What are the conservation needs of Roloway monkeys living in the
forests of southwestern Ghana?


Endangered Primates

The majority of primates are considered either threatened or endangered. By far, the leading cause of population decline in primates is due to loss of habitat. Forested areas are being logged and converted to farmland to support the growing human population. Roads are being built through forested areas to connect villages, effectively making the forest more accessible to hunters and illegal logging operations.

Roloway Monkeys

Roloway monkeys may be somewhat adaptable to changes in their habitat because they subsist on a fairly generalized diet. However, gaps in the canopy from fallen trees may inhibit their movement through the forest and certain foods may become unavailable in logged areas due to changes in light availability. Roloways are also targets of illegal hunting activities. They are large, brightly colored primates that can be sold for their pelt and meat.

Conservation

Based on these threats it will be important to understand the biology and ecology of the Roloway monkey to ensure it’s conservation. It will be important to learn how this animal uses it’s habitat, what particular plant species and forest characteristics allow for Roloway survival. Armed with this information park officials will be better prepared to make management decisions regarding conservation of the Roloway monkey.

Many Questions

In order to determine the conservation needs of Roloway monkeys, there are other questions that must be answered first. Take a look at the side bar to better understand what these questions are. Click on the questions to find out more about the monkeys and Lindsay's research.

Only when these questions have been answered will we know how to protect the Roloway monkeys. Conservation measures can then be put into place that protect them. These measures must also allow the people who live alongside of the monkeys to continue to earn a living in order to support their families as well.

Each of the questions will lead you to a piece of the project research. You can participate by thinking about the questions, looking at the daily data and doing a little data analysis yourself.