Analysis of seasonal variation in dietary composition and behaviour of wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in two habitats of different human influence around windhoek, central Namibia
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Diet composition of an organism gives a holistic picture of what an organism forages on in
its environment to maximize energy intake for all its essential activities that contribute to
survival and successful reproduction. Chacma baboons have the ability to modify their
broad omnivorous diet and behavior under changing environmental and climatic
conditions. However, the ever-increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures on
baboon populations are likely to affect both the diet composition and foraging behavior of
these animals. Moreover, Namibia being one of the driest countries in the Sub Saharan
Africa, and coupled with accelerated anthropogenic changes, baboon populations,
especially those thriving in and around the city of Windhoek are facing constant threats of
habitat destruction and fragmentation due to the rapid expansion of the city and are under
pressure to adapt to these changes in order to survive. With limited research carried out on
primates in the central highlands of Namibia, this study was carried out in an effort to
bridge the knowledge gap and obtain insight into the influence humans have on the ecology
of these primates around the city of Windhoek. The study investigated the activity budget
and diet of the baboons using data collected from two contrasting habitats (Dobra and farm
Krumhuk) that are influenced by human activities. A total of 166 baboons were observed
during 2 seasons (wet & dry) at two sites using a focal animal method. Forty-nine (49) scat
samples were collected between the seasons, separated in the laboratory, weighed, and
placed into four categories (fruits and seeds, roots, stems, and leaves, invertebrates, and
others). Results showed that baboons consumed plant materials more than any other food
type and that they maintained their diet profile across the seasons. Furthermore, their
behavior was found to be reactional to seasonal changes. The study further confirmed the
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broad diet and selectivity that exists in the so-called “generalist diet” of these well documented old-world monkeys while also providing an alternative method to enhance
scat analysis techniques in the laboratory. The study noted that the human-disposed food
waste, stable and constant water supply, preserved wild flora and minimal disturbance
regimes around human settlements, all contribute to increased contact with humans
Description
A Mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in biodiversity management
Keywords
Activity budget, Dry season, Wet season, Raiding, Namibia