This project aims to set up and promote a biological station on Jaibui Island, located on the River Moa in the south of Sierra Leone. A preliminary study carried out in 2016 highlighted the island’s significant natural wealth and its importance. Species recorded there include the chimpanzee, the pygmy hippopotamus, the western red colobus, the mantled guereza, the Diana monkey, the tree pangolin and various duiker species.

The aims of this proposal include improving the features of the biological station, recruiting and training people from the communities as eco-rangers to monitor and patrol the island, and systematic data collection. We also plan to conduct an in-depth study on the biodiversity of mammals on the island using photo-traps, as well as a census of chimpanzees and other primates.

The combination of activities proposed will boost our knowledge of the biodiversity of the island, in turn helping us to establish which lines to work along and define conservation and protection strategies for the island’s species and habitat.