Colobus Conseravation

Colobus Conservation Limited is a conservation organization designed to promote the conservation, preservation, and protection of primates like the nationally threatened Angolan colobus monkey (Colobus angolensis palliatus) and its coastal forest habitat in southeastern Kenya. The organization was established in 1997 in response to an outcry from local residents about the high number of deaths of colobus monkeys on the Diani Beach road.

The forest ecosystem of the coastal areas of Kenya, where Colobus Conservation is located, is listed as one of the top global biodiversity hotspots. With high levels of endemic and near-endemic species. Included in the primates are the nationally threatened Angolan black and white colobus. Their distinctive appearance has given them a unique place in local cultures and their reduction in number is partly because they have long been hunted for their skins which have special significance in local African tribal customs.

Today, however, the greatest threat to these primates is habitat destruction. In Kenya, the once extensive coastal forests on which the Angolan colobus depend has been reduced to a fragmented patchwork along a narrow coastal strip. Sadly, forest loss and degradation are continuing due to pressures from agricultural expansion, urban development, tree cutting for firewood, charcoal, and carving wood.

Colobus Conservation began in 1997 as a not-for-profit organization. Now, many years later, Colobus Conservation has numerous projects concentrating on research and solutions for human/primate conflicts including animal welfare, biological/ecological research, community development, and education, forest protection and enrichment, and eco-tourism awareness program.

Colobus Conservation responds to welfare cases for all local primate species. The organization has installed primate canopy bridges along the main road, reducing the number of primates killed. The center opens its doors to nearly 1,000 schoolchildren annually, where they get to learn about local wildlife and the importance of the forest, and many community outreach projects.

Furthermore, the organization has several projects to encourage people to plant indigenous trees and organize tree planting days.