1 research outputs found
Seasonal variation in plants consumption pattern by foraging Olive Baboons ( Papio anubis . Lesson, 1827) inside Kainji Lake National Park, Nigeria
This study which lasted for eight (8) months in 2011, covering the
period of dry and wet seasons examined seasonal plant species consumed
by foraging Olive baboon ( Papio anubis ) inside Kainji Lake National
Park, Nigeria. Data were collected in the morning between 8.00am -
12.00pm and in the evening between 2.00pm - 6:00pm. Plant species and
their parts eaten were monitored and identified through direct
observation and faecal analysis. It was observed that seven plants
species ( Andropogon gayanus , Strychnos spinosa , Nuclear latifiora,
Vitelaria paradoxa , Ficus sycomorus , Annona senegalensis and
Tamarindus indica ) were consumed in the wet season with 303 feeding
events while ten plants species ( Detarium macrocarpum , Gardenia
sotoemsis, Parkia biglobosa , Piliostigma thonningii , Pterocarpus
erinaceus , Prosopis africana , Ficus sycomorus , Xamenia americana,
Annona senegalensis and Vitex doniana) were consumed during the dry
season with 315 feeding events. The feeding pattern shows that plants
with higher nutritional quality were often consumed. Seasonal variation
showed slight disparity in the nutrient composition of the identified
plants. It was concluded that seasonal variations do affect the plants
consumption pattern of foraging Olive baboon and that exsitu
conservation of these plants is imperative for sustainable captive
management of Olive baboon