Rare Aders' Duikers to be protected on Chumbe Island

In late August, two Ader’s duikers (one male, one female) were successfully translocated from Mnemba Island to Chumbe Island as part of a collaborative conservation effort to support the long-term survival of this rare and vulnerable species.

The Aders’ duiker (Cephalophus adersi) is one of East Africa’s rarest antelopes, found only in Zanzibar and parts of coastal Kenya. With populations under pressure from habitat loss and hunting, conservation actions like this are crucial for the species' survival.

Carried out in partnership with the Department of Forestry Zanzibar, the translocation brings the duikers to Chumbe’s protected coral rag forest, an ideal habitat for these shy, forest-dwelling antelopes. The move builds on Chumbe’s history of supporting the species, following earlier successful translocations in 1999 and 2000.

The pair is currently settling into a dedicated area on the island, where they are being closely monitored. Through camera traps, citizen science, and ongoing research, the team hopes to better understand the species’ behaviour and ecological role.

“There’s still a lot we don’t know about this elusive antelope,” says Jack Coupland, Chumbe’s Conservation Manager. “By observing them closely, we hope to support conservation both here on Chumbe and across the wider region.”

This initiative will help boost the resilience of Zanzibar’s Aders’ duiker population, contribute to IUCN Red List assessments, and safeguard genetic diversity for the future.

Chumbe Island is a fully protected nature reserve off the coast of Zanzibar, home to a marine sanctuary and one of the last undisturbed coral rag forests in the region. Visitors can stay overnight in Chumbe’s award-winning eco-lodge, designed to operate with a zero carbon footprint.

For more info, contact conservation@chumbeisland.com 

Full article and press release: https://chumbeisland.com/aders-duiker-translocation/