Influence of man-made features and forest stratum on the abundance of Iringa red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus gordonorum) in the Magombera forest, Tanzania

Abstract

Magombera forest has a rich fauna of Iringa colobus monkey (IRCM) (Piliocolobus gordonorum) that is facing high anthropogenic pressure. This study, aimed at assessing the influence of distance from railways, farms, and settlements as man-made features and the stratum status of the forest on the abundance of IRCM. The abundance was observed to insignificantly decline (p>0.05) as you move closer to the man-made features. Open canopy and tree cutting showed an insignificant likelihood of decreasing the abundance of IRCM. Anthropogenic factors are essential when considering the sustainable conservation of IRCM in the Magombera forest. Awareness of the local communities surrounding the forest should be emphasized. Another, best way to reduce the pressure to the forest which is the habitat for IRCM, would be to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping, and tourism ventures which will reduce their unsustainable dependence on the forest and thus act as support strategies for the IRCM conservation.