Behavioural ecology of gelada (Theropithecus gelada) living in the Simien Mountains National Park, northern Ethiopia
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2015-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objectives of the present study are to conduct detailed investigations on
population status, activity budget, foraging and ranging patterns of geladas living in the
Gich area of the Simien Mountains National Park. Population census was conducted
from early 2013 to late 2014 using a total-count sampling method. Activity data were
collected using focal animal scan sampling method during ten days each month from
May 2013 to April 2014. Average population size for two years of census period resulted
in 661 individuals. There was a significant difference in the mean percentage of age/sex
composition of individuals. Geladas fed on 27 species of plants, but the number of species
varied markedly between seasons with dietary diversity being significantly more during
the dry season. Festuca spp. formed a major dietary constituent throughout the year,
contributing more than 78% of feeding records. Macronutrients had a complex influence
on food plant species selection in gelada. Gelada spent on average 56.7% of daylight
hours feeding, 14.1% travelling, 10.7% resting, 17.5% socializing and 1.1% in other
non-social activities. There was seasonal difference in activity budgets and age/sex
classes showed variation in time budgets. Geladas exclusively used cliff-face crevices as
sleeping sites at night. The choice of top sleeping sites depended partly on the elevation
of cliffs and protection that they provided gelada from natural predators.
Key words: activity budget, cliff, diet, gelada, Gich, population status, SMNP
Description
Keywords
Activity Budget, Cliff, Diet, Gelada, Gich, Population Status, Smnp