Of particular interest in this regard is the potential conflict over coconuts Cocos nucifera L. Consequently, long-term conservation of this endangered species is strongly dependent on the development of effective management plans in these agricultural areas ( Struhsaker 1992, 1993 Struhsaker & Siex 1994, 1996 Siex 1995). Approximately half of the remaining Zanzibar red colobus reside permanently outside protected areas, many within agricultural areas. Since 1991 we have been studying the population ecology of the Zanzibar red colobus monkey, one of Africa's most endangered primates that is found only on the island of Unguja (Zanzibar). The Sykes monkey Cercopithecus mitis albogularis (Sykes 1831) and the Zanzibar red colobus Procolobus kirkii Gray 1868 are ranked as the second and third most serious vertebrate pests based on farmers’ complaints about crop raiding ( Krain et al. In Zanzibar, most medium- to large-size mammals are considered by agriculturists to be pests ( Bensted-Smith 1990 Mturi 1991 Krain et al. The adaptability, intelligence and opportunistic nature of some primate species has led to them being considered a serious menace to agriculture in many tropical countries ( Strum 1986 Mittermeier & Cheney 1987 Else 1991). Those species that, because of their behavioural flexibility, are able to adapt to a changing ecology and survive in agricultural systems often come into direct competition with humans and are persecuted as pests. Species that are unable to adapt to altered habitats are being forced into small, marginal habitat patches. The extremely high rate of human population growth in Africa leads to ever-increasing encroachment on wildlife habitats and an increase in human–wildlife conflicts.
This study illustrates the importance of scientific documentation of perceived human–wildlife conflicts. Based upon our findings that red colobus are having no significant negative impact on coconut harvest and are actually a source of tourist revenue to the region, we recommend no action be taken to remove colobus from the agricultural areas.Ħ. This correlation is probably due to a pruning effect.ĥ. On the contrary, red colobus consumption of coconuts was found to be positively correlated with harvest.
Despite these correlations, red colobus feeding on immature coconuts did not appear to limit coconut harvest. We found that red colobus consumption of coconuts was highest in areas of high red colobus density and low availability of alternative red colobus food resources.
In this study we monitored five experimental and two control plots to quantify the potential impact of red colobus on coconut crops and to assess the ecological variables that may influence this impact.Ĥ. Prior to taking actions that would hinder the conservation of this highly endangered species, it is necessary to quantify and compare the actual impact of the colobus on coconut harvest with that perceived by the farmers.ģ. There are a growing number of complaints about red colobus consumption of coconuts in the agricultural areas and requests by local farmers for compensation and/or removal of the colobus. Consequently, conservation of this endangered species is strongly dependent on the development of effective management plans that address the potential human–wildlife conflicts in these agricultural areas.Ģ. Approximately half of the remaining Zanzibar red colobus Procolobus kirkii, one of Africa's most endangered primates, reside permanently outside protected areas, many within agricultural areas.
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