Date: September 5, 2018
Source: University of Bristol
New
research has mapped and analysed the incidence of primate electrocutions in
Diani, Kenya to identify hotspot areas that should be prioritised to reduce the
risk of electric shock. The study could also inform conservation strategies in
other parts of the world where primate electrocutions are common. Electrocution
threatens a wide range of primate species across the world and the hazard could
become more widespread as species are increasingly restricted to
human-dominated landscapes.
The
study, published in International Journal of Primatology, led by Master's
student Lydia Katsis and Dr Katy Turner, Reader in Infectious Disease
Epidemiology from Bristol Veterinary School, aimed to investigate primate
electrocutions along power lines, which threatens five of the six primate
species living in the Diani area.
The
research team worked with local primate conservation organisation, Colobus
Conservation, who regularly attend primate welfare callouts, such as
electrocutions, in the area. As well as providing veterinary treatment to the
primates, the organisation record the location of the incident either by
documenting the GPS co-ordinates or describing the location.
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