Tm. Butynski et Sh. Koster, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION STATUS OF PRIMATES IN BIOKO ISLAND, EQUATORIAL-GUINEA, Biodiversity and conservation, 3(9), 1994, pp. 893-909
Ten species of non-human primates are indigenous to Bioko; half of the
se are endangered and between five and eight are endemic subspecies. R
ecent data on their status and distribution have been lacking. In 1986
, a ten-week survey of the island was carried out to determine the dis
tribution and status of the primates and the natural vegetation, and t
o evaluate the effects of man on them. This paper presents the results
of that survey, gives an update of conservation achievements since 19
86, and highlights current concerns. Between 1974 and 1986 it is proba
ble that numbers of all Bioko primates rose as a result of an increase
in habitat and of reduced hunting. At the time of the survey there wa
s considerably more natural, undisturbed, vegetation remaining in Biok
o than expected. Much of this vegetation occurs within two large block
s that are of outstanding importance to the conservation of species in
tropical Africa, particularly of plants and primates.