Feeding ecology, activity pattern and conservation status of Boutourlini’s blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii) in the Chato Natural Forest, Horro Guduru Wollega Zone, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Boutourlini’s blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis boutourlinii) is a vulnerable sub-species, which is endemic to southwestern parts of Ethiopia. This study was carried out between September 2013 and July, 2014 to provide data on the habitat use, feeding ecology, human-blue monkey conflict, and activity patterns of C. mitis boutourilini in Chato Natural Forest. Chato forest constitutes different habitat types including tree and shrub dominated forests and bushlands with the surrounding farmlands. Study on different selected groups of the blue monkeys was carried out in different habitat types. Activity pattern and feeding ecology were studied by scan sampling within 15 minutes interval. Human blue monkey conflict was assessed by focus group discussion. The overall diet composition of Boutourilinis blue monkeys in group I was dominated by fruits (54.5%), young leaves, (13.2%) and animal preys (12.7%). They also fed on shoot (6.9%), flowers (6.4%), mature leaves (3.3%) and seeds (2.3%). Blue monkeys in group II spent more time feeding on young leaves (26.8%) , fruits, (22%), shoots (19.2%), animal preys (10.7%), flowers (8.2%),seeds(6.5%) ,mature leaves(4.2%) ,barks (1.7%) and other parts(0.7% ) of plants .A total of 26 and 29 plant species were consumed by group I and group II blue monkeys, respectively. Group I spent 49.4% of the time on feeding whereas group II spent (48.7%). Group II monkeys spent 18.8 % of their total time by moving and 20.6% by resting. Group I monkey spent 20.1% of their time by moving and 18.6% by resting. Monkey in group I and group II spent equal time (11.3%) for socialization. Human- blue monkey conflict as well as anthropogenic activities was widely observed as a serious threat to the conservation of the animals. Key words; Blue monkey, feeding ecology, Chato Forest, activity pattern,