of red colobus and threats
• Develop recommendations for targeted red colobus conservation activities
Gola Rainforest National Park, Sierra Leone:

• Construct two ranger stations (one in Gola Central, one in Gola South)
• Train rangers and staff for both ranger stations
• Hold workshops to update the management plan for the Greater Gola Landscape
16
MISS WALDRON’S RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus waldroni
Miss Waldron’s red colobus, first described as a distinct

taxon in 1933, is endemic to eastern Côte d’Ivoire and
western Ghana, with a possible historical range from the
Nzi-Bandama River system in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire
to southwestern Ghana.30 Surveys conducted in Ghana
and Cote d’Ivoire between 1993 and 1999 found no
evidence of surviving populations, leading Oates et al.61
to conclude that this monkey was probably extinct. This
would have made Miss Waldron’s red colobus the first
documented case of a primate extinction in the twentieth
century.
In 2002, a hunter living near swamp forests between

the Ehy lagoon and Tanoé River (the Tanoé-Ehy Marsh
Forests) in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire was found in
possession of a skin with the distinctive colour pattern
of Miss Waldron’s red colobus, which the hunter said
he killed six months previously.62 In 2004, red colobus
calls were reportedly heard on the largest island of the
Îles Ehotilé National Park in southeastern Côte d’Ivoire,
but repeat surveys in 2005–2006 failed to find them.63
In 2006, another red colobus skin was found in a
village adjacent to Tanoé-Ehy64, and in 2008 calls of red
colobus were reported to have been heard in the same Fig. 5. Piliocolobus waldroni. Illustration by Stephen D. Nash
forest by a team of scientists from the Centre Suisse de
Recherches Scientifiques.65 Surveys carried out from
1993 to the present in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have
failed to produce a confirmed sighting of living individuals,
although red colobus were reportedly encountered near
Comoé National Park in 1986.30,61,62,66-68 If a population
or populations do still exist, they must be very small and
occupy a very limited area.62,63
The major causes of the decline of Miss Waldron’s red

colobus are hunting and habitat loss.61 Both subsistence
and commercial hunting for the bushmeat trade are
intense and pervasive in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and have
almost certainly been the primary cause of this primate’s
probable extirpation. Logging, charcoal production,
cacao farming, and clearance for subsistence and large-
scale industrial agriculture have greatly reduced and
Fig. 6. Piliocolobus waldroni distribution. Map by
fragmented the forest.69
Stephen D. Nash
The last site for which some hope remains of finding and surviving individuals, but at the time of writing no image of a
protecting a population of Miss Waldron’s red colobus is red colobus monkey has been captured. In 2017, there was
the Tanoé-Ehy Marsh Forest in Côte d’Ivoire. This is the also a report by local people that they had seen red colobus
only location from which there is relatively recent evidence monkeys in the Bossématié forest, also in southeastern
for their survival, and the forest is known to harbour other Côte d’Ivoire, although the presence of red colobus there
highly-threatened primates (particularly Cercopithecus is unlikely given the extent of human disturbance in that
roloway and Cercocebus lunulatus). In April 2019, camera forest. Forest surveys in Bossématié forest, conducted in
traps were installed at multiple locations in the Tanoé- May 2019, failed to find red colobus and confirmed that the
Ehy Marsh Forests in an attempt to obtain evidence of few remaining forest fragments are severely degraded.
17
Priority sites
Côte d’Ivoire Tanoé-Ehy Marsh Forests

Estimated budget*
US$ 30,000
Surveys to Conduct surveys in Tanoé-Ehy Marsh forest and formulate improved conservation measures
assess presence/ focused on red colobus if evidence (photographs, video) of the monkey is obtained
absence, relative
abundance, and
threats to red
colobus
A carcass of a presumed Miss Waldron’s red colo- The skin from a potential Miss Waldron’s red colobus
bus said to have come from the Tanoé-Ehy forest in a village in Tanoé, Côte d’Ivoire: February, 2002. ©
(ca. August 2002). Photograph obtained by W. Scott W. Scott McGraw
McGraw
18
NIGER DELTA RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus epieni
The Niger Delta red colobus is endemic to the marsh

forests in the western-central part of the Niger Delta of
Nigeria30,70 and only became known to science in 1993 in
the course of biodiversity surveys.71 Subsequent genetic
research has shown that it is one of the most distinct red
colobus forms, occupying its own divergent branch on
the red colobus evolutionary tree.1 The historical range
of the Niger Delta red colobus is estimated to be about
1,500 km2, extending from the Forcados River and
Bomadi Creek in the northwest, the Sagbama-Osiama-
Apoi creeks in the east, and the mangrove belt to the
south.70,72 The clumped distribution of food species in
the marsh forest may be a key factor restricting this
species to its limited range.72 Surveys since 1993 suggest
significant population declines, and range fragmentation
and reduction.30,70,72-75
The Niger Delta red colobus was believed to be relatively

common across its limited range at the time it was
discovered. Surveys conducted between 1994 and 1997
suggested that the population of this colobus was less
than 10,000, but an accurate numerical census was not
made.72 By the early 2000s, conflicts over oil, land, and
human rights had intensified in the Niger Delta, hindering
research and conservation activities in the region. Follow-
up surveys in the Delta were not conducted until 2013. Piliocolobus epieni. © Rachel Ikemeh
These surveys found evidence of red colobus presence
(from sightings and local reports) in only half the 16 sites
where this monkey was recorded in the mid-1990s. The
current population may now number only in the hundreds,
mainly in two forest patches – Apoi Creek forest area (c.
22 km2) and Otolo-Kolotoro-Ongoloba area (140 km2) – in
the central southeastern part of their original range.
The oil and logging industries have dominated the social

and economic affairs of the Niger Delta since the late
1950s. The infrastructure required to support the oil
industry has facilitated human expansion into formerly
unoccupied areas, leading to a significant increase in
habitat loss and degradation from intensive artisanal scale
Fig. 7. Piliocolobus epieni distribution. Map by
logging and commercialized bushmeat hunting.75
Stephen D. Nash
There are presently no legally protected areas for wildlife in key remaining areas known to harbour the Niger Delta
conservation in the Niger Delta. This is in part because red colobus, and to control the hunting of this species.
the security situation in the Delta has been challenging A protected area has already been suggested for special
for a long time, making it difficult to plan and implement protected status in the Apoi Creek area in Bayelsa
effective conservation measures. However, as this region State particularly to conserve red colobus monkeys.75 A
supports the second largest swamp forest in Africa and Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by a local
the third largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world, community to establish a community conservation area
its conservation should be a top priority.76 It is critical that covering 10.1 km2 in the Apoi Creek forests.77 This would
protected areas be established, with the cooperation of all protect three known groups of red colobus living in those
stakeholders, to prohibit natural resource overexploitation forests. Efforts are underway to get formal recognition at
19
the national and international level for this new community Creek Forest Reserve covering 64.8 km2. The creation
conservation area, but the community has commenced of an effective park could take some time, however.
work to formalise the area by demarcating boundaries Furthermore, the likely effectiveness of a new national park,
and enforcing community by-laws. Meanwhile, in late or parks, needs to be carefully evaluated in comparison to
2020 the President of Nigeria approved the proposal by the likely effectiveness of community conservancies, given
the Nigeria National Park Service to establish 10 new the politics in this region and the relative effectiveness at
national parks, amongst which would include the Apoi present of other national parks in Nigeria.
Priority sites
Nigeria Apoi Creek forest area
Otolo-Kolotoro-Ongoloba area

Estimated budget*
US$ 130,000
Increase formal At the state level, formulate (or appropriately revise) and communicate laws and policies
protection of red relevant to red colobus conservation
colobus and its
habitats
Conduct further Establish research programmes in the two priority conservation areas, including building
surveys and research stations and training locally-recruited teams to monitor and study the range and
research feeding ecology of known red colobus groups
Conduct field surveys in collaboration with locally-recruited teams to identify possible

new red colobus populations in other areas and factor survey results into conservation
planning
Raise awareness Create an awareness campaign at both local community and state-wide levels using
popular media outlets including radio, TV and print to educate and communicate the
uniqueness of the Niger Delta red colobus, the ecological importance of the Niger Delta
ecosystem, and the urgent conservation intervention required to save the species from
extinction.
Promote Establish a forum that facilitates discussion of and promotes a conservation agenda
partnerships that among local communities, the private sector (especially oil companies), civil society
drive conservation groups and governmental bodies
objectives
Establish conservation committees to develop and guide conservation actions in relevant
communities in and around the priority areas
20
PENNANT’S RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus pennantii
Pennant’s red colobus is endemic to the island of Bioko,

Equatorial Guinea, where it is now likely restricted to
approximately 60 km2 of monsoon and montane forests
in the southwest in the Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve
(GCSR).78 It was believed to persist in the Iladyi valley
in southeastern Bioko until recently, and in Pico Basilé
National Park in northern Bioko into the early 1990s13,79,80,
but there have been no records in subsequent studies
in either area81-86 and interviews with hunters who have
worked extensively on Pico Basilé report not having
seen them there for more than 30 years.87
The major threats to this species are hunting88,89, and

habitat degradation, both of which are exacerbated
by development projects. Cronin et al.88 reported that
1,754 individuals were available in the Malabo bushmeat
market between 1997 and 2010, with a further 679
recorded since the end of Cronin et al.’s study through
August 2018.90 Pennant’s red colobus have been hunted
at a lower rate than most of the other diurnal primate
species due to their isolated range in remote areas of the
GCSR. It is, however, the diurnal primate species most
vulnerable to hunting pressure on Bioko.89
Hunting has continued unabated in the GCSR since

2010.89 The completion of a road bisecting the reserve
in 2015, and the associated increase in anthropogenic
disturbance in the GCSR, has eroded much of
the isolation that had passively protected wildlife
populations.91 The road has contributed to increased
hunting in the reserve.92 There are probably less than
1,200 red colobus remaining on Bioko, with the species
estimated to have suffered a >80% decline in numbers
between 1986 and 2016.81,92,93 Piliocolobus pennantii. © Tim Laman-National
Geographic
Securing the long-term future of Pennant’s red colobus
requires committed involvement of the federal entities
tasked with management of protected areas (the
National Institute of Forestry Development and Protected
Area Management [INDEFOR-AP] and the Ministry of
Forests and the Environment) and more broadly from
the Government of Equatorial Guinea. In recent years,
INDEFOR-AP has deployed a limited, yet growing
number of rangers in the GCSR to collect biological
and hunting data, but they do not yet have the mandate
or necessary resources to effectively protect all of the
GCSR. Furthermore, the rangers are unarmed and have
limited authority and capacity to enforce regulations
against armed and often well-connected poachers.
Fig. 8. Piliocolobus pennantii distribution. Map by

Stephen D. Nash
21
Priority sites
Equatorial Guinea Gran Caldera Scientific Reserve, Bioko Island

Estimated budget*
US$ 160,000
Increase formal Develop and implement a comprehensive management plan for the GCSR including a
protection of red zoning scheme and concrete law enforcement mechanisms
colobus and its
habitats Strengthen and enforce the existing bans on hunting in protected areas and the hunting,
sale, or consumption of primates; expand the regulations to include a ban on all shotgun
hunting
Develop a systematic national database for ecological monitoring and law enforcement in
protected areas
Implement a series of capacity building workshops to establish and implement

standardised monitoring, anti-poaching, and law enforcement protocols with INDEFOR
Deploy monitoring and law enforcement patrols throughout the GCSR
Establish (with government support) bushmeat checkpoints along key bushmeat trade
routes, including building of check-point infrastructure, where necessary, and training of
check point staff
Surveys Conduct an island-wide survey of Bioko to assess presence/absence, relative

abundance, and threats to red colobus, but with an emphasis on southern Pico Basilé
National Park and the southeastern GCSR (Iladyi River valley)
22
PREUSS’S RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus preussi
Preuss’s red colobus is endemic to western Cameroon

and southeastern Nigeria where it is found in mature,
high canopy forests.30 Its range is divided into two
populations. The largest population, estimated at 3,200–
4,500, is found in the contiguous forests of the Nigeria-
Cameroon border area, and specifically from the eastern
(Ikpan) portion of the Oban Division of Nigeria’s Cross
River National Park (CRNP) and Cameroon’s Korup
National Park (KNP). Additional groups may also occur
in the forests immediately to the north, east, and south
of the KNP. Another, much smaller, population may still
occur >180 km to the southeast of the KNP, in the Ebo-
Makombe-Ndokbou forest block, within which lies the
proposed Ebo Forest National Park (c. 1,100 km2).
The red colobus group-sighting frequency is very low

in the KNP, and there has been a clear and consistent Piliocolobus preussi. © Alexandra Hofner
decline in relative abundance.94-97 Forest surveys suggest
that red colobus monkeys may have been extirpated in
forests outside and to the northeast of the KNP near the
villages of Bajo and Mgbegati.98,99 In the Oban Division
of the CRNP, group-sighting frequency based on ranger
patrol data in 2015 was also extremely low (0.001 groups/
km). Between 2002 and 2012 several red colobus groups
were seen in the western portion of the Ebo forest and
in the Ndokbou area. By 2010, red colobus groups were
seen only in northwest Ebo.
Systematic line-transect surveys distributed across the

Ebo forest in 2017 and 2018100 and surveys conducted in
the adjacent Makombe and Ndokbou forests in 2018101
failed to detect any red colobus monkeys. However,
calls of red colobus were reported near Mt. Sinai in the
Ndokbou forest in 2019.102 If red colobus are still present Fig. 9. Piliocolobus preussi distribution. Map by
in the Ebo-Makombe-Ndokbou forests then they occur Stephen D. Nash
at very low densities and are at serious risk of being
extirpated. KNP (SG Sustainable Oils Cameroon concession) and the
proposed Ebo Forest National Park (Greenfil concession),
The current limited distribution of Preuss’s red colobus and a proposed pineapple plantation inside the Oban
is likely the result of a combination of hunting and loss of Division of the CRNP. Decrees signed in February 2020
habitat. Subsistence and commercial hunting to supply by the Government of Cameroon calling for the creation of
the trade in bushmeat is the major factor leading to the two Forest Management Units (the regional term for logging
decline of Preuss’s red colobus, even in the two national concessions) that would have covered most of the proposed
parks (KNP and CRNP) in which the species occurs.103-106 Ebo Forest National Park have been withdrawn as of August
Red colobus monkeys in this region have been shown to 2020, although the possibility that the Ebo forest will be
comprise a significant proportion of the annual bushmeat classified for timber exploitation remains. Furthermore,
trade.107 Deforestation through logging, small- and large- conservation efforts in the KNP, the stronghold for Preuss’s
scale agriculture, mining, and infrastructure development red colobus, have been suspended since 2017 due to civil
also threaten Preuss’s red colobus populations. Of unrest and instability in Cameroon’s South West and North
particular and immediate concern, complicating the West regions.
conservation of this species, is the expansion of large,
agro-industrial oil-palm plantations adjacent to the
23
Priority sites
Cameroon Korup National Park, Ebo-Makombe-Ndokbou forests
Nigeria Cross River National Park (Oban Division)

Estimated budget*
US$ 172,000
Surveys to assess Cameroon:

presence/absence • Korup National Park (to assess the status of red colobus populations following civil
and threats to red unrest and instability in the area)
colobus • Ebo-Makombe-Ndokbou forests (especially the Ebo forest, Mt. Sinai area of Ndokbou
forest, and forests north of the Makombe River)
• Ejagham forest (Forest Management Unit 11-005)
• Nkwende Hills
• Banyang Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary
Nigeria:
• Nkuesah Hills of CRNP-Oban
• Ndebiji Hills
Strengthen Implement a monthly biomonitoring programme that is separate from the responsibilities
protection and of the park guards in Korup National Park
conservation
In KNP and CRNP-Oban, increase the number of park guards and patrol coverage,
implement regular guard-training workshops, upgrade guard equipment, improve the
bonus system, and systematically improve anti-poaching patrol design and monitoring
Conduct joint patrols with guards in the Cameroon-Nigeria transboundary area
Re-establish and staff the research camp in northeastern KNP, near the village of Ikenge
Work with the Government of Cameroon and local communities to formalize the creation
of a legally protected area that covers the Ebo forest
Engage with local Assess local perceptions, knowledge, and use of red colobus monkeys in and around
communities and KNP, the CRNP-Oban, the Ebo-Makombe-Ndokbou forest block, and relevant urban
increase their centres
participation in red
colobus and forest Develop and implement with local partners sensitisation and education programmes
conservation in three villages each in and around KNP, CRNP-Oban, and Ebo-Makombe-Ndokbou
forests (a total of nine villages)
24
BOUVIER’S RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus bouvieri
Bouvier’s red colobus is endemic to the Republic of

Congo, and as recently as 2007 it was feared to be extinct
as no reported sightings of it had occurred for decades.15
Historically, Bouvier’s red colobus was known to occur on
the right bank of the Congo River, along the lower reaches
of the Alima to the mouth of the Likouala-aux-Herbes (i.e.,
west of the Sangha River), and the tributaries of the lower
Congo River.29,108 Older records exist from an area much
further south, in what is now the Lesio-Louna Reserve
and the surrounding area. In the mid-1990s, however,
Downer109 and Ikoli et al.110 failed to find any red colobus
in targeted surveys in the north of Lesio-Louna Reserve
and the south of Lefini Reserve and it was then assumed
they had been extirpated from this area.
Recent surveys (2007, 2014, 2015, and 2019) revealed

that a northern population still exists west of the Sangha
River and east of the Bokiba (Lingoué) and Likouala rivers
in Congo. Bouvier’s red colobus was recorded on five
occasions in the large logging concession of Ngombe and
in the Ntokou-Pikounda National Park.111-113
At least a portion of the southern population also still

exists. A group was recorded in 2016 in the south of
Lesio-Louna Reserve 114,115, in gallery forest along the
Loubilika River, in the least accessible area of the reserve,
about 45 km west of a main road that links Brazzaville to
towns to the north and about 65 km east of a smaller road
system south of the source of the Lefini River. All recent
surveys have been intensive, but records of this species
Piliocolobus bouvieri. © Lieven Devreese
are few and far between, suggesting that it is now rare
wherever it occurs.
The major threat to this species is hunting. Like all red

colobus species27, Bouvier’s red colobus is relatively slow-
moving and easily hunted. Indeed, a recently photographed
female and her infant in northern Congo were clearly
visible for 15 minutes, watching the observers.111 In the
southern population, they are hunted and have
become fewer over time.114,115
Because the species appears to prefer riparian/swamp

forest, direct effects of logging are unlikely to affect them
as much as they might other primates in terra firma forests.
However, in the north of its range, the increased access
created by logging roads, and the immigration of people
into concessions hoping for work will increase hunting
pressure on this species. Fortunately for this animal, the
large logging concession of Ngombe in which most of the
species’ population likely occurs is certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC), anti-poaching efforts are Fig. 10. Piliocolobus bouvieri distribution. Map by
highly effective, and low-impact selective logging means Stephen D. Nash
25
that the forest is left reasonably intact after the passing of deploy anti-poaching teams in the new national park, and
the felling teams, and roads are physically blocked after in the south. Efforts have been made in the last few years
timber extraction, following FSC standards. In the south of to deploy anti-poaching teams in the new national park,
the range there is, as yet, little habitat transformation, but and a wildlife survey (using line transects) was completed
this may change in the future as the demand for charcoal in 2020 for WWF by Paul N’Goran and colleagues, during
from nearby Brazzaille, just four hours away on a tar road, which red colobus were encountered. The Ngombe
is very high. logging concession will similarly be resurveyed in 2020.
Further targeted survey work along rivers could help to
The known range of Bouvier’s red colobus overlaps with both determine the distribution of the species, and perhaps
the recently (2013) gazetted Ntokou-Pikounda National provide an idea of its numbers in both of these protected
Park in northern Congo and the Lesio-Louna Reserve in areas and also in the much larger area of the Ngombe
the south. Efforts have been made in the last few years to logging concession and the undesignated swamp forests
Priority sites
Congo Ntokou-Pikounda National Park, Lesio-Louna Reserve, Ngombe logging concession

Estimated budget*
US$ 70,000
Maintenance of In (i) the Ngombe logging concession (ii) the Ntokou-Pikounda National Park and (iii) the
anti-poaching Lesio-Louna Reserve (anti-poaching activities are currently ongoing at all three sites)
efforts
Surveys to Surveys along the rivers of the Ntokou-Pikounda National Park, Lesio-Louna Reserve,
assess presence/ and Ngombe logging concession
absence, relative
abundance, and
threats to red
colobus
Maintain existing In (i) the Ngombe logging concession (ii) the Ntokou-Pikounda National Park and (iii) the
conservation Lesio-Louna Reserve
education efforts
26
OUSTALET’S RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus oustaleti
Oustalet’s red colobus ranges through DRC, Congo, the

extreme southwest of the Central African Republic (CAR),
and southern South Sudan. Despite its large range, this
genetically, morphologically and ecologically variable
taxon has declined over the past decade or more, and is
expected to continue to do so.
However, Oustalet’s red colobus is likely to be among

the more numerous of the red colobus taxa, given the
size of its range.116 No estimates of its population density
are available, but it has been recorded as common on
a number of large-scale surveys117-120, and was among
the most commonly recorded primates in surveys in the
Okapi Wildlife Reserve (DRC) between 1993 and 2011.121-
123
The most recent survey data, however, show that its
abundance has fallen slightly relative to other species.124
Although Oustalet’s red colobus still occur further east
of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in DRC, evidence from
2018 in the Mai Tatu area in the eastern Ituri forest and
in the Albert Lake escarpment forest fragments, indicate
they are one of the least commonly recorded primate
species there.125-127 Camera traps and patrol reports have
confirmed Oustalet’s red colobus in the Bangangai and
Bire Kpatuos Game Reserves, however local residents
say that they are not common.128,129
The primary threat to this species is hunting, including in

areas of its range with low human population densities.
The second most important threat is habitat loss and
degradation, which primarily affect the northern and
eastern edge of its range. The species appears to now
be absent from a number of locations where it was
historically recorded. Large areas of the species’ range
comprise areas of rapidly advancing deforestation and
agricultural expansion.130 Further loss, degradation and
fragmentation of the species’ range are anticipated. Piliocolobus oustaleti. © Anne Laudisoit
Hunting, usually with shotguns, is a threat to Oustalet’s red

colobus in a number of areas, especially northern Congo
and southwestern CAR outside the areas protected by
wildlife guards. Although hunting used to be uncommon
in the Ituri forest, it is now a growing threat in the Ituri
landscape, both in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve124 and the
adjacent, unprotected Mai Tatu forest.127,131 Widespread
hunting was recorded in the Abubumbazi Forest in the
northwestern extreme of the species range in DRC,
where no red colobus were recorded on a brief survey
even two decades ago.132 In some areas, Oustalet’s red
colobus have been found exclusively in flooded forests,
which likely serve as a refuge from hunting and logging.133
The remaining largest populations of Oustalet’s red Fig. 11. Piliocolobus oustaleti distribution. Map by
colobus occur in national parks and reserves in DRC, Stephen D. Nash
27
Congo, and CAR that protect large blocks of habitat and of this species. Land-use planning to ensure that remaining
their buffer zones, which are managed in partnership with suitable habitat is not transformed to land cover types that
the conservation NGOs Wildlife Conservation Society and would be uninhabitable by forest species (such as oil-
World Wide Fund for Nature. Protected areas and well- palm plantations) is required, and road access by hunters
managed FSC logging concessions that effectively limit needs to be kept to an absolute minimum where extractive
hunting are the most important mechanisms for protection industries exist (mainly logging concessions).
Priority sites
DRC Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Rubi-Télé Hunting Domain, Reserve Naturelle de Ngiri
Congo Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, and the surrounding logging concessions of Kabo,
Pokola and Loundougou; Lac Télé Community Reserve and the swamps of the Bailly and
Likouala-aux-Herbes
CAR Dzanga-Ndoki National Park and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve, Mbaéré-Bodingué

National Park (Ngotto Forest)

Estimated budget*
US$ 210,000
Surveys to Surveys are needed across range areas that represent the known phenotypic, and
assess presence/ presumably genetic, variation of this taxon, including populations in the centre of the
absence, relative range and on the periphery. Some specific sites that need surveying include (but are not
abundance, and limited to):
threats to red • Okapi Wildlife Reserve
colobus • Rubi-Télé Hunting Domain (DRC) and neighbouring forest
• Swamp forests of the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park and Dzanga-Sangha Special
Reserve
• The Ubangi-Congo interfluve in the Reserve Naturelle de Ngiri (DRC)
• The small isolated forest blocks on the Lendu Plateau and gallery forests on the
slopes dropping to the Lake Albert plane, including the Shari Reserve and the
gallery forests in the Biringi-Aru landscape (DRC)
Strengthen Maintain anti-poaching efforts in (i) the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park and the Lac Télé
protection and Community Reserve, and the FSC-managed logging concessions of Kabo, Loundougou,
conservation and Pokola in Congo (ii) the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and the Ngiri Natural Reserve in DRC
and (iii) the Dzanga-Sangha Complex of Protected Areas in CAR
Investigate the possibility of extending effective anti-poaching in the non-FSC logging

concessions in the range of this taxon in DRC, and in the other protected areas where it
occurs in DRC
Include specific mention of red colobus in the existing education programmes around the
priority sites to raise awareness of its importance and the vulnerability of this species and
its habitat
As for all other DRC red colobus, work with the existing efforts to ensure all red colobus
species figure on the new DRC protected species list either as “Tous Piliocolobes
(Colobes rouges)” or listing each species separately
28
TSHUAPA RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus tholloni
The Tshuapa red colobus is endemic to DRC, with a

range that covers most of DRC’s central basin. Its areas
of occupancy, however, are highly discontinuous and
not well known. The range of this species is largely
convergent with the range of DRC’s endemic ape,
the bonobo (Pan paniscus), with the exception of the
Lomami–Lualaba interfluve where this red colobus is
absent. This species occurs – albeit now very rare –
in the Sankuru Nature Reserve.125,134 It may also live
south of the Sankuru/Kasai river, but this remains
unconfirmed135 and an expedition failed to find them
in an area south of the Kasai around and south of
Mangai.136 Hunting has reduced population sizes and
caused local extirpations in the Lac Tumba-Ledima
Reserve137, although they are still present in Malebo.138
Tshuapa red colobus has not been recorded from the
Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve139,140, where large
areas have very low human hunting pressure141, but
it has long been known that although the species is
present south of the Lomela River, it is absent between
the Lomela and the Tshuapa142, one of the many river-
determined distributions of red colobus across the
continent. Hunters knew of their presence east of Lac
Tumba in 2006.143 Large populations of the species still
occur in portions of the Salonga and Lomami National
Parks. A survey in the Tumba-Ledima Reserve failed to Piliocolobus tholloni. © John A. Hart
record any red colobus monkeys.144 Similarly, they were

not recorded during surveys in Tumba-Ledima and they
may have been locally extirpated.136
The behaviour and ecology of the species is poorly

known, studied only in Salonga National Park.145,146
No systematic survey has been conducted, but
observations across the range suggest that the total
population could exceed 30,000.
All red colobus are legally protected in DRC, yet

communication of protected status and enforcement of
hunting laws are largely insufficient. At present, all red
colobus are completely protected under existing law
under a catch-all term “Colobe bai, Procolobus badius”.
The protected species list is currently under revision by Fig. 12. Piliocolobus tholloni distribution. Map by
the DRC government and the suggestions submitted Stephen D. Nash
to date include either “Tous Piliocolobes (Colobes
rouges)” or listing each species separately. Proposals to
declassify portions of the Salonga National Park for oil
exploration could threaten significant populations of the
Tshuapa red colobus, bonobos, and other wildlife, and
should be closely monitored.
29
Priority sites
DRC Salonga National Park, Lomami National Park

Estimated budget*
US$ 140,000
Surveys to Surveys to assess presence/absence, relative abundance, and threats to red colobus in
assess presence/ the following areas, paying particular attention to riversides:
absence, relative • Buffer zone of the Lomami National Park
abundance, and • Lac Tumba-Ledima Reserve
threats to red • Peatlands in the Lokolama/Mimia region and the Dekese and Lusambo Territories
colobus (both banks of the Lukenie River): the last survey here that confirmed the species’
presence dates back to 2006147
Strengthen Continue to run the existing biomonitoring programmes in the Salonga and Lomami
protection and national parks and regularly communicate results to the government and the IUCN SSC
conservation Primate Specialist Group
Improve enforcement of wildlife laws in areas where the species occurs
Raise awareness Develop and implement anti-hunting education programmes focused on red colobus in
of conservation key areas where presence is documented and habitat remains outside existing protected
issues and areas
strategies, with
a focus on red Continue the ongoing work with governmental and local authorities to ensure
colobus communication of DRC protected species legislation
Ecological Undertake ecological studies (ranging pattern, habitat use, and feeding ecology) of
research Tshuapa red colobus in the Lomami and Salonga national parks to determine distribution
patterns and habitat preference and, as such, inform exploratory surveys
30
LOMAMI RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus parmentieri
The Lomami red colobus is a phenotypically stable,

geographically and genetically distinct taxon endemic
to the DRC.1,135,148 The Lomami red colobus and the
Tshuapa red colobus are the only two red colobus to
range in the DRC’s forested central basin. The taxon was
first described in 1987 from specimens collected over
preceding decades.149 The species’ range, limited on the
north and east by the Congo (Lualaba) River, and on the
west by the Lomami River, has recently been extended
south after sightings in the Lomami National Park.
The Lomami red colobus is threatened by uncontrolled

hunting and habitat loss, accentuated by the proximity
of the species’ range to the urban centre of Kisangani,
a hub for commercial bushmeat. Half of the species’
known range has been degraded by or lost to shifting
cultivation.150 Populations of the Lomami red colobus
have declined dramatically since its discovery, and in
particular over the past two decades. The species was
not found in surveys in 2007 in the forest north of Ubundu,
the type specimen’s location.151 It is rare or absent from
large portions of the Lobaye basin, once considered the
species’ stronghold.149
Piliocolobus parmentieri. © Lukuru Foundation
Piliocolobus parmentieri. © Lukuru Foundation
Fig. 13. Piliocolobus parmentieri distribution. Map by

Stephen D. Nash
31
Priority sites
DRC Lomami National Park, Lobaye basin

Estimated budget*
US$ 85,000
Surveys to Conduct forest surveys in the southern portion of the range to elucidate area of
assess presence/ occupancy and previously undocumented populations, with a particular emphasis on the
absence, relative Lomami National Park and buffer zone
abundance, and
threats to red Survey Lobaye basin to determine the current status of the species
colobus
Strengthen Implement a biomonitoring programme of red colobus monkeys for Lomami National
protection and Park and buffer zone and develop plans to communicate results to the government and
conservation the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group
Engage with Develop awareness campaigns in key locations where the species remains to apply
local government wildlife and firearms laws that spare red colobus and other protected species
agencies and
traditional leaders
Continue the ongoing work with governmental and local authorities to ensure
to promote
communication and improve awareness of DRC protected species legislation
red colobus
conservation
32
EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) RED COLOBUS
Four taxa of red colobus, collectively termed “Eastern DRC Red Colobus”, range primarily in the DRC, from the Congo
(Lualaba) River in the west to the Albertine Rift highlands in the east, an area covering almost 200,000 km2.
This vast zone includes rainforest blocks that contain some of the least known biological diversity in Africa because of a lack
of recent and systematic biological surveys. The eastern DRC red colobus are: Kisangani red colobus (Piliocolobus langi),
Ulindi red colobus (Piliocolobus lulindicus), Foa’s red colobus (Piliocolobus foai), and Semliki red colobus (Piliocolobus
semlikiensis). Aside from a population of the Semliki red colobus found in western Uganda, these forms are restricted to
eastern DRC.
Red colobus monkeys in this region show high levels of coat-colour variation between individuals, which has led to
difficulties in identifying discrete taxonomic units. Colyn135 proposed a biogeographic model for the eastern DRC red
colobus that consisted of four distinct taxa at the peripheral extremes of this area: foai to the southeast; lulindicus to
the southwest, langi to the northwest, and semlikiensis to the northeast. In between these four taxa exist some red
colobus populations that represent a large hybrid swarm incorporating gene flow from these four forms (and possibly
oustaleti to the north). We recognize these four taxa at the species level, and we place populations in the putative area of
hybridization into the species with which they share the most similarities in coat colour. Some of these populations in the
northern portion of the hybrid zone were formerly known as P. ellioti (Dollman, 1909)152 but they are here classified as P.
semlikiensis. However, the boundaries between these Eastern DRC red colobus species are not discrete due to possible
hybridization, making this classification tentative.
Fig. 14. The four Eastern DRC red colobus monkey species. Illustration by Stephen D. Nash
33
Fig. 15. Distribution of the four Eastern DRC red colobus monkey species. Map by Stephen D. Nash
Complex population histories are likely for all these taxa. Yet despite their poorly understood natural histories, these red
colobus present a highly compelling case for conservation. Together, Eastern DRC red colobus occupy one of the largest
remaining red colobus ranges. There are, however, few protected areas in the ranges of most forms. The potential for
high levels of past and ongoing gene flow among populations raises the value of this region for conserving the genetic
diversity of red colobus monkeys. The immediate conservation priorities for all of these taxa are to discover remaining
populations and characterize these with photos and biological samples to determine conservation units. Where important
populations occur, local campaigns are needed to promote their immediate protection from hunting.
This will require a coordinator, familiar with this region, to ensure that surveys at key locations are undertaken, analysed,
and reported. A key responsibility will be to mobilize collaboration among field projects, and to deploy new field teams to
gain a comprehensive picture of what populations remain of these red colobus and how they can be conserved.
34
KISANGANI RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus langi
The Kisangani red colobus (also known as Lang’s red
colobus), endemic to DRC, has a grey posterior that
is sharply delineated by the brick red anterior, a pattern
shared with no other red colobus. The range of the
Kisangani red colobus is centred on Kisangani, DRC’s
second largest city, and is bounded by the Aruwimi River
to the north, and to the south by the Congo and Maiko
rivers. The eastern limits are not well defined, and the
Kisangani red colobus is purported to intergrade with the
Semliki red colobus where the ranges of the two meet.135
After not having been recorded in the field for eight years,
a 2019 survey confirmed that the Kisangani red colobus
occurs in a number of areas across its range, which totals
69,000 km2. It still occurs in the northern Maiko National
Park, at the southeastern limit of its range, where it was
the most abundant of all primates observed during the
first exploration of the park 30 years ago. This sector of
the park has, however, not been patrolled for at least two
decades due to the presence of rebels. The only other
protected area in the range of this species is the Yangambi
Biosphere Reserve but the presence of red colobus has yet
to be confirmed there.
The Kisangani red colobus is endangered primarily by

uncontrolled hunting, with habitat loss an increasing threat.
Populations of Kisangani red colobus have been seriously
reduced and, in some cases, probably extirpated. Illegal
hunting threatens this species and most other fauna in
all areas surveyed in 2019. Habitat loss and degradation
from expanding agricultural conversion and logging affect
populations around Kisangani, including much of the
western third of the range. The widespread occurrence of
artisanal mining for diamonds and gold over the eastern
half of the range provides a base for hunters and demand
for bushmeat in many areas, including the Maiko National Fig. 16. Piliocolobus langi. © Desire Kaisala-FZS TL2,
Park. Population reductions associated with apparently illustration by Stephen D. Nash
widespread periodic epidemic die-offs are also a threat to
this species.
Surveys across the range of this taxon to better understand

its occurrence and abundance are a priority, particularly in
the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve and former presumed
strongholds such as the Tshopo basin.
It may be possible to control illegal killing of red colobus

and other endangered fauna at a local level by dedicated
projects that involve engagement with local authorities and
communities. Conservation initiatives focusing on areas
in the eastern part of the Kisangani red colobus range
could also be fruitful, as there exist low rates of human
immigration and large blocks of suitable and intact habitat
with shifting agriculture localized around settlements. Fig. 17. Piliocolobus langi distribution. Map by
Stephen D. Nash
35
Priority sites
DRC Maiko National Park, Yangambi Biosphere Reserve

Estimated budget*
US$ 83,000
Surveys to Conduct rapid assessment surveys in the Yangambi Biosphere Reserve

assess presence/
absence, relative Conduct rapid assessment surveys in four forest blocks (upper Aruwimi, Lindi, Tshopo,
abundance, and and Maiko basins) in the eastern portion of the range
threats to red
Collect faecal samples of red colobus monkeys during forest surveys and conduct
colobus
genetic analysis to elucidate conservation units
Engage with Develop awareness campaigns in Kisangani and other key locations in the range of the
local government Kisangani red colobus to highlight wildlife laws and the importance of the red colobus
agencies and and their habitats
traditional leaders
to promote Continue the ongoing work with governmental and local authorities to ensure
red colobus communication of DRC protected species legislation
conservation
Strengthen As for all other DRC red colobus, work with the existing efforts to ensure all red colobus
protection and species figure on the new DRC protected species list either as “Tous Piliocolobes
conservation (Colobes rouges)” or listing each species separately
36
ULINDI RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus lulindicus
The Ulindi red colobus is endemic to DRC. Following
Colyn135, we recognize this as a distinct taxon, but at the
species level, and we include putative hybrid populations
that occur in the lowland forests between the pure
lulindicus and foai forms. Thus, the range of the Ulindi
red colobus as defined here is estimated at 95,000 km2,
extending from the Lowa and Lubutu rivers in the north
(where it may intergrade with the Semliki red colobus),
to the limits of contiguous forest at about 6°S. At its
western limits, the range is bounded by the upper Congo
(Lualaba) River. From there it is distributed east through
the lowland forests of the Lowa, Lubutu, Ulindi and Elila
basins. The eastern limits of the Ulindi red colobus are
the submontane forests of the Albertine Rift, where
it presumably intergrades with Foa’s red colobus. The
Ulindi red colobus varies in pelage colouration across
its habitat. Red forms dominate south of the Elila River;
whereas forms with both red and black colouration
are prevalent to the north.135 Colyn135 suggested that
populations of the Ulindi red colobus are discontinuous
across their range.
Over the past 30 years, there has been an approximately

15% loss in forest cover across the Ulindi red colobus
range, and that figure is expected to increase given
current rates of forest loss and fragmentation.
Human population growth has caused an expansion of

shifting agriculture and habitat loss around important
mining centres such as Kalima, Pangi, Punia and
Lubutu. The Ulindi red colobus has seen population
declines or extirpation in over 70% of assessed forest Fig. 18. Piliocolobus lulindicus. illustration by
blocks covering the western half of its range. It is also Stephen D. Nash
likely extirpated in parts of the eastern half of its range,
including Kahuzi-Biega National Park, which was a
stronghold for the species in the 1990s.153 Commercial
bushmeat hunting, in particular that associated with
artisanal mining, poses the largest threat to the Ulindi
red colobus. There are no established protected areas
in this species’ remaining range, which includes some
of the least surveyed remaining large forest blocks in
eastern DRC. Preliminary surveys conducted in 2018
identified several important populations in the Ulindi
and Elila basins, at the western limits of the range.132
Nevertheless, the Ulindi red colobus is among DRC’s
least known and least protected red colobus.
Fig. 19. Piliocolobus lulindicus distribution. Map by

Stephen D. Nash
37
Priority sites
DRC Western Ulindi and Elila basins (territories of Punia, Kalima, Kailo, and Kasongo)

Estimated budget*
US$ 124,000
Surveys to Survey western Ulindi and Elila basins (territories of Punia, Kalima, Kailo, and Kasongo)
assess presence/ and collect georeferenced photographs of red colobus monkeys to help elucidate
absence, relative taxonomic identity in areas where 2018 rapid assessments indicated extant populations
abundance, remain and in forest fragments south of the contiguous forest block
threats to red
colobus Collect faecal samples of red colobus monkeys during forest surveys and conduct
genetic analysis to elucidate conservation units
Increase formal Develop and implement proposals for protected areas in the range
protection of red
colobus and its Improve enforcement of wildlife laws in areas where the species occurs
habitats
Collaborate with local administrators and traditional leaders to investigate the possibility
of establishing formal community-based conservation areas
Collaborate with conservation NGOs in the region working on great apes to incorporate
red colobus into survey, monitoring and conservation activities
communication of DRC protected species legislation
Raise awareness Develop and implement anti-poaching education programmes focused on red colobus in
of conservation key areas where presence is documented and habitat remains
issues and
strategies
38
FOA’S RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus foai
Foa’s red colobus is endemic to DRC. Historically, it ranged
from the source of the Lukuga River, Lake Tanganyika, in
the south, through the montane forests of the Kabobo
and Itombwe massifs west of Lake Tanganyika, and
through the upland sector of Kahuzi-Biega National Park,
west of Lake Kivu. In the north it likely intergrades with
the Semliki red colobus, and the species’ eastern limits
are defined by the limits of montane forest formations of
the Albertine Rift. To the west, the species intergrades
with populations of Ulindi red colobus at the limits of
lowland forest formations between 1,000 m and 1,500
m.154 Foa’s red colobus is currently known to occur only
in two locations: 1) the Itombwe Nature Reserve and 2)
the Kabobo and Ngandja Natural Reserves and adjacent
Luama-Katanga Hunting Reserve (together comprising
the Kabobo massif protected area complex). However,
it is extremely rare in Itombwe, having only one recorded
sighting in the past 20 years after several sightings in
1996155, and although hunters claimed it was still present
in 2015156, its continued persistence is doubtful due
to uncontrolled hunting. This animal was first thought
to have been extirpated from the highlands of Kahuzi- Piliocolobus foai. © Andrew J. Plumptre
Biega National Park in the late 1990s157, and this was
confirmed by surveys in 2015.158,159 If the Itombwe
population is lost, then the range of Foa’s red colobus will
be reduced to 1,200 km2. The most important remaining
populations are likely those in the Kabobo and Ngandja
Natural Reserves.160,161
The primary threat to Foa’s red colobus is habitat loss

as montane forests are degraded or lost by expanding
agriculture, artisanal mining, and conversion to
pastureland. Hunting is also a threat throughout its range.
While establishment of the Kabobo massif protected

area complex has contributed significantly to the
conservation of this species, human populations are
currently increasing in this area. Hunting and habitat
degradation from artisanal mining are threats in particular
in the Luama Hunting Reserve. The species has been Fig. 20. Piliocolobus foai distribution. Map by
in decline, even in protected areas where it was known Stephen D. Nash
historically, and this decline is expected to continue
across its remaining range.
39
Priority sites
DRC Kabobo massif protected area complex, particularly Kabobo and Ngandja Natural
Reserves

Estimated budget*
US$ 55,000
Surveys to Itombwe Nature Reserve

assess presence/
absence, relative Kabobo massif landscape
abundance,
Collect georeferenced photographs and faecal samples of red colobus monkeys
threats to red
during forest surveys and conduct genetic analysis to elucidate taxonomic identity and
colobus
conservation units
Strengthen Establish a red colobus (and large mammal) monitoring programme in the Kabobo massif
protection and
conservation As for all other DRC red colobus, work with the existing efforts to ensure all red colobus
40
SEMLIKI RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus semlikiensis
The Semliki red colobus, as defined here, includes the

restricted-range population originally described by
Colyn135, as well as populations that reside in a large area
of putative hybridization with P. langi, P. lulindicus, P. foai,
and possibly P. oustaleti. The geographic range of this
animal is thus quite large at 54,000 km2. The southern
limit of the Semliki red colobus is roughly 1° S, comprising
the Lowa River (to the southwest) and further east, its
tributary, the Oso River. The northern limit is roughly 1.2°
N, comprising the Ituri River (at the northeastern edge
of the range of this taxon), which in turn becomes the
Aruwimi River further west, which completes the northern
limit. The eastern limit is the Albertine Rift, in the northern
part of Virunga National Park with an extension into
Semuliki National Park in western Uganda. The western
limit is unclear as the populations in this area may be
hybrids, but it can be described as a very rough north-
south line at about 27.9° E that veers to the southwest.
Existing protected areas in this described range include
the Virunga National Park, Maiko National Park, Semuliki
National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, Tayna Nature
Reserve, Kisimba Ikobo Primate Nature Reserve, and Mt.
Hoyo Reserve. Based on a limited number of recorded
sightings and vocalizations over the past 20 years, this
species may be present at most of these localities, albeit
at very low levels of abundance.
The range of the Semliki red colobus was originally an Piliocolobus semlikiensis. © Harriet Kemigisha
extremely large area of intact forest that has become
increasingly fragmented, creating easy access into once
remote forests. The entire range is seriously impacted
by deforestation via shifting agriculture, as well as
commercial hunting associated in some areas with
artisanal mining. In the past 30 years, analysis of forest
cover has shown that 12–14% of the forest across the
Semliki red colobus range has been lost. The area east
of the Biena River has been an active settlement frontier
with major deforestation for the past three decades, and
habitat in and around Virunga National Park and Mt.
Hoyo is highly threatened. Surveys conducted in the
past 20 years across this species’ range have commonly
found signs of hunting pressure and have indicated that
population declines have been going on for some time
and will continue into the foreseeable future.
Surveys and monitoring across protected areas are an

immediate priority, particularly where insecurity is not a
Fig. 21. Piliocolobus semlikiensis distribution. Map by
problem. Any remaining populations outside established
Stephen D. Nash
protected areas are vulnerable to habitat loss, in particular,
gallery forest populations in savannas occupied by
grazers where forests are vulnerable to burning.
41
Priority sites
DRC Virunga National Park, Maiko National Park, Mt. Hoyo Reserve, Tayna Nature Reserve,
Kisimba Ikobo Primate Nature Reserve, Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Uganda Semuliki National Park

Estimated budget*
US$ 430,000
Surveys to Conduct surveys in all protected areas (Watalinga/Semliki forest in Virunga National Park,
assess presence/ Maiko National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mt. Hoyo Reserve and surrounding island/
absence, relative gallery forests, Tayna Nature Reserve, Kisimba Ikobo Primate Nature Reserve, and the
abundance, Okapi Wildlife Reserve)
threats to red
colobus Conduct surveys in remaining forested areas of the Biena and Ituri basins within this
taxon’s range as well as in western Uganda
Conduct interviews with local people living in and around the protected areas to assess
historical occurrence and relative abundance
Collect georeferenced photographs and faecal samples of red colobus monkeys during
surveys and conduct genetic analysis to elucidate taxonomic identity and conservation
units
Strengthen Collaborate with conservation NGOs in the region working on great apes to incorporate
protection and red colobus into survey, monitoring, and conservation activities
conservation
communication of DRC protected species legislation
Build local Establish a laboratory in Kindu in collaboration with the University of Mapon to process
capacity and biological samples for genetic analysis
engage with local
communities to
increase their
participation Develop and implement anti-hunting education programmes focused on red colobus in
in red colobus key areas where their presence is documented and habitat remains
conservation
42
ASHY RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus tephrosceles
The Ashy red colobus has a highly fragmented
distribution in western Uganda and western Tanzania,
across the eastern border of the Albertine Rift. Five
distinct populations are thought to exist: 1) western
Uganda in Kibale National Park, and in western Tanzania
in 2) Biharamulo on the southwestern shores of Lake
Victoria, 3) Gombe National Park, 4) Mahale Mountains
National Park on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika,
and 5) Mbizi and Chala forests on the Ufipa Plateau162,163
and maybe along the escarpment between the Ufipa
Plateau and Lake Rukwa. This species occurs in a wide
variety of forest types, including riparian and gallery
forest, forest-miombo savanna mosaic, old-growth
lowland, mid-altitude, and montane moist rainforest and
Euphorbia cloud forest, degraded secondary forests,
and regenerating forest.7,116,163-165 However, it has been
extirpated in nearly all forest fragments surrounding
Kibale National Park7,165 and in some forests on the
Ufipa Plateau.163 Total population size for the Ashy red
colobus is greater than 25,000 individuals and is thought
to be stable. However, this status is largely due to a
few relatively well-protected red colobus populations in Piliocolobus tephrosceles. Photograph by Jessica
national parks that contain long-term field research sites. Rothman
Outside these areas, the Ashy red colobus population
may be in decline, as is certainly the case in the forests
on the Ufipa Plateau of southwest Tanzania.
Multiple protected areas exist in the Ashy red colobus

range, including Kibale National Park and Gombe
National Park, where the earliest red colobus studies
were conducted in the 1970s. Kibale National Park,
where long-term research has provided one of the
most thorough windows into red colobus behaviour,
ecology, diet, genetics, and disease7,166-170, contains
the vast majority of individuals of this species (20,000+
individuals) and represents the most viable population.
Overall, recent surveys have shown that this population
is stable as group sizes increase and regenerating forest
colonizes new areas. This has countered dramatically Fig. 22. Piliocolobus tephrosceles distribution. Map by
declining encounter rates in the middle of the park due Stephen D. Nash
to chimpanzee predation as well as the extirpation of red
colobus in most fragments outside the park.7,165,171,172 At The greatest threat to the Ashy red colobus is habitat loss
Gombe National Park, the population is also thought to due to growing human populations and associated activities
be stable despite chimpanzee predation.173,174 On the such as agriculture, timber, charcoal, building poles, and
Ufipa Plateau, poor forest protection has led to forest burning. Hunting is likely an issue across sites as well.
loss, extirpation of red colobus from some forests, and While the total number of Ashy red colobus is large relative
precipitous declines in populations in other forests.163 to some other red colobus taxa, each population has a
Total red colobus population sizes are unknown in the limited distribution and is completely isolated from others
Greater Mahale Ecosystem (including Mahale Mountains with little or no possibility for future connectivity. The long-
National Park), although encounter rates have been term outlook for this species is mostly dependant on the
relatively stable.175,176 Very little is known about the population inhabiting Kibale National Park. If conditions
population inhabiting the Biharamulo Game Reserve, or were to deteriorate there, the future of the Ashy red colobus
whether this animal even persists there. would become very uncertain.
43
Priority sites
Uganda Kibale National Park
Tanzania Mahale Mountains National Park, Gombe National Park

Estimated budget*
US$ 65,000
Surveys to assess Biharamulo Game Reserve

red colobus
presence/ Workshop to coordinate ongoing primate surveys in the Greater Gombe-Masito-Ugalla
absence, relative Biosphere Reserve and the Greater Mahale Ecosystem in order to focus efforts on red
abundance, and colobus and standardize collection and sharing of data
threats
Strengthen Increase number of park guards and patrol coverage, implement regular guard-training
protection and workshops, and upgrade guard equipment
conservation
Extend the protected area on Ufipa Plateau to include parts of the escarpment below to
the northeast
Elevate Mbizi Forest to a Nature Reserve
Engage with local Initiate and/or expand existing education and awareness programmes to increase
communities to community participation in forest conservation
improve education
and awareness
of red colobus Workshops to coordinate education and awareness programs at priority sites
conservation
issues
44
TANA RIVER RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus rufomitratus
The Tana River red colobus is endemic to Kenya, occurring
along the Lower Tana River and in the Tana Delta on the
northern coast of Kenya. It is restricted to c. 34 patches
of riparian and floodplain forest that range in size from 1
ha to 500 ha. The area of forest it occupies is extremely
small (likely <10 km² in 2016) and severely fragmented.
Much of the original forest has been destroyed and most
of what remains is degraded, some of it severely.177,178
Initial population estimates for the Tana River red colobus
in the 1970s ranged from 1,200–4,300.179-181 The total
population was estimated at 1,100–1,300 individuals
in 1994177 and 1,000 individuals in 2003.24 There is a
continuing decline in the area of forest it occupies as well
as the total area across which it is found. Habitat quality
and the number of mature individuals are also expected
to further decline.24,182-184
There exists only one protected area in the range of the

Tana River red colobus – the Tana River Primate National
Reserve (TRPNR). Besides the Tana River red colobus,
the TRPNR supports the Critically Endangered Tana River
mangabey (Cercocebus galeritus) and six other primate
species. The TRPNR is one of the seven richest sites for
Piliocolobus rufomitratus. © Yvonne de Jong and
primate species in East Africa and the most important site
Thomas Butynski, wildsolutions.nl
in Kenya.185 The current status of the TRPNR, however,
remains uncertain following a court ruling in 2007 that the
reserve should be degazetted because it was established
without proper engagement of the local community.
This has yet to happen since the Kenya Wildlife Act of
2012 states that degazettement of any protected area
must be done by the cabinet secretary through an act
of parliament, which has yet to be introduced. Thus,
the status quo remains and the TRPNR is managed
in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service as
community (mostly Baomo) land. The Ndera Community
Conservancy, established in 2010 to improve community
development and conservation efforts, is committed to
protecting the monkeys and is actively conserving the
southern part of the TRPNR and some areas outside the
TRPNR boundaries.186 However, about 63% of the red
colobus groups occur outside the TRPNR where there
is otherwise little protection for the monkeys or their
habitats from the activities of the rapidly growing human
population.24,76,177 Fig. 23. Piliocolobus rufomitratus distribution. Map by
Stephen D. Nash
A variety of factors have led to the decline of the Tana and small-scale harvesting of forest resources have led to
River red colobus. Drastic changes in vegetation due forest degradation, fragmentation, and loss. Other threats
to construction of several large dams up-river and include fires, spread of invasive plants, habitat destruction
irrigation projects have considerably altered river flow by elephants, killing due to association with other primate
volume and are expected to have continued adverse species that raid crops, shifting climatic conditions that
effects on the forests of the Lower Tana River and Tana have led to livestock grazing in red colobus habitat, and civil
Delta.76,184,187,188 Unsustainable subsistence agriculture unrest.24,76,116,177,178,184,185,189-191
45
Because all remaining forests inhabited by the Tana facilitate more research and monitoring, and conduct surveys
River red colobus are small and seriously threatened, to reassess population status, distribution, and habitat
and although the population is genetically viable192, the quality. These activities could inform the development of a
long-term survival of this species seems bleak without national conservation and management plan for the Tana
concerted efforts to improve the effectiveness of legally- River red colobus.
protected conservation areas, restore degraded habitats,
Priority sites
Kenya Tana River Primate National Reserve, Ndera Community Conservancy, the proposed
Gwano Community Conservancy

Estimated budget*
US$ 78,000
Improve formal Hire, train, and deploy guards to protect red colobus and their habitats in the Ndera
protection of red Community Conservancy and proposed Gwano Community Conservancy
colobus and its
habitats Establish tree nurseries of indigenous species to restore degraded red colobus habitat
areas and create and monitor forest corridors to connect forest fragments
Establish community forest associations to regulate forest resources and police illegal
activities in the forests outside the TRPNR
Reduce pressure Improve community support for conservation and reduce exploitation of riparian forests
on red colobus where red colobus occur, assess the likely effectiveness (including positive and negative
habitats from impacts) of expanding existing schemes (e.g., small-scale irrigation projects), and pilot
surrounding new approaches (e.g., energy efficient cooking technologies, planting of woodlots)
human
communities
Improve research Rehabilitate the Mchelelo Research Camp to support research on red colobus monkeys
infrastructure and promote an eventual ecotourism programme
Improve Assess local perceptions and knowledge of red colobus monkeys and their habitat
education and
awareness-raising
Implement education and awareness programmes that focus on red colobus and other
of red colobus
primates as well as forest conservation and management
conservation
issues
Surveys to assess Conduct surveys to assess red colobus population size and distribution and to evaluate
red colobus habitat change and presence of plant species
populations and
habitat change
46
UDZUNGWA RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus gordonorum
The Udzungwa red colobus is endemic to southern
central Tanzania where it is found in the Udzungwa
Mountains, which have remarkably high vertebrate
diversity and contain the largest remaining forests in the
Eastern Arc mountain chain. This red colobus is found in
miombo woodlands and the moist lowland and montane
forests of this region, including the Udzungwa Mountains
National Park (1,990 km2) and several adjacent forests,
many of which have nature or forest reserve status.
The total population size for this species is thought to be

30,000–40,000 individuals, the majority of which reside in
the national park, and it occurs at higher densities in low
elevation forests compared to high elevation forests.193-196
Some of the small lowland forests in the Kilombero Valley Piliocolobus gordonorum. © Thomas T. Struhsaker
outside the national park have, however, been severely
degraded or completely lost in recent decades.193 As a
result, red colobus monkeys have been extirpated from a
number of forest patches along the eastern base of the
Udzungwa Mountains, where the only remaining viable
population is in Magombera Forest.7,27 The presence of
red colobus in several gallery forests along tributaries of
the Kilombero River has not been assessed recently194,
although it is unlikely that these patches hold viable
numbers given recent agricultural intensification. Other
forests in the Udzungwa Mountains with red colobus
monkeys are found on mountain slopes and contain a
mixture of lowland deciduous, lowland semi-deciduous,
and montane evergreen forest. They vary widely in size
and level of protection.
Trends in the Udzungwa red colobus population are

available for two forests over the time period of 2002–
2016.197,198 In the Mwanihana Forest, which is well
protected and within the national park boundaries,
population sizes were found to be fairly stable. However,
in the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve, which has high
levels of human disturbance due to insufficient law Piliocolobus gordonorum. © Raffaele Merler
enforcement, red colobus monkeys declined to near
extinction during this period. The primary reason for
this population decline was a combination of targeted
subsistence hunting and habitat degradation due to
small-scale logging and harvesting of timber resources.
Other threats to the Udzungwa red colobus across

its distribution include subsistence and commercial
agricultural expansion, small-scale livestock farming and
ranching, and development of human settlements, roads,
and railways. While some populations of this species
remain well-protected in large forest blocks, others face a
precarious future and are becoming increasingly isolated
due to fire impact on the landscape that maintains forest
boundaries. Action is thus needed to secure threatened
subpopulations and encourage connectivity among the Fig. 24. Piliocolobus gordonorum distribution. Map by
forest blocks.199 Stephen D. Nash
47
Priority sites
Tanzania Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Uzungwa Scarp Nature Reserve, Kilombero Nature
Reserve, Magombera Forest

Estimated budget*
US$ 63,000
Strengthen Standardise scientifically robust monitoring methods to periodically assess primate

protection and (especially red colobus) populations and human threats
conservation in
protected areas Improve protection effectiveness in the Uzungwa Scarp and Kilombero nature reserves by
patrolling them and implementing regular guard-training workshops
Reforest key Reforest lowland forest areas of Udzungwa National Park, Uzungwa Scarp Nature
priority areas Reserve, Kilombero Nature Reserve and the wildlife corridor linking the forests of
Magombera and Mwanihana
Establish a protocol to monitor and protect the proposed Magombera-Mwanihana wildlife

corridor
Community Integrate conservation education and awareness programmes into existing community-
engagement based operations in and around the priority sites centred on forest importance, red
colobus monkeys, wood cutting, and hunting
Engage with the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association and other relevant NGOs to
explore the possibility of integrating the use of fuel-efficient stoves, solar panels, and
charcoal alternatives into existing community-based activities
48
ZANZIBAR RED COLOBUS
Piliocolobus kirkii
The Zanzibar red colobus has long been recognised
as the most distinct of all red colobus monkeys. It has
a highly restricted distribution and is endemic to Unguja
Island in the Zanzibar Archipelago of Tanzania, where it
is limited to lowland areas. The largest subpopulation (c.
2,900 individuals) resides in the middle of the island in
the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park (50 km2). Other
subpopulations are scattered across the island in forest
reserves and unprotected areas. Some 31% of them live
outside protected areas and are severely threatened.
While some subpopulations may use plantations,
mangroves or shambas (areas of cultivation), 85% of the
population exists in or adjacent to forests, with the largest
forests containing bigger groups.200
The overall Zanzibar red colobus habitat is severely

fragmented, and many subpopulations exist in complete Piliocolobus kirkii. © Thomas T. Struhsaker
isolation. This animal has already disappeared from
many forests on Unguja Island, and it probably occurred
on the mainland in the recent past. There also exists a
translocated population on nearby Pemba Island that
numbers approximately 35–40 individuals201, but this
population is likely to be removed due to its limited
genetic variability and ‘exotic’ nature.26 A recent Unguja
island-wide complete census for this animal estimated a
total population of 5,862 individuals.200
Historically, the Zanzibar red colobus has been viewed as

one of the most threatened primates in Africa. In the 19th
and early 20th centuries, it was described as very rare and
on the verge of extinction. Population estimates from the
late 20th century placed the total number of individuals Piliocolobus kirkii. © Tim Davenport
in the range of 1,000–2,400. However, a recent census
placed the total population size much higher. The reasons
for this discrepancy are complex and linked to historical
forest cover fluctuations (19th century clearance for
cloves, for example) and previous figures being based
on isolated and extrapolated density estimates rather
than complete counts.200 Despite this seemingly positive
development, the Zanzibar red colobus remains very rare
and threatened.
Forest loss continues at 1.1% per annum due to

unmanaged development for tourism and housing,
human population growth and agricultural expansion.
Climate change is also expected to have a major impact
on Unguja as most of the island is low lying, and forests Fig. 25. Piliocolobus kirkii distribution. Map by
and agricultural lands are already affected by changes Stephen D. Nash
in sea level, water salination, patterns of precipitation, across the island, indicating habitat loss and stress, and
and soil quality. Local people hunt red colobus for meat a bleak conservation prognosis.200 It is probable that the
and because the red colobus is viewed by many as Zanzibar red colobus groups and individuals residing
an agricultural pest. The recent complete census also outside protected areas will not survive in the long term as
demonstrated very low survivorship and recruitment their habitat continues to be lost.
49
Priority sites
Tanzania Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, Southern Uzi and Vundwe Islands, Mchamgamle,
Kiwengwa Forest Reserve

Estimated budget*
US$ 116,000
Strengthen Gazettement and management of a new protected area that encompasses Southern Uzi,
protection and Vundwe, and Mchamgamle (the proposed “Nongwe-Pengeleni-Vundwe Forest Reserve”)
conservation
in and around Improve protection effectiveness in Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and Kiwengwa
protected areas Forest Reserve by increasing the number of guards patrolling those areas and patrol
coverage, implementing regular guard training, and increased community support
Monitor populations in protected areas to evaluate long-term trends in population size,

demography and viability, as well as any negative impacts arising from climate change,
tourism and human activities
Habituate more groups of red colobus outside Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
(especially in Kiwengwa Forest Reserve, Masingini Forest Reserve, Vundwe, or the
Jambiani–Muyuni Forest Reserve) to increase tourism potential and revenue
Assess land use, forest loss, and habitat change across the island in order to prioritize
and identify conservation management units among subpopulations
Improve Collaborate with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to adopt the Zanzibar red
education and colobus as the official national animal, thereby making it a flagship species
awareness-raising
of red colobus Implement conservation education programmes in local schools to raise awareness of the
conservation conservation status and value of the Zanzibar red colobus and instil appreciation for links
issues to forest health and human well-being
Monitor primate Develop a program that will assess and monitor the presence of disease as well as the
diseases linked impact of disease on red colobus health.
(but not limited) to
human proximity
50
Piliocolobus pennantii. © Rich Bergl
51
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Agency-Abu Dhabi, Gland, Switzerland
60
Piliocolobus kirkii. © Alexander Georgiev
61
CONTRIBUTORS
Red Colobus Conservation Network Coordinator: Florence Aghomo
Abanyam, Peter, Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria

Aghomo, Florence, Red Colobus Conservation Network, Cameroon
Allen, Lara, Centre for Global Equality, UK
Amboko, Junior, Lukuru Foundation, Democratic Republic of Congo
Amsini, Fidele, Frankfurt Zoological Society, Democratic Republic of Congo
Armstrong, Roy, University of Cumbria, UK
Astaras, Christos, Forest Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization “Demeter”, Greece
Barca, Benjamin, NatureMetrics, UK and West Africa
Barelli, Claudia, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Italy
Barlow, Clive, Gambia Colobus Action Group, The Gambia
Bersacola, Elena, University of Exeter, UK
Blasi Foglietti, Camilla, UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre, UK
Bocuma Meñe, Demetrio, National University of Equatorial Guinea, Equatorial Guinea
Ntumwel, Bonito Chia, Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development, Cameroon
Bowkett, Andrew, The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, UK
Butynski, Thomas, Eastern Africa Primate Diversity and Conservation Programme, Kenya
Carter, Janis, Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project, The Gambia
Casanova, Catarina, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Chapman, Colin, George Washington University, USA and Makerere University, Uganda
de Jong, Yvonne, Eastern Africa Primate Diversity and Conservation Program, Kenya
Lieven, Devreese, Belgium
Diotoh, Orume, Korup Rainforest Conservation Society, Cameroon
Dunn, Andrew, Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria
Eniang, Edem, University of Uyo, Nigeria
Esara Echube, José Manuel, National University of Equatorial Guinea, Equatorial Guinea
Esono Mba, Fidel, National Institute of Forest Development and Protected Area Management, Equatorial
Esono Anvene, Rigoberto, National Institute of Forest Development and Protected Area Management, Equatorial
Falay, Paul, University of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
Featherstone, Bryan, Drexel University, USA
Fernández, David, University of the West of England, UK
Fero Meñe, Maximiliano, National Institute of Forest Development and Protected Area Management, Equatorial
Ferreira da Silva, Maria, Cardiff University, UK; CIBIO, Portugal, CAPP, Portugal
Foglietti, C. Blassi, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK
Fourrier, Marc, The Jane Goodall Institute, Democratic Republic of Congo
Fruth, Barbara, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
Gonder, Mary Katherine, Drexel University, USA
Gonedelé Bi, Sery, Université Félix Houphouët Boigny d’Abidjan-Cocody, Côte d’Ivoire
Greengrass, Elizabeth, Born Free Foundation, UK
Guislain, Patrick, Milwaukee Zoological Society, USA
Hart, Terese, Lukuru Foundation, Democratic Republic of Congo
Hicks, Cleve, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
Hillyer, Alison, University Centre Reaseheath, UK
Hofner, Alexandra, University of Georgia, USA
Imong, Inaoyom, Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigeria
Jones, Sorrel, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, UK
Jones, Trevor, Southern Tanzania Elephant Program, Tanzania
Jost Robinson, Carolyn, Chengeta Wildlife, Partners for Red Colobus, USA
Bobo, Kadiri Serge, Department of Forestry, University of Dschang, Cameroon
Kaisala, Desiré, Frankfurt Zoological Society, TL2 Project, Democratic Republic of Congo
Kasongo, Marcel, Lukuru Foundation, Democratic Republic of Congo
King, Juliet, Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya
Laudsoit, Anne, Ecohealth Alliance, New York, USA
Loyola, Laura, University of Southern California, USA
62
Mande, Claude, University of Kisangani, Democratic Republic of Congo
Marshall, Andrew, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Mayhew, Mic, University of Cumbria, UK
Mbora, David, Whittier College, USA
McCabe, Gráinne, Bristol Zoological Society, UK
Micha Ondo, Antonio, National Institute for the Conservation of the Environment, Equatorial Guinea
Milich, Krista, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
Minhós, Tania, Centre for Research in Anthropology (NOVA FCSH), Portugal
Montgomery, David, Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program, Equatorial Guinea
Morgan, Bethan, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, USA and Ebo Forest Research Project, Cameroon
Mpaka, Ephrem, Lukuru Foundation, Democratic Republic of Congo
Mtui, Arafat Seif, Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre, Tanzania
Ndong Menzene, Abdón Nguere, National University of Equatorial Guinea, Equatorial Guinea
Fonkwo, Sylvie, University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Nixon, Stuart, Chester Zoo, UK
Nowak, Katarzyna, Safina Center, USA
Okon, David Tiku, Kudu Zombo Programme, WWF Cameroon
Omeja, Patrick, Makerere University, Uganda
Piel, Alex, Liverpool James Moore University, UK
Plumptre, Andrew, BirdLife International, UK
Reinartz, Gay, Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative, USA
Silegowa, Henri, Lukuru Foundation, Democratic Republic of Congo
Starin, Dawn, London, UK
Tayleur, Cath, RSPB Centre for Conservation Science, UK
Thompson, Jo, Lukuru Foundation, Democratic Republic of Congo
Venditti Mitchell, Dana, Drexel University, USA
Vogt, Tina, Elephant Research and Conservation, Germany
Waltert, Matthias, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
Werre, Jan Lodewijk R, Rensselaerville NY, USA
Wieczkowski, Julie, SUNY Buffalo State College, USA
63
Piliocolobus rufomitratus. © Stanislaus Kivai
64
APPENDIX: Summary budget for taxon-based recommended
actions
The table below presents the estimated overall budget for smaller-scale recommended actions for each taxon. These
budgets do not include estimates for the long-term, recurrent, or intangible recommended actions, which, as noted in
the plan, are difficult to estimate, and would likely exceed US$ 17 million across all red colobus taxa over five years.
A detailed list of the taxon-based recommended actions identified in this action plan and associated budgets can be
downloaded from:
http://www.primate-sg.org/action_plans
https://www.redcolobusnetwork.org/actionplan
Table 3. Estimated overall budget
Taxon Scientific name Budget (US$)
Temminck's red colobus P. badius temminckii 329,000
Bay colobus P. badius badius 97,000
Miss Waldron's red colobus P. waldroni 30,000
Niger Delta red colobus P. epieni 130,000
Pennant’s red colobus P. pennantii 160,000
Preuss’s red colobus P. preussi 172,000
Bouvier’s red colobus P. bouvieri 70,000
Oustalet’s red colobus P. oustaleti 210,000
Tshuapa red colobus P. tholloni 140,000
Lomami red colobus P. parmentieri 85,000
Kisangani red colobus P. langi 83,000
Ulindi red colobus P. lulindicus 124,000
Foa’s red colobus P. foai 55,000
Semliki red colobus P. semlikiensis 430,000
Ashy red colobus P. tephrosceles 65,000
Tana River red colobus P. rufomitratus 78,000
Udzungwa red colobus P. gordonorum 63,000
Zanzibar red colobus P. kirkii 116,000
TOTAL 2,437,000
65
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Red colobus (Piliocolobus)

conservation action plan

INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE

IUCN Species Survival Commission

IUCN Global Species Programme

IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group

IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group

Published by: IUCN, Gland, Switzerland

Produced by: IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group

ISBN: 978-2-8317-2112-5 (PDF)

Contributors: See Contributors List, pp.62-63

Red Colobus Florence Aghomo

Layout by: Jessica Avanidhar, jessavanidhar.com and Stephen D. Nash, [email protected]

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Available from: IUCN, International Union for Conservation of Nature

Red colobus action plan rationale and goal���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5

Red colobus conservation action plan taxon entries� ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 8

Appendix: Summary budget for taxon-based recommended actions����������������������������������������������������� 65

Piliocolbus pennantii. © Ian Nichols

Figure 1. Red colobus distribution. Map by Stephen D. Nash

Anatomy and behavioural ecology

Central African Republic P. oustaleti

Congo, Republic of P. bouvieri, P. oustaleti

Côte d’Ivoire P. badius badius, P. waldroni (possibly extirpated)

Equatorial Guinea P. pennantii

Gambia, The P. badius temminckii

Ghana P. waldroni (likely extirpated)

Guinea P. badius badius, P. badius temminckii

Guinea-­Bissau P. badius temminckii

Liberia P. badius badius

Nigeria P. epieni, P. preussi

Senegal P. badius temminckii

Sierra Leone P. badius badius, P. badius temminckii (?)

South Sudan P. oustaleti

Tanzania, United Republic of P. gordonorum, P. kirkii, P. tephrosceles

Uganda P. tephrosceles, P. semlikiensis

Common name Scientific name IUCN Red List status

Temminck's red colobus P. badius temminckii Endangered9

Bay colobus P. badius badius Endangered10

Miss Waldron's red colobus P. waldroni Critically Endangered11

Niger Delta red colobus P. epieni Critically Endangered12

Pennant’s red colobus P. pennantii Critically Endangered13

Preuss’s red colobus P. preussi Critically Endangered14

Bouvier’s red colobus P. bouvieri Endangered15

Oustalet’s red colobus P. oustaleti Vulnerable16

Tshuapa red colobus P. tholloni Vulnerable17

Lomami red colobus P. parmentieri Endangered18

Kisangani red colobus P. langi Endangered19

Ulindi red colobus P. lulindicus Endangered20

Semliki red colobus P. semlikiensis Vulnerable21

Foa's red colobus P. foai Endangered22

Ashy red colobus P. tephrosceles Endangered23

Tana River red colobus P. rufomitratus Critically Endangered24

Udzungwa red colobus P. gordonorum Vulnerable25

Zanzibar red colobus P. kirkii Endangered26

Piliocolobus badius badius. © W. Scott McGraw

1. Improve knowledge on the distribution, abundance, population size, ecological

2. Improve and establish government-managed and community-based conservation

6. Create a global network of red colobus researchers and conservation practitioners

Piliocolobus tephrosceles. © Nelson Ting

Red colobus action plan rationale and goal�� 5

Red colobus conservation action plan taxon entries� �� 8

Appendix: Summary budget for taxon-based recommended actions�� 65

Guinea-Bissau P. badius temminckii