Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 250538181

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

The project aims to foster sustainable human-primate coexistence and significantly reduce agricultural losses caused by primate crop raiding in the Biosphere Reserve of Ouémé (RBBVO) precisely around the Togbota forest over the next five years. 1. Identify human-wildlife conflict (HWC) hotspots and estimate red-bellied monkey population density : it includes primate monitoring sessions and field-based survey to identify HWC hotspots in and around the forest. 2. Assess the effectiveness of existing mitigation methods for reducing primate depredation in agricultural areas : the effectiveness will assessed and collaboratively develop improvement of existing strategies or new strategies, which will be tested through field-based trial sessions using Traditional ecological Knowledge. 3. Reduce community complaints about monkey attacks on crops within one year : it includes awareness sessions with students and local community and support households in alternative income-generating activities. Expected outcomes include reduced community complaints about crop damage, reduced retaliatory attacks on monkeys. Overall, we expect a stable red-bellied monkey population in the Togbota forest, and improved community engagement and well-being.