CONSERVATION STATUS
CITES: Appendix II (http://www.cites.org)
IUCN Red List: C. guereza: LR/lr; C. g. percivali: EN B1ab(i, ii, iii); C. g. gallarum: DD.
CITES only lists C. guereza and assigns the species to Appendix II, which
lists species that are not necessarily now threatened with extinction but that
may become so unless trade is closely controlled (http://www.cites.org).
IUCN Red List classifies C. guereza as Lower Risk/least concern (LR/lc) which
means that the species does not satisfy the criteria for any of the categories
of Critically Endangered, Endangered or Vulnerable. This classification also
means that the species does not qualify for Conservation Dependent or Near
Threatened classifications. C. g. percivali is listed as Endangered (EN B1ab(i,
ii, iii)) which means that the subspecies is facing a very high risk of
extinction in the wild due to the extent of its occurrence being estimated to be
less than 5000 sq km (1930.5 sq mi) and estimates indicate that its habitat is
severely fragmented and the species is known to exist at no more than five
locations. It also means that a continuing decline is observed, inferred, or
projected in the extent of occurrence, area of occupancy, and the area, extent
and/or quality of habitat. C. g. gallarum is listed as Data Deficient (DD)
which means that there is inadequate information to make a direct, or indirect,
assessment of its risk of extinction based on its distribution and/or population
status (http://www.redlist.org).
C. g. occidentalis
Photo: Alain Houle
Guerezas are among the least threatened colobines, due to their propensity to
travel on the ground as well as to use dry and gallery forest (Oates &
Davies 1994a). Guerezas are one of the few primates that are generally
considered able to cope with habitat degradation, are one of the primates which
is least affected by it, and generally do well in degraded forests (Chapman et
al. 2000; von Hippel et al. 2000; Fashing 2002). However, there are conflicting
views on the effects of degradation on the species, even within the same site,
with some researchers viewing population declines, while others noting increases
(see von Hippel et al. 2000; Fashing 2002).
CONSERVATION THREATS
Threat: Human-Induced Habitat Loss and Degradation
Forest over-use and clearing for many uses leads to a decline in guereza
numbers. Clearing of forest for firewood by locals contributes to population
declines but commercial logging poses a larger threat. Such commercial uses
include wood clearing for brewing beer, fuel, gin distillation, and for charcoal
production (Chapman et al. 2007). Also, even if not cleared, there are a number
of ways guereza habitat can be degraded. These include degradation due to, the
cutting of trees for timber, charcoal, firewood, tools and other uses, the
extraction of gold, livestock traffic, road building, agriculture,
vandalization, poaching, extraction of plant foods, and the stripping of bark
off of trees for medicine (Oates 1977b; von Hippel et al. 2000; Fashing 2004).
However, guerezas sometimes respond positively to logging, and are sometimes
more abundant and are found in higher densities in logged areas than unlogged,
possibly due to an increase in preferred food trees after logging (Oates 1977b;
Skorupa 1986; Oates & Davies 1994a; Plumptre & Reynolds 1994; Chapman et
al. 2000). Complete forest clearance undoubtedly affects the species in a
negative way and causes decreases in overall population. This was the case in
western Uganda where the clearing of forest fragments caused a reduction in
guereza numbers by over 50% over an eight year period (Chapman et al. 2007). In
addition, sometimes forest is cleared for agriculture and replanted with
coniferous trees which are unsuitable for guerezas.
Threat: Invasive Alien Species
Human activities can increase the concentration of elephants in guereza
habitats, which occurred at Kabalega National Park, Uganda. In turn, high
concentrations of elephants destroy guereza habitat and threaten populations
(Oates 1977b).
Threat: Harvesting (hunting/gathering)
Hunting can also be a threat to guereza populations, but it is variable in
its occurrence throughout the guereza range. Firearms as well as traditional
weapons are used to hunt the species (Oates 1977b). In Gabon for example,
hunted populations showed an 88% reduction in numbers versus unhunted
populations (Lahm 2001). Elsewhere in its range, hunting is also common, as is
the case in the northern areas of the Republic of Congo, where guerezas sold as
bushmeat fetch between 4-9 USD (Eves & Ruggiero 2000). However, in Uganda,
primates are not usually hunted for meat (Plumptre 2006). Historically, a large
commercial trade in guereza skins has existed, especially during the 19th
century but continued into recent times, often for fashion or the tourist trade
(see Oates 1977 for a history). Not surprisingly, this represents a significant
threat to the species.
Threat: Persecution
Crop-raiding by guerezas does occur, albeit at low levels (Naughton-Treves
1996; 1998). Thus, the potential for persecution as a result of conflict with
humans does exist. Oates (1977b) comments that the killing of guerezas as
crop-raiders could provide skins for commercial sale.
Threat: Changes in Native Species Dynamics
The African cherry tree (Prunus africana), a sometimes favored food for
guerezas, has exhibited a notable decline across sub-Saharan Africa. While
predominantly due to the harvesting of its bark for medicines, at least some of
its deaths could be due to other factors, such as disease, insects, nutrient
deficiency, or climate (Fashing 2004). The decline of this species negatively
affects the guereza populations that rely upon it.
LINKS TO MORE ABOUT CONSERVATION
CONSERVATION INFORMATION
CONSERVATION NEWS
ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN Colobus guereza CONSERVATION
Content last modified: December 17, 2007
Written by Kurt Gron.
Cite this page as:
Gron KJ. 2007 December 17. Primate Factsheets: Guereza (Colobus guereza) Conservation. <http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/guereza/cons>. Accessed 2008 May 11.
