This archive report was first published on 2 September 2021.
Published on September 2, 2021, a national wildlife census conducted in Kenya between April and July has shed light on the alarming decline of endangered species in the country.
The census, which was presented to President Uhuru Kenyatta, revealed that the Tana River mangabey and red colobus populations have dwindled to 1,650 and 1,219 individuals, respectively.
According to the report, the lower Tana River is home to various species of primates, including the Sykes monkey, yellow baboon, and vervet monkey, with populations of 2,465, 1,560, and 241, respectively.
The census used a combination of ground and aerial methods to count the primates in the Tana River forests, highlighting the need for sustainable conservation and management of Kenya's wildlife resources.
The Tana River Primate National Reserve, which was gazetted in 1976, covers an area of 169km² and is a biodiversity hotspot, home to over 57 mammal species.
Scientific researchers have pointed out that the Tana River mangabey and red colobus have lost more than 70% of their primary riverine forest habitat due to human encroachment for agricultural purposes.
The census will be used as baseline data to inform policy and conservation efforts, with a focus on countering poaching and preserving Kenya's heritage.
By Sadik Hassan
