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Wildcliff Nature Reserve
Dedicated to
plant and wildlife conservation in the Cape Floral Kingdom
Foraging
and Seed Dispersal Behavior of Chacma Baboons
Wildcliff hosts a
large troop of chacma baboons, Papio
ursinus. Upwards of 50 are regularly sighted, foraging and
cavorting together in the fields. These omnivorous animals consume
invertbrates, amphibians, and parts of the flowers of the native
fynbos. They also forage in the indigenous forests, and in the
extensive clusters of the invasive alien black wattle, Acacia mearnsii.
This study involves systematic monitoring of the foraging activities
and other
behavior of the Wildcliff chacma baboons, and sampling the baboon scat
for later analysis. The goal is to discover the extent to which the
baboons' eating habits are affected by, and influencing, the spread of
this invasive species. Knowledge of this behavior, and of seed
spreading and habitat aspects, will assist those seeking to eradicate
the alien trees. It will provide a benchmark for monitoring the spatial
and behavioral ecology of baboons before and after the black wattles
are cleared, at Wildcliff and elsewhere. A detailed description of the
study methodology and interim results is available upon request. Kindly
address enquiries to Dr. Ian Giddy (ian@wildcliff.org).
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Links & References
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