 Electrocutions
account for 36% of the mortalities, in spite of some victims surviving,
the mortality agent has long-term impact on the success of the Angolan colobus. A case study focusing on an adult female with an
electro-amputated hand reveal 50 % infant mortality arising from
secondary impact of electrocution.
Numerous well-studied families of Angolan colobus has been monitored
since 1997 by the Colobus Trust with the aim to document family dynamics
and attempt to quantify the impact of threat on species success. A
daily diary is maintained by the Colobus Trust and significant events
are reported as they occur.
Troop composition and family tree has been constructed for the troop.
A female who was electrocuted in 1996 has been monitored with focus on
her neonate handling. Over duration of 4 years, four births have been
reported with two infant mortalities being reported over the same
duration. Results of the study reveal that electrocution has long-term
impact on the survival and ultimately their population as a whole.
In the year 2000 the rate of electrocution on bush babies increased
by 300%. This has a direct indication that power installation increased
substantially and with limited funds to insulate powerless it is
projected that high-tension cables might continue growing as a serious
mortality factor.
Efforts by the power company in collaboration with the
Colobus Trust to trim proximate tree branches confound forage preference
of the Angolan colobus. It is a fact that opening canopy allows
young leaves to blossom, besides the sprouting lianas and climbers act
as potential lure to mortality as the Angolan colobus prefer to forage
on late secondary or early primary forest. From the foregoing discourse,
it is apparent that a multi-focal cost-effective approach is begging to
be instituted.
 The Colobus Trust, in collaboration with the Kenya Power and
Lighting Company and under a strict agreed protocol, has had some of
the power lines insulated - thus reducing the danger to an minimum where
possible - although to date, electrocution remains as the most
threatening mortality agent.
Plans are underway to solicit funding to insulate the hotlines -
research has revealed that the long-term advantage of insulation
overrides the overhead cost, alternatively underground installation is a
candidate option and as such requires consideration. The trade-offs
optimize at species survival and human welfare hence the ultimate
justification for cushioning species against the killer.
See [Tree
Trimming]. |
