Red-bellied Monkey

Human Primate coexistence: case of the critically endangered Red-bellied Monkey Cercopithecus erythrogaster spp. erythrogaster in the Biosphere Reserve of Ouémé

The red-bellied monkey (Cercopithecus erythrogaster), a critically endangered species, inhabits the forests of Benin, including the Biosphere Reserve of Lower Ouémé Valley (RBBVO). Human-wildlife conflict, particularly crop raiding, is a major threat to the species. As the monkeys damage crops such as maize and peas, local farmers sometimes react with harming or killing of these monkeys retaliate, further endangering the species.

The primary threats to the red-bellied monkey are habitat loss and the escalation of human-wildlife conflict due to expanding agriculture. Current mitigation methods have proven ineffective, and the absence of a clear management strategy exacerbates the problem.

To tackle these challenges, a new conservation project led by Philemon Djoi and funded by Stiftung Artenschutz will begin in 2025. The project aims to reduce crop raiding by mapping conflict hotspots, evaluating mitigation strategies, and raising awareness among local communities. Engaging local people through surveys, focus group discussions, and eco-clubs in schools will foster coexistence and promote alternative livelihoods.

The expected outcomes include fewer complaints of crop damage, a reduction in killings of monkeys, and a stabilized population of red-bellied monkeys in the RBBVO, ensuring long-term community engagement in conservation.