The First Survey of the Conservation Status of Primates in Southern Burkina Faso, West Africa

Abstract

Little is known about the extent of primate abundance and distribution in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Only two prior surveys have been reported, each in just one protected area and one dating as far back as 1976. With this study, we aimed to update our understanding of primate presence in Burkina Faso. Between 11 May and 16 July 2012, we surveyed nearly 250 km in five protected areas along the southern border of the country, collecting data on the presence of primates, predators, and poaching activities. Although several sources have listed up to nine primate species as present in Burkina Faso, we were only able to confirm five of four genera: Galago senegalensis, Papio anubis, Erythrocebus patas, Chlorocebus sabaeus, and Chlorocebus tantalus. With the results of the surveys, and in-depth interviews with 24 workers, farmers and protected area officials, we indicate that Pan troglodytes verus has been extirpated from Burkina Faso, and that Colobus vellerosus and Cercocebus lunulatus are either already gone or are close to extirpation. We report encounter rates for Papio anubis, Erythrocebus patas, Chlorocebus, Panthera leo, Panthera pardus, and poaching activities. The threats to the remaining primate species include legal and illegal hunting, and inconsistent and ineffective law enforcement in protected areas. Agricultural expansion will continue to rise as a threat to these species, particularly Papio anubis and Erythrocebus patas, through habitat alteration as well as increasing human-wildlife conflict over crop-feeding behaviors.