Integrating genomics and human dimensions to promote the conservation of guenons in the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau

Ivo Colmonero Costeira, Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt

May 09, 2025 | 14h30 | Hybrid Seminar (Zoom Link: https://videoconf-colibri.zoom.us/j/99797933081)

Effective wildlife conservation requires more than biology-derived data—it requires an integrated understanding of the people who share landscapes with wildlife. In the Bijagós Archipelago, Guinea-Bissau, this approach is especially critical. The Bijagó ethnic group lives in insularity and depends heavily on non-timber forest products and small-scale agriculture. Consequently, their livelihoods are particularly vulnerable to crop-raiding species such as the three guenons they coexist with: the spot-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus petaurista), Campbell’s monkey (Cercopithecus campbelli), and the green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus). Of these, the spot-nosed monkey is of particular conservation concern. Likely extirpated from the mainland, its insular populations may represent the species’ stronghold in Guinea-Bissau. To inform conservation efforts, we applied a combination of multispecies population genetics and genomics to assess key genetic parameters. Results revealed patterns typical of insular populations: strong genetic differentiation, elevated inbreeding, and reduced genetic diversity and effective population sizes. While we found no immediate threat from increased mutational load, these populations remain vulnerable to the cumulative effects of inbreeding, genetic drift, and increased hunting. Furthermore, we explored the perceptions and attitudes of the Bijagó towards guenons. Unexpectedly, attitudes and perceptions were predominantly negative, driven by guenons’ crop-raiding behaviour. However, their recognised utilitarian value suggests there is potential for community support of future conservation efforts if these initiatives effectively translate into socio-economic benefits for the local populations. This seminar aims to show how integrating genetic/genomic data with social attitudes and perceptions can inform conservation strategies that are both effective and equitable. 

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