Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

DIET AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR OF GELADAS (THEROPITHECUS GELADA) AT THE GICH AREA OF THE SIMIEN MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK, ETHIOPIA

Cherkos Woldegeorgis & Afework Bekele

The diet and feeding behaviour of geladas was studied at the Gich area of the Simien Mountains National Park from May 2013 to April 2014. The area is cold and wet, which is dominated by Afroalpine grasses and the endemic giant Lobelia rhynchopetalum. Data were collected during ten consecutive days each month for a year using continuous focal animal scan sampling method. Geladas fed on 27 different species of plants during the course of the study. The number of food plant species varied markedly between seasons, with dietary diversity being significantly more during the dry season. Grass blades formed a major dietary constituent throughout the year, contributing more than 78% of the feeding records.

Published Date: 2014-12-25;