FPO
Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh , Founder and Director of SW / Niger Delta Forest Project . Rachel was recognized with a Whitley Fund for Nature Award in 2020 and was a Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa Finalist in 2021 . She is currently the Co-Vice Chair for the IUCN / SSC Primate Specialist Group African Section , Member of the International Primatological CZXSociety ( IPS ) education committee , and co-founder of the African Primatological Society .
One Last Chance in One Last Place
When Rainforest Trust funded Rachel ’ s team to conduct another species survey in 2019 , only one forest habitat remained , sheltering the last viable population of 150-200 monkeys . With the Apoi community ’ s commitment and Rainforest Trust support , the Apoi Community Conservation Area of 2,492 acres was created . The monkeys finally had a refuge .
“ Today , the conservation area is free of pollution and the monkey ’ s population is growing ,” Rachel reports . “ We estimate there are 200 to 300 monkeys , including young monkeys .” Rangers patrol every day . The waters are clean and fish stocks are multiplying , benefiting the community and proving that conservation works .
“ Seeing what we have achieved in the last few years has given me hope for the Niger Delta ,” Rachel said . ” I would like to see our model spread across the region , resulting in 20 to 30 protected areas for threatened species .”
If anyone can make it happen , it will be Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh .
Niger Delta Red Colobus
The Niger Delta Red Colobus is a strikingly beautiful animal of rust orange , black and white coloration . It is a relatively small primate ; adults weigh between 14 and 24 lbs . and their head-and-body measures up to 24 ".
niger delta red colobus monkey | anton zelenov