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Primates in Gabon – current status and distribution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

A. Blom ,
M. P. T. Alers ,
A. T. C. Feistner ,
R. F. W. Barnes  and
K. L. Barnes
A. Blom
Affiliation:
Wildlife Conservation International, New York Zoological Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA.
M. P. T. Alers*
Affiliation:
Wildlife Conservation International, New York Zoological Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA.
R. F. W. Barnes
Affiliation:
Wildlife Conservation International, New York Zoological Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA.
K. L. Barnes
Affiliation:
Wildlife Conservation International, New York Zoological Society, Bronx, New York 10460, USA.
*
Centre International de Recherches Medicales de Franceville, BP 769, Franceville, Gabon
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Abstract

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This paper examines the current status and distribution of primates in Gabon on the basis of data collected in the field between 1985 and 1988. There are at least 19 and possibly 21 species of primates definitely present in Gabon, making it one of the richest countries in the world for primates. Most of the species are still widespread and one, the sun-tailed guenon, is endemic. Hunting and habitat destruction are the main threats to the country's primates. The major problem at the moment is the opening up of previously inaccessible areas by logging companies and the Trans Gabon railway, which leads to an increase in hunting pressure. Several species are threatened; the mandrill/drill, the black colobus, and the sun-tailed guenon need special conservation measures. Suggestions for action are made and several new reserves have recently been proposed.

Type
Research Article
Information
Oryx , Volume 26 , Issue 4 , October 1992 , pp. 223 - 234
Copyright
Copyright © Fauna and Flora International 1992

Footnotes

(Current address: Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, Les Augres Manor, Trinity, Jersey JE3 5BF, Channel Islands.)

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