Samburu Monkeys

Category: Uncategorized | Date: May 21 2008 | By: samburumonkeys

When I started primates surveys in Samburu district over two years ago, I only knew of one surprise that would come from the district - the de Brazza’s monkey. I therefore went to Mathews range forest with high anticipation of coming up with the last surprise (on primates) of the region. It was indeed a pleasant surprise when I found one of the highest concentration of de Brazza’s monkey in Kenya, yet it had remained unknown to us (biologist) for this long (read the journal article published last year on; HTTP://www.primate-sg.org/PDF/PC22.neglectus.pdf).

However, during the 8 months of intensive survey of the Mathews ranges and the surrounding areas, it emerged that there were indeed more primates species that had never been documented in the district or were only known to exist through anecdotal reports. These species include the sykes’ monkey, patas monkeys and lesser galago (senegalensis and Somali). It also emerged that the de Brazza’s monkey was not confined to Mathews range alone.

It was therefore natural that after completing the survey f the de Brazza’s, I embarked on a survey of these other species and also added the Endangered Mt Uarges guereza whose status is little known despite being listed in the IUCN red list as Endangered. Most of last year and this year, we have been working on proving that these species indeed occur in the district and trying documenting the distribution. This study has been made possible through the generous donation from Eden Wildlife Trust, Columbus Zoo Conservation Fund, National Environment Foundation and the Rufford Small Grants Foundation.

In northern part of Leroghi forest, I went there on June last year following leads that there were small remnant groups of guereza colobus remaining there. However, as fate had it, I stumbled on crucial information that there was a “white throated monkey” living on the edges of the forest that raided crops at Ang’ata Nanyuki. I was very excited about this new discovery given that this was the first ever record of Sykes’ monkeys occurring north of Mt Kenya. As it has been the procedure, once I get such information, I usually went there and surveyed the area for several days to collect tangible evidence to convince the world that this of indeed true.  I also needed to see the primate mysef. To cut the long story short, I have since gone there thrice and sent my scouts there up to early this month. But we have never come up with any photo and any other tangible evidence of the primate in that area. Every time I go there or my scouts brings me there field reports, I am left more confused whether it is Sykes monkey that the locals talk about.

 Mwenja at one of the spot where sykes were reportedly seen by locals

Could have been mislead despite my experience with primates surveys? What is this “white throated monkey” the local claim they see at Ang’ata Nanyuki area.

Can someone out there go there and independently investigate the issue and tell us truth? I promise all support in terms of directions to the location and all information that I have gathered.

 Iregi Mwenja

No responses yet