Surveys and canopy cameras of critically threatened monkeys in Comoé National Park, Côte d'Ivoire: A preliminary report ―West African Primate Conservation Research Group―

Abstract

We conducted fieldwork at Comoé National Park in the northeast corner of Côte dʼIvoire. The objective of this study was to obtain population data that would enable us to find a priority area(s) for the synergistic conservation actions on the white-thighed colobus (Colobus vellerosus) and the white-naped mangabey (Cercocebus lunulatus). Both species are threatened species. We set up a remote camera in the tree crown along each of the 10 transects in each of the three study areas (Comoé, Iringou, Gawi) in the southwest of the Park. We also conducted surveys using the line transect sampling method in the forest (154 km) and reconnaissance surveys (21 km) in all habitat types. The canopy cameras obtained images of all primates except four species including C. vellerosus and olive colobus (Procolobus verus). The surveys (data were pooled) obtained the mean visual encounter rates (group/km) of C. lunulatus and C. vellerosus at 0.22 and 0.07, respectively, confirming the presence of a viable C. lunulatus population and several C. vellerosus groups. Unexpectedly, we found a baboon-mangabey hybrid-like individual during a survey. The lack of observation of P. verus is a concern. We will continue with research to determine a priority conservation area(s).