article · Cameroon Journal of Biological and Biochemical Sciences
Field research in Korup National Park, Cameroon, provides critical insights into the behaviour and survival challenges of the Critically Endangered Preuss's red colobus. Over 462 hours of observation yielded sightings of 76 groups, revealing that the species regularly forms polyspecific associations with six other primate species, most frequently Cercopithecus nictitans and Cercopithecus pogonias. While engaged in these associations, the monkeys spent the majority of their time resting, feeding, and moving. Additionally, surveys conducted with 187 local hunters revealed that overhunting poses the most significant threat to the species, followed by habitat loss. Hunters between 21 and 40 years of age were the most active, balancing hunting with farming throughout the year. The survey observed no evidence of chimpanzee predation, reinforcing the conclusion that human activities remain the primary driver of population decline.
Preuss's red colobus is a critically endangered primate, making detailed ecological and behavioural baseline data vital for its preservation. Identifying how these primates interact with other species, alongside determining the exact demographics and drivers behind local hunting pressure, allows conservation managers to design focused protection plans and effective community-based interventions.
The abstract does not indicate a commercialisation pathway, as the findings are focused on ecological monitoring, behavioural observation, and community conservation strategies for an endangered wild species.
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This study investigates the associations and threats facing the Critically Endangered Preuss's red colobus (Procolobus preussi) in Korup National Park, Cameroon. The scan sampling method was used with over 462 observation hours; we documented 76 Preuss's red colobus groups, resulting in 2,303 individual sightings. Our findings reveal that Preuss's red colobus associates with six primates: Cercopithecus pogonias, Cercopithecus nictitans, Cercopithecus mona, Cercopithecus erythrotis, Cercocebus torquatus, and Mandrillus leucophaeus. The most frequent associations were observed with Cercopithecus nictitans and Cercopithecus pogonias, while associations with Cercopithecus torquatus were least common. Behavioral observations showed that resting (29.74%), feeding (23.66%), and moving (23.14%) were the predominant activities of Preuss's red colobus during these associations. Questionnaires administered to 187 hunters from villages within and outside Korup National Park identified overhunting as the primary threat to Preuss's red colobus, followed by habitat destruction. Hunters aged 21-40 years were found to be the most active, engaging in both hunting and farming year-round. The study found no evidence of chimpanzee predation on Preuss's red colobus in Korup National Park. This research contributes valuable data on primate associations in the Cross-Sanaga-Bioko ecoregion and highlights the feasibility of studying this elusive species. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced conservation measures in Korup National Park, including strengthened anti-poaching efforts, improved alternative livelihood options for local communities, and targeted education programs. This study serves as a foundation for further research and conservation efforts, and future research aimed at preserving Preuss’s Red Colobus and the maintenance of primates’ communities in tropical forest ecosystems.
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DOI: 10.63342/cjbbs2025.33.005.eng
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