Located off the northwest coast of the African continent, Cape Verde is an archipelago that consists of islands of volcanic origin. From one island to another, visitors discover the beauty of its landscapes, with steep reliefs, volcanic lands, lush forests and white or black sand beaches. This destination seduces nature lovers, with a remarkable fauna and flora. Two of the islands, Santiago and Brava, are home to the only primate present in Cape Verde and which has been living alongside rural populations for more than 500 years: the green monkey.
But in Cape Verde, this wild mammal, mischievous and which does not fail to show complicity with the men as soon as they have the occasion, also finds in the human being its principal predator. Suffering from a bad reputation, mistreated because considered a danger for agriculture, it must also face phenomena that threaten its survival, such as deforestation. In Cape Verde, the population of green monkeys is in decline. This is what the sociologist and primate enthusiast Gricha Lepointe noticed when he moved to the archipelago several years ago. The animal, like all primates, plays an essential role in the good health of ecosystems and in the fight against global warming, a topic that could not be more topical. The association Santuario dos macacos de Cabo Verde, created by Gricha Lepointe and whose headquarters are located in the Ecolodge Morgana, has a refuge and aims to meet the needs of safeguarding the monkeys of Cape Verde. Presentation of a very active organization to defend a fundamental cause.
Monkeys, an essential component of biodiversity
Each animal species participates in the balance of the different ecosystems. However, today, many of them are threatened throughout the world. Monkeys are one of them. The latter, including the green monkey, plays a leading role in forest regeneration and ecosystem health. The forest, like the oceans and other natural areas, is an essential space for the absorption of our CO2 emissions. It allows us to fight against climate change.
If the presence of green monkeys is so important in maintaining the forests where they are found, it is partly because they are excellent gardeners. By biting into fruits and plants, they move the seeds and participate in their regeneration. It's simple, without them, many plant species would not be able to reproduce. Some forests would then disappear.
The green monkey: the reasons for the decline of their population in Cape Verde
Before focusing on Cape Verde and the green monkeys, let's remember that in 2016, a study combining the red list of threatened species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), existing scientific literature and United Nations databases, revealed that 60% of monkey species are in danger of extinction due to human activities. 75% of them are already in decline.
As far as the green monkey is concerned, the species is not yet considered endangered on the African continent. In the red list of endangered species, the IUCN even classifies it as "Minor Concern".
Despite this, there is a decrease in the population of these monkeys in countries such as Burkina Faso, Senegal, Guinea or Mali, and therefore, as Gricha Lepointe was able to observe during his arrival in the archipelago, in Cape Verde.
On the islands of Santiago and Brava, the population of green monkeys is in decline for various reasons. On the one hand, they are perceived as pests that threaten agricultural crops. They are therefore regularly hunted or captured. They are also slaughtered for the meat trade. When they live in private homes as pets, they are sometimes victims of mistreatment, especially because they are not aware of their biological needs. They can be found tied to a rope in the sun, in a small cage or abandoned and left to their own devices in cities as adults, where they are in danger. In Cape Verde, green monkeys are also threatened by phenomena such as deforestation, urban expansion and the effects of climate change.
In the absence of official data, but based on the results of observations conducted in several habitat areas on the island of Santiago, the Santuario dos macacos de Cabo Verde association was able to estimate the number of green monkeys in Cape Verde at 3,000. The individuals are also less and less numerous within the groups, between 10 and 15 against 20 to 30 usually. For the association, it is therefore urgent to act to save the green monkeys of Cape Verde.
Santuario dos macacos de Cabo Verde: an association committed to the survival of green monkeys and much more
Fighting for the survival of the green monkeys in Cape Verde means allowing them to play their role in the forests, and thus to respond to contemporary issues such as the preservation of the environment and the fight against global warming. The association Santuario dos macacos de Cabo Verde works towards this goal through various actions.
On the island of Santiago, in the Morgana Ecolodge where it has its headquarters, it has opened a shelter where it welcomes orphaned, abandoned or injured monkeys 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. This place is essential for their temporary reception and care. But the idea is also to make it a space for information and awareness of the threats to the species, by welcoming visitors, other associations and school groups on guided tours.
The association aims even higher, by questioning the authorities on the maltreatment of the monkeys and the need to respect the laws in force for their protection. It also wishes to meet farmers to talk to them about solutions to protect their crops.
In the long run, one of the objectives of the association is the creation of a protected area, a reserve that would offer them a safe space to flourish and reproduce, while regulating reproduction. Santuario dos macacos de Cabo Verde could also reintroduce the green monkeys that are hosted in the refuge. The reserve would also be a center for scientific studies on these primates and other species. A place where tourist circuits could be developed. It is a great opportunity to implement ecotourism and to increase the economic resources of the archipelago. The green monkey, an intelligent and very sociable animal, is much appreciated by travelers. A good example to follow is that of Barbados, where the creation of a reserve visited by 100,000 tourists per year has made the green monkey a real mascot on the spot.
People interested in this beautiful project can join the association, make a donation or join it to implement the activities. Partners and sponsors can also participate in the financing of Santuario dos macacos de Cabo Verde.
More information on the website of the association Santuario dos macacos de Cabo Verde and on the Facebook page
