Population size and density of Colobus vellerosus at the Boabeng‐Fiema Monkey Sanctuary and surrounding forest fragments in Ghana

Abstract

The Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) is inhabited by a growing population of Ursine colobus (Colobus vellerosus), a species that is listed as vulnerable. Smaller, degraded forest fragments that surround the BFMS also contain C. vellerosus and may provide an important habitat for the monkeys. Our objectives were to 1) determine the current population size and density of C. vellerosus at BFMS and in five surrounding fragments, 2) examine the differences in demographics between the fragments and BFMS, and 3) determine whether a relationship exists between population density and fragment size and isolation distance from BFMS. The census was a complete count and was conducted for 1 month (July 2003) by S.W. and trained research assistants. Seven census routes were walked simultaneously on 13 days. The 2003 population estimate of C. vellerosus at BFMS was 217-241 individuals (15 groups), a slight increase from the 2000 census. Numbers in the fragments (58-62, six groups) have remained stable since 1997, when the only other census of these fragments was conducted. Mean group size did not differ between the fragments and BFMS. Larger fragments had larger numbers of colobus, but there was no relationship between fragment size and colobus density. Isolation distance had no effect on population density. Our data suggest that colobus probably travel between fragments. Conservation efforts should focus on treating the small forests and their connecting areas as a single conservation unit.

Factors influencing male affiliation and coalitions in a species with male dispersal and intense male–male competition, Colobus vellerosus

“…They are mainly folivorous (annual diet: 74% leaves; and group sizes vary (range 9-38, mean 15.0, N = 15; Wong & Sicotte, 2006). C. vellerosus lives in bisexual groups that can be uni-male or multi-male with multiple females.…”

Test of the ecological‐constraints model on ursine colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus) in Ghana

“…This species is highly folivorous [diet: 79% leaf parts; Saj & Sicotte, 2007a], varies in group size [Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary (BFMS) range: 9-38, mean: 15.0, n 5 15; Wong & Sicotte, 2006], and shows male and female dispersal [Saj et al, 2007;Teichroeb et al, accepted]; group size thus could fluctuate in response to food availability. Saj and Sicotte [2007a,b] tested whether the observed social system of C. vellerosus could be inferred from the distribution of its food resources, and in doing so documented the occurrence of scramble competition and the apparent lack of contest competition for food.…”

The Role of Taboos in the Protection and Recovery of Sea Turtles

“…In this study, we see how informal and judicial law, the sacred and the secular, may work together to aid the protection of wildlife. This relationship is seen throughout Africa, and Ghana in particular, by which traditional sacred sites already delineated by spiritual law afford already judicially protected species within them refuge (Wong and Sicotte, 2006;Diawuo and Issifu, 2015). Indeed, governments often exploit long-established sacred delineations to create parks and reserves since the areas are often the few patches of habitat left intact and are therefore identifiable as in the greatest need for judicial aid (Msuya and Kideghesho, 2009;Jimoh et al, 2012).…”

“…In Nigeria for instance, each of the communities surrounding Cross River National Park maintains a sacred forest that protects many species of wildlife, but as Jimoh et al (2012) reports, the forests are protected for spiritual reasons not directly associated with conservation interests. A sacred grove between Boabeng and Fiema in central Ghana provides a sanctuary for Campbell's guenon, Cercopithecus campbelli, and ursine colobus, Collubus vellerosus (Wong and Sicotte, 2006;Arhin, 2008). These species are protected from hunting through an oral tradition that describes the monkeys as children of the gods Daworo and Abodwo.…”