By Rebecca Bloomfield Malawi’s first ever Samango Monkey Research Project is officially up and running, with the first few weeks of surveying turning out to be a great success. The project aims to study occupancy and density of this relatively unknown species and to assess the genetic impacts of habitat fragmentation and degradation on the […]
By Rebecca Bloomfield
Malawi’s first ever Samango Monkey Research Project is officially up and running, with the first few weeks of surveying turning out to be a great success. The project aims to study occupancy and density of this relatively unknown species and to assess the genetic impacts of habitat fragmentation and degradation on the species. collecting information which can then be used to implement conservation strategies to help protect Samango monkeys (Cercopithecus spp.) and their natural habitat from the threat of deforestation and fragmentation.
The project’s first surveying period took place in Lifuwu Hill in Salima, using platforms baited with bananas to collect valuable hair and faecal samples for genetic analysis. With the population size in this area being previously uncertain, the team are delighted to have spotted just under 40 Samango monkeys so far, including two groups of at least 10 individuals. Excitingly, one of these groups of Samango monkeys appeared to have adopted two Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) into their troop!
Projects like this are vital for helping to protect Malawi’s wildlife. If you would like to get involved in this project, we currently have volunteering opportunities, as well as placements for BSc, MSc, MRes and PhD students. For more information, click here.