Damage by Samango Monkeys,<i>Cercopithecus (mitis) albogularis</i>, to Pine Trees in the Northern Transvaal

Bussche, G. H. von dem; Zee, D. van der

doi:10.1080/00382167.1985.9629573

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…), oak (e.g. Quercus robur), black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and bugweed (Solanum mauritanum) (Breytenbach 1988;Lawes et al 1990;Linden et al 2015;McMahon 1977;von dem Bussche and van der Zee 1985).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reliance on Exotic Plants by Two Groups of Threatened Samango Monkeys, Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus, at Their Southern Range Limit

2017

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Understanding how threatened species adapt their behavior to landscapes shaped by humans is increasingly important to ensuring they persist in a changing world. Matrix habitats can be shared spaces where human and non-human primates co-exist. We set out to determine how an endemic, nationally threatened forest specialist, the frugivorous, arboreal samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus), has responded to a matrix habitat made up of residential gardens and commercial plantations in Eastern Cape province, South Africa. We followed two groups from dawn to dusk for a mean of three days per month for 12 months (1 February 2011 to 31 January 2012) using scan sampling to collect data on their diet, activity and ranging patterns. We used resource abundance transects to describe the groups' home ranges and monitored tree phenology to calculate fruit and seed availability indices. Monkeys from both groups consumed large quantities of exotic plant species, 2 accounting for over 50% of their overall annual diet, with seeds of the invasive black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) the most commonly consumed exotic species followed by acorns of two oak species (Quercus robur and palustris.). However, monkeys responded to the availability of indigenous rather than exotic fruits and seeds and increased their consumption of exotics when indigenous fruits were less available. While monkeys spent less time moving when feeding on exotic species compared to indigenous species, eating exotics did not free up monkeys' time to rest or socialize as additional time was required to process exotic foods. To offset the possible negative consequences of the monkeys' reliance on exotic seeds, including escalating conflict between monkeys and people in gardens, we suggest gradual removal of exotic plant species in the habitat and replacement with indigenous species as one mitigation strategy.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reliance on Exotic Plants by Two Groups of Threatened Samango Monkeys, Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus, at Their Southern Range Limit

2017

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“…While the exact nature and extent of this conflict will obviously be locally determined (Hill 2000), it stems ultimately from the fact that conservation areas are designed to serve as reservoirs for both flora and fauna. In the South African context, primates are regarded as particularly problematic residents of protected areas, as conventional fences do not readily enclose them, their eclectic diets allow them to benefit from a range of agricultural endeavours, and they are behaviourally opportunistic (Von dem Bussche & Van der Zee 1985;Cowlishaw & Dunbar 2000).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Population structure and habitat use of baboons (<i>Papio hamadryas ursinus</i>) in the Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve

Marais

Brown

Barrett

et al. 2006

Koedoe

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Baboons are highly intelligent and ecologically flexible animals with attributes that allow them to exploit diverse habitats. As a result of their dietary flexibility they often exploit human habitats, causing damage to crops and forest plantations as well as to human dwellings. In the South African context this has led to baboons being regarded as problem animals and attempted extirpation is the most common approach to the damage they cause. This perception of and attitude toward baboons gives many conservationists cause for concern since all southern African cercopithecine primates are CITES listed and it has not been proven that this strategy is the best long-term solution. As part of a research programme focusing on the damage done by chacma baboons in pine plantations along the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga, a single troop in the Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve was studied to describe their patterns of habitat use. Vegetation and habitat surveys were conducted within the home range of the troop. The troop was habituated and each member’s activity, location and food items utilised were recorded over a 12 month period. The results of this study indicate that baboons utilised plant communities based on food production and availability rather than size in hectares. The results also indicate that the group size, foraging and food search strategies of this troop resembles that of the Drakensberg troops previously studied. The study troop employs two different forage modes of engagement depending on where they choose to forage while they avoid utilising an easily accessible pine plantation. Due to the troop’s long inter-birth intervals it is likely that the current forestry practice of extirpation may have a negative influence on baboon population viability in these areas.

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Geophagy among primates: adaptive significance and ecological consequences

2000

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Damage by Samango Monkeys,Cercopithecus (mitis) albogularis, to Pine Trees in the Northern Transvaal

Cited by 7 publications

References 2 publications

Reliance on Exotic Plants by Two Groups of Threatened Samango Monkeys, Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus, at Their Southern Range Limit

Reliance on Exotic Plants by Two Groups of Threatened Samango Monkeys, Cercopithecus albogularis labiatus, at Their Southern Range Limit

Population structure and habitat use of baboons (<i>Papio hamadryas ursinus</i>) in the Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve

Geophagy among primates: adaptive significance and ecological consequences

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