Population structure, feeding ecology and human-grivet monkeys conflict at Bahir Dar University Main Campus, Bahir Dar

Abstract

Studies on population structure, feeding ecology and human - grivet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) conflict were carried out at Bahir Dar University (BDU) main campus in 2008 and 2009. A total of 44 individuals were organized in one troop consisting of 11 adult males, 16 adult females, 13 sub-adults/juveniles and 4 infants. The population structure of grivet monkeys showed that there was multi - male multi - female social organization with the ratio of 1:1.45 adult males to adult females. Grivet monkeys spent most of their time (43.30%) foraging on garbage deposited at the campus. In the wild, they spent 39.18% of their time foraging on fruits and 2.06% was spent foraging on flowers. Human-grivet monkey conflict was observed at the campus. Grivets steal food, destroy materials, damage crops, vegetables and fruits. Consequently, people (especially the youngsters) try to kill them. Awareness creation of the residents about wildlife is necessary and people should understand the role of grivet monkeys in the ecosystem at large.

Keywords/phrases: Conflict, Grivet monkey, Population structure, Troop

Ethiop. J. Biol. Sci., 9(1): 35-47, 2010