Assessment of seasonal variation in guenon species in the Coastal Region of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed the seasonal shifts in the species composition of the guenons in the coastal rainforest habitat of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Twelve  locations were chosen using the point survey method of sampling. The data from the survey was analysed using descriptive statistics such as means, bar  charts, and the T-test was employed to differentiate across groups of means. The results showed that guenon species were present in 10 of the forest  patches, with the exception of the Ekiebong and Esukudo patches, at a mean seasonal animal-observer distance of 183m and 251m for the wet and dry  seasons respectively, although these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). A total of 224 individuals were encountered during the wet  season, with C. mona being the most numerous species (188 total individuals), followed by C. sclateri (21) and C. ascanus (13). Udimebe and Oduo  patches with 32 individuals (C. mona only) had the highest population, followed by Offiuda with 25 individuals (3 species). Mean species occurrence in the  wet season showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between C. mona and other species. Dry season had 95 individuals encounter, with C. mona  being the most numerous species. C. mona was the most abundant Guenon species (275), and it differed significantly (p<0.05) from C. ascanius (0.74) and  C. sclateri (1.09). However, there was no statistically significant difference (t = 0.286, p > 0.05, df = 2) in the total number of guenons seen during the  dry season (95, 31.66) and the wet season (224, 74.00). Based on a comparison of the two seasons, zone B had more guenons (130) than Zone A (94)  although not significantly different (t = 0.116, p > 0.05, df = 2). Therefore, the study confirms the presence of guenon population in the coastal areas of  Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Strong monitoring and management procedures are recommended to ensure adequate conservation of these guenon species