Primate species diversity, abundance and threats in privately owned forest fragments in Kamwenge District Uganda

Abstract

Gazetted areas play an important role in preserving species, genetic, and ecosystems diversity particularly threatened species. However, their small size and uneven distribution make them insufficient to conserve all biodiversity. Therefore, there is need to promote modified habitats that have the potential to contribute to biodiversity conservation. This study was conducted in forest fragments outside Kibale national Park in Kamwenge district between November 2023 and April 2024. The goal of this study was to assess the role of non-gazetted areas in primate conservation. The study sought to assess: (i) the diversity of primates in the forest fragments on non-gazetted areas, (ii) the threats to primate conservation in non-gazetted area forest fragments, and (iii) the factors that influence primate diversity in the non-gazetted area fragments. Diversity of primates, and threats to primate conservation were assessed through presence absence transect walks and social surveys. Transect surveys were conducted in three-communally owned and three privately owned forest fragments and social surveys in four villages in Busiriba sub county. From the transect survey, a total of eight (8) diurnal primate species were recorded; chimpanzees, Pennant’s red colobus, Abyssinian black and white colobus, red-tailed guenons and Gray-cheeked Mangabeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, and L’hoest. In addition, a blue monkey was reported by communities in the forest fragments. Communally owned fragments had a higher average primate diversity compared to individually owned fragments at Shannon (H’=1.52) and (H’=1.06) respectively. Primate species diversity was significantly higher in communally owned fragments than privately owned forest fragments. Deforestation and logging were the most frequently observed threat for primate conservation across all forest fragments categories followed by subsistence agriculture. Other threats included invasive plant species, human wildlife conflicts, infrastructure development and resource use. Human induced threats to primates were significantly higher in privately owned fragments than communally fragments. Fragment size and distance to the nearest fragment significantly influenced primate diversity. The study findings show the important role local governance and non-gazetted areas play in primate conservation thus need for more targeted interventions and conservation strategies. These insights inform policy, stakeholder engagement, research, and integration into national plans across Uganda.