Global Journal of Science Frontier Research, D: Agriculture and Veterinary, Volume 21 Issue 7

Primate Population Census and Feeding Preference in Bagale Forest Reserve of Adamawa State, Nigeria Boni P. G. α , Yaduma, Z. B. σ , Lumbonyi, C. A ρ & Modu, M Ѡ Abstract- This study was carried out to determine the absolute densities and food preference of primate species in Bagale forest reserve of Adamawa State. The King Census model was used for determination of absolute densities while the frequencies of utilization of food materials was used to determine preference ranking. Result of the study indicate that absolute densities for Patas monkey ( Erythrocebus patas), Tantalus monkey ( Cerlopitecus tantalus) and Baboon (Papio anubis) were 0.28/km 2 , 0.21/km 2 and 0.07/km 2 respectively. Fruits of Vitex doniana, Anona senegelensis, Ziziphus maurit/ana and Detarium microcapum were found to be preferred by the primates in the study area. Keywords: primate, census, in-situ, reserve and preferences . I. I ntroduction here are three, known species of Primate in Bagale Forest reserve of Adamawa State. Patas monkey (Erythmcebus patas), Tantalus monkey (Cercopithecus tantalus) and Baboon (Papio anubis). Although they appear to be relatively abundant, there is no quantitative data available as to their status. Wild animals census particularly for in-situ conservation areas is very important. Dunn (1993) observed that for effective wildlife management in protected areas, policies must be based upon reliable and appropriate data. Mc Kinnon et al (1986), reported that the effective conservation of wild animal resources require the knowledge of what species occur within the conservation area, where and in what numbers as well as what are population trends over time? Primate census is also very important in that it provides useful information regarding the magnitude of local hunting pressure and the health status of the conservation area, Akosim (1997), reported that the flourish primates populations are usually indicators of general good health of the forest ecosystem. For example, if there is a full complement of species and the population density of each is high, then the hunting pressure can be said to be low and the conservation area to be in good health, on the other hand low population densities and local extinctions of some species are indications of high hunting pressure and the presence of other adverse conditions (Dost and Dandlot, 1990; Dunn 1992). However, it has been observed that increase human population has taken its toll on forest resources as a result of increase in demand for land for arable farming, logging for timber for construction of houses, road construction and urbanization. (Ijomah and Akosim 2000). This situation has led to serious increase into conservation area such forest and game reserve with the attendant depletion of wildlife resources including primates. Therefore the primate census of Bagale forest reserve would not only provide information on the status of the primate in the reserve but would also indicate the health status of the habitat. These information will serve as baseline data for the development strategies and for proper management of the habitat. Furthermore, knowledge of the food items preferred by the primate will also help to determine the overall management strategies that will ensure adequate cover and food for the primate. Primate population and food preference studies have not been carried out in Bagale forest reserve since its establishment, have the need for this study which aimed at determining the absolute density and food preference of the primate species in the study area. a) Factors that Determine Wildlife Population Piteka (2002) recorded that ecological factor such as competition affect the population size of animals while predators remove individuals from pray populations and may directly influence both survival and reproduction. The physical factors include temperature, rainfall, wind and relative humidity as observe by (Ijomaj and Akosim 2000). Seber (1999) listed some of the sociocultural factors affecting wildlife conservation in Nigeria to include the belief that wildlife resources is inexhaustible as well as lack of awareness of the benefit of conservation. b) Wildlife Population Census There are many reasons why wildlife population census are conducted. According to Dunn (1993) T 1 Global Journal of Science Frontier Research Volume XXI Issue VII Year 2021 27 ( D ) © 2021 Global Journals Version I Author α : Department of Forestry Technology, Adamawa State College of Agriculture Ganye. e-mail: peterboni333@ gmail.com Author σ ρ : Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, ModiboAdama University, Yola. Author Ѡ : Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Maiduguri. e-mail: peterboni333@ gmail.com