Estimating Primate Densities from Transects in a West African Rain Forest: A Comparison of Techniques

Whitesides, George H.; Oates, John F.; Green, S. M.; Kluberdanz, R. P.

doi:10.2307/4910

Cited by 230 publications

(233 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…We determined densities for 100-m increments, i.e., 0-100 m, 101-200 m, etc., from the forest edge into the interior. We estimated sighting widths for each 100-m increment via the perpendicular distance (m) from the individual to the transect and the histogram inspection technique, with a 50% criterion for falloff distance (Whitesides et al, 1988). We conducted botanical surveys along both sides of each transect to a depth of 1 m, for a total area sampled of 1 ha.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edge Effects on the Density of Cheirogaleus major

2006

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Edge Effects on the Density of Cheirogaleus major

2006

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“…For each group of primates encountered, the researcher recorded the species, group size, distance, compass bearing of the group, time, and habitat type. Distances were estimated to the group centre (Whitesides et al 1988) by eye to the nearest metre. Researchers occasionally left the trail to confirm group size, but all groups were initially detected from the transect line.…”

Section: Primate Survey Methods and Density Estimatesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Seed dispersal by a diurnal primate community in the Dja Reserve, Cameroon

2001

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ABSTRACT. Multiple species of primate disperse seeds and differentially contribute to the seed rain in tropical forests. The goal of this study was to examine seed dispersal by a primate community of five monkey and two ape species in the Dja Reserve, Cameroon. The density of primates in the reserve was calculated to be 77 individuals km. Analysis of 5789 faecal clumps demonstrated that 40% of monkey and 74% of ape faecal clumps possessed whole seeds. Six of the seven focal species acted as seed dispersers; faecal clumps passed by the black-and-white colobus (Colobus guereza) did not contain any whole seeds during the study. Seed passage trials on four captive monkey species showed monkeys to have an average seed passage time of 22 hours and defecation rate of five times per day. From the above results, the primate community was estimated to defecate 1129 seeds kmSeeds passed by the primate community came from 125 species of trees, lianas and shrubs, equivalent to at least 34% of the known tree flora. Rarefaction curves indicated that additional collection effort would identify more seed species passed by primates. Germination studies demonstrated that primate-passed seeds are viable. The number of seeds and plant species dispersed suggests that the primate community plays an important role in the maintenance of forest structure.

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“…However, a convenient alternative means of examining this issue is to analyze seasonal variation in home range size. Population density is the inverse of per capita home range size and is modified by the degree of overlap of home range between neighboring groups (Whitesides et al 1988). Thus, an index of population density can be obtained during the season when the animal range most extensively, which is likely the season that limits animal abundance.…”

Section: Studies On Resource Limitation At the Behavioral Levelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since they are diurnal and standardized census methods are established (National Research Council 1981;Whitesides et al 1988), comparable data on abundance are available for many species, often from a number of populations. Furthermore, since most primates are diurnal and have large body sizes, detailed behavioral observation is feasible and there have been many studies of their feeding ecology (Clutton-Brock 1977;Hohmann et al 2006).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Linking feeding ecology and population abundance: a review of food resource limitation on primates

Hanya

Chapman

2012

Ecological Research

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We review studies that consider how food affects primate population abundance. In order to explain spatial variation in primate abundance, various correlates that parameterize quality and quantity of food in the habitat have been examined. We propose two hypotheses concerning how resource availability and its seasonality determine animal abundance. When the quality of fallback foods (foods eaten during the scarcity of preferred foods) is too low to satisfy nutritional requirement, total annual food quantity should determine population size, but this relationship can be modified by the quality or the quantity of fallback foods. This mechanism has been established for Japanese macaques and sportive lemurs that survive lean seasons by fat storage or extremely low metabolism. Second, when fallback food quality is high enough to satisfy nutritional requirement but quantity is limited, quantity of fallback food should be a limiting factor of animal abundance. This is supported by the correlation between fig density, which is a high-quality fallback food, and gibbon and orangutan abundance. For a direct test of these hypotheses, we need more research that determines both the quality of food that animals require to satisfy their nutritional requirement and the quantity of food production. Leaves are often regarded as superabundant, but this assumption needs careful examination.

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Estimating Primate Densities from Transects in a West African Rain Forest: A Comparison of Techniques

Cited by 230 publications

References 35 publications

Edge Effects on the Density of Cheirogaleus major

Edge Effects on the Density of Cheirogaleus major

Seed dispersal by a diurnal primate community in the Dja Reserve, Cameroon

Linking feeding ecology and population abundance: a review of food resource limitation on primates

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