Sustainable Community Conservation of Palabek-Kal Forest Reserve in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda
The project aimed at strengthening community conservation measures to promote the sustainable conservation of l’hoest monkeys and other forest ecosystems in Palabek-Kal forestlands.
L'hoest's monkey are highly threatened diurnal primates due to habitat loss ( high level of habitat disturbance of original forest-composition) and modification due to human activities(illegal hunting for food by local communities) at Palabek –Kal forest lands over recent past, these posed the greatest threat to the continued survival of primate species mainly L hoest's monkey and have greatly impacted on the survival of the monkeys. And this have further potentially influenced the ability of these primates to live successfully. There is need to empower rural people in community with skills, knowledge and ability to recognise the importance of forest conservation in the national economy. Effective forest management and conservation education for primate survival can't be achieved without first determining the extent to which the flora and fauna may be at risk.
This project will focus on conservation of these primates in particular while sensitising the rural people living around Palabek-Kal forest reserve. It will educate local communities on importance of wildlife conservation (eco tourism), restore habitat and food requirements of the primates, strategies for managing the ranging patterns. nature conservation centre will be established to monitor and assess the vulnerability and the resilience of this species as a result of the habitat loss due to encroachment on the forest and illegal hunting by local communities. Conservation and habitat management strategies will also be established, determine abundance and distribution, dietary preference and ranging pattern of l'hoest monkeys.