The Bale Monkey (Chlorocebus djamdjamensis) is an endemic primate, restricted to ca 17,500 km² of the highlands of Ethiopia, east of the Eastern Rift Valley in the Bale Mountains and Sidama Highlands. The species is typically found in the bamboo forest zone between 2,315 m asl to 3,250 m asl. Young bamboo leaves account for over 75% of the Bale monkey's diet in natural forest areas but in Sidama it has adapted to eat a much broader variety of food. Populations are declining due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation. The IUCN lists the Bale Monkey as Vulnerable (Vu).

African Bamboo aims to maintain and enhance populations in Sidama by
• Working with the world's leading authority on the species, Dr. Adissu Mekonen.
• Working with local people to maintain forest mountain tops which are an important refuge for the species.
• Increasing the area of bamboo available to populations through reforestation.
• Raising awareness of the importance and uniqueness of the Bale Monkey with local stakeholders.