Colobus monkeys, fragile inhabitants of the Jozani forest
The red colobus monkey(Piliocolobus kirkii, mbega in Swahili) is a symbol of Zanzibar, for it is in the Jozani forest - the island's only national park and a sanctuary for the species - that most of it still lives. You can observe it with a park guide during a walk in the forest. It's not shy, but keep your distance. This large arboreal monkey has a long non-prehensile tail. It also has the particularity of having only 4 fingers on its hand, the thumb being non-existent or rudimentary. This monkey measures around 75 cm without its tail, weighs 10 kg and barks. It lives in herds of 5 to 20 individuals. The Zanzibar red colobus - white legs and belly, black arms, reddish-brown back - is threatened by habitat loss.
The adorable Bush babies come out at night
Staying on secluded beaches in Zanzibar, Pemba or Mafia, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the adorable snout of the Bush babies (galagosin Swahili). Around the many lodges buried in the vegetation, you'll hear strange shrill cries at dusk, reminiscent of a baby's howl, hence the name. Its hairy face, large eyes and tail that's longer than its body immediately bring to mind the lemurs of Madagascar. This primitive nocturnal primate is actually a close cousin, belonging to the prosimian family. It is very shy and you have to be lucky to spot it with a torch. It can weigh from a few hundred grams to 1.5 kg. It marks its territory by spreading urine with its hands. It feeds on seeds, fruit, sap, flowers, eggs, chicks and insects. Predators include eagles, genets and snakes.
Sea turtles, victims of fishermen's nets
Also called Kobe in Swahili, the turtle is another symbol of Zanzibar. There are two rescue centers in Nungwi (including one where you can swim with the turtles). Injured turtles caught in fishermen's nets are recovered for treatment before being released once a year. They migrate to tropical oceanic waters. The largest can live up to 70 years. The temperature that suits them best is 28°C. Their senses perceive mainly heat and vibrations, but they also have a well-developed sense of smell, even underwater, and fairly good eyesight. The male uses his claws to hold on during mating (the only time his voice can be heard), after having wooed his mate by banging his shell on her, biting her front legs.
Flying foxes, giant "draculesque" bats
"Flying fox": the name of these giant bats(Pteropus voeltzkowi) is more than evocative. On closer inspection, it's true that this animal looks like a fox, with its orange fur, snout and pointed ears, which would have passed Batman's cape when it spread its wings. There are around 20,000 flying foxes on the island, mainly in the north, but there is also a small colony in the south. They feed on fruit (mangoes, figs...) but also on leaves, flowers, pollen, nectar... nothing bloody! They look like strange fruits hanging from trees. Hanging by one leg while they sleep, they are impressive in size and number: more than 80 of them can sleep on the same tree. They can have a wingspan of over 1.50 m, wings open, and weigh around 500 g.
The whale shark, seasonal visitor to Mafia
The famous Whale shark(Rhincodon typus; shark nyangumi in Swahili) is a harmless shark that moves very slowly and without aggression. But its size is monstrous: it can reach 20 meters in length and 34 tons, just like a whale! In reality, the whale sharks we've observed are between 5 and 15 meters long. This giant of the seas also feeds like a whale: mainly on plankton and algae. Apart from its size, its characteristic black-and-white checkerboard skin makes it spectacular: a true picture of nature. Normally over 100 years old, its life expectancy is no more than 70 years due to overfishing. The species is endangered, but it's impossible to count how many are roaming the oceans, as they are constantly migrating. This seasonal fish is in demand from September to February in the warmer waters of Mafia. Hotels fill up quickly, given the island's small capacity, as these immense, harmless cetaceans are the dream of divers the world over.
The Zanzibar pearl, a plant curiosity
The Zanzibar pearl, or Black pearl, is a fruit produced by the Mgambo tree, a shrub no more than 5 meters high, endemic to the island. Its name in Kiswahili means "tree of speech". The seed owes its nickname to its appearance, which resembles black velvet. It's encased in a brilliant pink and purple case, so beautiful that in Martinique, where the tree has been imported, it's used to make jewelry: necklaces, bracelets, etc. Fragrant green flowers give way to 6-sided green fruits, then beige, which open in three when ripe. The black pearl then appears, clinging to its pink-purple lace dress.
The dugong, a marine mammal in danger
Endangered but still present around Mafia, the dugong is a massive marine mammal that once inhabited the entire coastline of Africa, the Indian Ocean and the islands. The dugong is hunted by sharks and, although protected by man, its flesh is said to be delicious, and oil and leather are extracted from its body. It measures over 2.50 m in length and weighs up to 200 kg. Its two forelegs are flippers. It often lives in families, and sometimes in groups of several dozen individuals, feeding on up to 40 kg of aquatic plants per day in shallow waters. The dugong shares a common ancestor with the elephant, which lived 50 million years ago: the thetherian. Like the elephant, the female has teats slightly behind the forelegs.
