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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
08:20
A Method for Quantifying Foliage-Dwelling Arthropods
Published on: October 20, 2019
Understanding long-term primate community dynamics: implications of forest change
Colin A Chapman1, Thomas T Struhsaker, Joseph P Skorupa
1McGill School of Environment, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2T7. colin.chapman@mcgill.ca
Summary
Long-term primate population data reveals complex responses to habitat changes in Uganda. Some species declined despite stable food, while others thrived unexpectedly, suggesting nonequilibrium states require large protected areas.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Primatology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Population declines are often driven by complex interactions between environmental and biotic factors.
- Long-term data is crucial for understanding these dynamics, particularly for long-lived species like large mammals.
- Habitat disturbance can significantly impact species persistence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the causes of primate group density changes in Kibale National Park, Uganda.
- To link population dynamics to habitat structure and food availability over 26-36 years.
- To investigate the impact of varying habitat disturbance intensities on primate populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 26-36 years of population and habitat data.
- Calculated primate group density using line transect data.
- Quantified changes in habitat structure (cumulative diameter at breast height [dbh]) and food availability (cumulative dbh of food trees).
- Assessed changes in food nutritional quality for one species.
Main Results:
- Mangabey and black-and-white colobus group densities increased; blue monkeys declined; redtails and red colobus remained stable.
- Blue monkey and mangabey group densities changed despite no significant changes in food availability.
- Black-and-white colobus group density increased even with decreased food availability in unlogged forests.
- Red colobus group density remained stable despite increasing food availability and quality in logged areas.
Conclusions:
- Primate populations in Kibale National Park appear to be in nonequilibrium states.
- Species' responses to habitat changes are complex and not solely driven by food availability.
- Large, interconnected protected areas are necessary to buffer against localized population declines through regional compensation.
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