État de conservation des primates non humains face aux activités anthropiques dans la concession forestière d'Eden (Kwilu, République Démocratique du Congo)

Martine Mayita Matiala; Werner Bilongo Tamute; Victor Kiamfu Pwema; Bonaventure  Da Musa Masens; Jean Mukulire Malekani

Conservation status of non-human primates in the face of human activities in the Eden forest concession (Kwilu, Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Authors

Martine Mayita Matiala Section des Sciences Exactes, Département de Biologie-Chimie, Institut Supérieur Pédagogique de Kikwit (ISP/Kikwit), B.P 258 Kikwit, Kwilu, République Démocratique du Congo Author
Werner Bilongo Tamute Mention Sciences de la Vie, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), B.P 190, Kinshasa XI, R.D. Congo Author
Victor Kiamfu Pwema Mention Sciences de la Vie, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), B.P 190, Kinshasa XI, R.D. Congo Author
Bonaventure Da Musa Masens Mention Sciences de la Vie, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), B.P 190, Kinshasa XI, R.D. Congo Author
Jean Mukulire Malekani Mention Sciences de la Vie, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Université de Kinshasa (UNIKIN), B.P 190, Kinshasa XI, R.D. Congo Author

Keywords:

Non-human primates, Conservation, Human Activities, Forest Concession, Kwilu

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to nearly 27 per cent of the world’s primate species, many of which are endemic to the Congo Basin. However, primate diversity is closely linked to the quality of forest habitat and human pressure. The aim of this study is to assess the conservation status of non-human primates in the Eden forest concession, in the Bulungu territory (Kwilu province), in order to identify the species present, estimate their relative abundance and propose concrete conservation measures for sustainable, community-led management. Data were collected between January 2025 and March 2026 using two methods: reconnaissance walks and linear transects. The observations carried out indicate a low level of non-human primate diversity, with small populations within the study area. Three primate species, namely Cercopithecus ascanuis, Cercopithecus neglectus and Cercopithecus wolfi, were recorded through transect surveys (54 groups and 525 individuals) and on-foot surveys (19 groups and 172 individuals). Individuals of Cercopithecus ascanuis were found to predominate over the other two species recorded. This research has demonstrated that uncontrolled human activities (such as hunting, deforestation, forest fires, intensive agriculture, etc.) severely disrupt forest ecosystems. These disturbances lead to a reduction in habitat and fragmentation, which restrict the primates’ access to food. The inclusion of forests, including the Eden Forest, in the national and regional network of forests of high conservation value will also contribute to the protection of the primates living there. In light of the results obtained, the introduction and enforcement of regulations governing human activities, together with participatory forest management in line with the sustainable community-based management approaches recommended by the FAO, will contribute to the sustainable management and use of this highly endangered wildlife.

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