Primates of the Coral Rag

The primates of coastal Kenya are under constant threat from deforestation. And none more so than the leaf-eating Colobus monkey that depends on the forest for its survival. Rupert Bedford reports from the Diani area of South Eastern Kenya where the unique and fragile coral rag forest provides a much needed sanctuary for the Colobus and other primates.

A multimedia story by Rupert Bedford.

Published on 11th January 2025.

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I awake with a startle, disturbed by the loud cracking and shaking of tree branches outside my room. The coastal breeze has not tempered the blazing African heat and, abruptly awakened from my afternoon siesta, I stumble up to investigate.

Opening the door to my elevated forest hut I find myself staring face to face with a young Colobus monkey, no more than a few metres away. For a moment it looks just as surprised as me. Then in a flash it leaps into the shadows and out of sight.

I am here in Kenya to film a pioneering mangrove conservation project in nearby Gazi Bay (The Blue Forest) but, intreagued by this distinctive creature, I can’t resist the urge to find out more.

What I learn is that the distinctive black and white Colobus monkey is a leaf eater. It therefore depends on the forest for its survival. And here in the coastal forests of Diani in South Eastern Kenya, some of its last remaining population can be found.

The Colobus share the forest with other primates including the Sykes monkey, Vervet monkey, Yellow Baboons and Galago - the busy baby. Whilst these other primates face the same pressures from deforestation, they are more adaptable than the Colobus; foraging on the ground, exploring the beach and even using the tourist facilities for some play time!

The areas of remaining fragmented pockets of forest around Diani are rich in a variety of other flora and fauna; home to hornbills, agama lizards, the red-bellied coast squirrel and many other creatures.

It is a unique area as it is one of three remaining relics of coral rag forest. In this specialised type of coastal forest, the vegetation is sustained by a thin layer of soil which overlays fossilized coral reef dating back millions of years. The fossilised coral bedrock cannot store rainwater, so the highly specialised plant community has developed with its roots thrust out in all directions and cling to life by wrapping themselves around any surface they can find. Once the coral rag is removed or damaged, due to harvesting and development, it is irreplaceable and the unique ecosystem is lost forever.

The forest in this area is under constant threat of deforestation from development and agriculture. Nevertheless, remaining forest patches and isolated indigenous trees within the gardens of houses and hotels remain as critical habitat for the primates and other wildlife.

I learn from local conservationists that there is fortunately strong support for the conservation of remaining forest habitat from different groups within the local community. The indigenous ‘Mijikenda’ communities recognise some areas of forest as ‘Kayas’, sacred areas with cultural and spiritual significance. Most Kayas are designated as National Monuments, and many have active community groups working to protect them. Local landowners and hoteliers are also, in general, supportive of forest conservation, recognising that the forests and their associated wildlife are a key tourist attraction and asset. As such they are keen to work with conservation organisations.

One such organisation is Colobus Conservation. It's work involves educating and engaging the local community on the importance of the primates and their unique forest home. They erect aerial ladders (colobridges) to allow primates to cross the busy roads safely, work to reduce the incidence of primate electrocutions on overhead power cables, conduct reforestation projects and initiate anti-poaching initiatives.

As I look up again into the forest canopy I notice that something appears to be moving across the chest of an adult Colobus. I zoom in with my camera to reveal a tiny white newborn clutching on to its mother for dear life. I only manage to capture a grainy shot in the fading light. But I wonder what the future holds for this vulnerable creature and its nearby cousins.

What I do know is that the critical work of Colobus Conservation and others continues to provide some hope of a future for the primates of the coral rag.

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All images are copyright of RB Media. For use please contact Rupert Bedford.