Mohamed bin Zayed Species project number 222529625

Saving the critically endangered white-thighed Colobus (Colobus vellerosus) with community-based actions in Kikélé Forest (Benin)

The White-thighed Colobus (Colobus vellerosus) is a critically endangered species native to the Kikélé Forest in Benin. With dwindling numbers and habitats under threat, a multi-pronged community-based initiative was undertaken to ensure its survival.

Objectives:

1. Legal Reinforcement: Collaborate with the population local leaders to establish regulations and traditional bans that protect the White-thighed Colobus.

2. Community Conservation: Equip and train a local organization for monitoring and enforcement.

3. Education & Awareness: Educate stakeholders and raise awareness about conservation.

4. Sustainable Livelihoods: Provide alternative livelihoods to local communities through domestic meat farming.

• Legal Reinforcement:

To give legal backing to conservation efforts, we worked closely with local leaders and communities. Together, we established local regulations and invoked traditional bans to fortify the protected status of the White-thighed Colobus.

• Community Conservation:

Recognizing that the best guardians of local fauna are the people who live among them, a community conservation organization was set up. Managed by locals, the organization is equipped with the necessary tools and training to monitor and enforce the newly established regulations.

• Education & Awareness:

To ensure long-term conservation, it is vital to have the support of all stakeholders. Educational programs were rolled out to raise awareness about the importance of protecting both the individual Colobus and their natural habitats.

• Sustainable Livelihoods:

One of the significant challenges in conservation is the conflict between wildlife and human activity. To address this, locals were trained to breed domestic meat farms, providing a sustainable alternative livelihood that aligns with conservation goals.

Conclusion

The project signifies a crucial step toward the preservation of the White-thighed Colobus in Kikélé Forest, achieved through legal measures, community involvement, education, and sustainable development. Funded by The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, this project serves as a blueprint for community-driven conservation efforts.