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Camera traps are standard tools for assessing populations of medium–large terrestrial mammals, particularly for rare, elusive or cryptic species, yet few researchers have attempted to employ camera traps to document rare primates in arboreal settings. We examined different arboreal camera-trap techniques to document the Critically Endangered greater bamboo lemur Prolemur simus in Madagascar. We documented P. simus at two sites, confirming presence at one site. Most species, including 86% of all lemur occurrences, were documented in low light conditions (c. < 105 lux). Our study suggests that camera traps can be effective in validating unconfirmed sightings of rare or secretive primate species. We recommend that future work with cameras in arboreal settings considers seasonal activity patterns, targets sites with high food densities, uses local knowledge, and utilizes available techniques (e.g. traditional trapping techniques) and landscape topography to concentrate animal movement (e.g. steep slopes or ridge lines). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article reports on the conservation of the critically endangered greater bamboo lemur. Prolemur simus is considered one of the most threatened primates and the only recognized species in its genus. An agreement was signed in June 2009 with the Malagasy government creating The Aspinall Foundation's Madagascar Programme, with the mission to work with local partners for the conservation of threatened species and their habitats, including the greater bamboo lemur.

The article reports that two groups of reintroduced western gorillas, which consists of 53 western gorillas in the Batéké Plateau National Park, Gabon, have been released during 2001-2004 as part of a programme to re-establish the Critically Endangered western gorilla in the Batéké Plateau region of Gabon and Congo. It is noted that 43 of the total western gorillas are wild-born orphans of the bushmeat trade, and three wild-born orphans are rehabilitated in Congo for future reinforcement of the reintroduced population.

The article reports on the birth of a new born gorilla seen in the Lefini Reserve, Republic of Congo on September 21, 2006. The birth of the gorilla was only the second time in more that 50 years. The mother of the new bord gorilla is a 9 year-old gorilla released into the area in 2004 earlier along with eight others. The release was the second in a conservation program to reintroduce the Endangered western gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla to the Lefini Reserve, where the species had been extirpated in the early part of the 20th century.