International Primates Day

Kenya Institute of Primate Research marked International Primate Day 2025 at Ngilai Conservancy, Samburu County, under the theme: Promoting Sustainable Financing and Community Engagement in Primate Conservation.

Over 500 community members were engaged on the importance of conserving the nine vulnerable primate species in Kenya, with a special focus on the De Brazza and Percival’s black-and-white colobus monkeys, whose numbers are rapidly declining. Key threats such as habitat loss, poaching and limited funding for research and conservation were highlighted, emphasising the need for collective action and the use of technology in safeguarding these species.

The event brought together partners and stakeholders including Colobus Conservation, Primate Global Foundation, Kenya Wildlife Service, Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Loisaba Conservancy, Ngilai Community Conservancy, Kalepo Community Conservancy and Namnyak Conservancy. The Member of Parliament, Samburu East, graced the event and underscored the link between primate conservation and community livelihood enhancement.