THE VANISHING DE-BRAZZA MONKEY (CERCOPITHECUS-NEGLECTUS SCHLEGEL) IN KENYA

We conducted a trail survey of De Brazza's monkey (Cercopithecus negle ctus) on Mt. Elgon and the Cherangani Hills between October 1994 and F ebruary 1995. The objectives were to assess the status and distributio n of the species and its habitats and to formulate recommendations on its conservation. We counted a total of 49 monkeys: 3 groups and 6 lon e individuals near Kimothon River (Mt. Elgon) and 4 groups and 6 lone individuals at Kapolet Forest Reserve and its environs (Cherangani Hil ls). The mean group size is 6.6. Wanton habitat destruction was eviden t in all the forest habitats. The species now inhabits unprotected rem nant strips of riverine forest. Furthermore, the Kapolet Forest Reserv e offers little or no protection to De Brazza's monkeys or their habit at. Translocation of the monkeys from unprotected areas to a protected habitat is recommended as an urgent conservation measure to save the De Brazza's population in Mt. Elgon and the Cherangani areas of Kenya.