To conserve African tropical forests, invest in the protection of its most endangered group of monkeys, red colobus

• DOI: 10.1111/conl.13014
• Publication Date: 2024-04-30T15:28:04Z
• Authors: Joshua M. Linder; Drew T. Cronin; Nelson Ting; Ekwoge E. Abwe; Florence Aghomo; Tim R. B. Davenport; Kate M. Detwiler; Gérard Galat; Anh Galat‐Luong; John A. Hart; Rachel A. Ikemeh; Stanislaus M. Kivai; Inza Koné; William Konstant; Deo Kujirakwinja; Barney Long; Fiona Maisels; W. Scott McGraw; Russell A. Mitter...; Thomas T. Struhsaker
• Keywords: Archipelago; Extinction (optical mineralogy)

Abstract Forest loss and overhunting are eroding African tropical biodiversity threatening local human food security, livelihoods, health. Emblematic of this ecological crisis is Africa's most endangered group monkeys, the red colobus (genus Piliocolobus ). All 17 species, found in forests from Senegal west to Zanzibar archipelago east, threatened with extinction. Red among vulnerable mammals gun hunting, typically disappearing heavily hunted before other large‐bodied animals. Despite their conservation status, they rarely a focus attention continue be understudied. However, can act as critical barometers forest health serve flagships for catalyzing broader efforts. We offer plan habitats discuss policy implications.