The last red colobus monkeys of Zanzibar

JOZANI-CHWAKA bay of Zanzibar

The last 1500 red colobus in Zanzibar, of which 500 live in JOZANI-CHWAKA bay
The red colobus monkeys of Zanzibar are very different from the other colobus
monkeys in Africa as much for their patterned coat as their feeding habits.

The red colobus is a monkey with a black face, surrounded by a crown of long
white hair. From the age of 6 months, the back of their head and back become red.

All photos are by André Brunsperger unless otherwise indicated
(c) all rights reserved

These monkeys live in groups of thirty to fifty individuals, including a large number of
females and very few males. They feed on the young leaves of green fruit and seeds.

Red colobus monkeys do not eat ripe fruit as they are unable to digest glucose.

The red colobus monkeys of Zanzibar feed above all on the black plum tree, some wild fig trees
and the black mahogany, as well as the Indian almond tree, coconut palm and mango tree.

Although protected, red colobus monkeys are threatened with extinction.
Their survival solely depends on the protection of their natural habitat
(they have never been successfully reared in captivity and they have a very low reproduction rate)

This natural habitat is being further and further destroyed to meet people's land, wood and coal requirements.

The Jozani-Chwaka bay conservation project is a partnership between Tanzania and the Austrian government

How can I see these animals?

The island of Zanzibar, generally known as the Spice Island, (85 x 38km) has been part of Tanzania
since unification on 26 April 1964 between Tanganyika and Zanzibar and gave birth to a new country
Tan Zan ia (Tan from Tanganyika and Zan from Zanzibar) = Tanzania.

To get to Zanzibar, visit the island, the spice plantations, see the famous Red Colobus
Monkeys or swim with dolphins, you can call Salim Abdullah from the agency Sama Tours
in Zanzibar P.O.Box 2276 telephone 255 24 2233543 Fax 255 24 2233020
email: samatours@zitec.org Web site http://www.samatours.com

Take a flight to Dar Es Salaam, joint capital shared with Dodoma, then cross the
sound on a fast ferry, preferably "Sea Star Services Limited", who do the
crossing in less than 2 hours for $30. Next,

You can go to the hotel Baghani house tel: +255 54 235 654 fax: +255 54 233 030
email: baghani@zanzinet.com Web : http://www.zanzibarhotels.net/baghani

This very comfortable hotel costs $45 for a double room per night and is located on
Baghani street Shangani (take a taxi) in Stone Town (the old town). If you like fish
pasta or pizzas, go and see Emilio at "Amore mio" restaurant by the beach
in Stone Town in the Italian quarter. He will give you a warm welcome
and delicious food. http://www.amoremio-zanzibar.it

Salim will take you into Jozani forest, as well as to the mangrove swamp
for $25 for the day (with a meal at a local resident's house included)

It is still possible to see 500-1500 of the last Red Colobus
Monkeys of Zanzibar in Jozani forest!