Monkeys and matrices: a second look.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Primate Behavioral Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• A competition model was proposed to predict primate densities.
• The model's accuracy was previously claimed for Kibale Forest primate populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the validity of the comparable land tenure systems assumption in the competition model.
• To reassess the model's predictive power for Kibale primate densities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of land tenure systems of four sympatric primates in Kibale Forest.
• Statistical evaluation of the competition model's predictions with and without accounting for land tenure variations.

Main Results:

• The assumption of comparable land tenure systems was found to be invalid for Kibale primates.
• When land tenure deviations were considered, the competition model failed to accurately predict primate densities.

Conclusions:

• The competition model's predictive accuracy for Kibale primates is compromised by the violation of the land tenure assumption.
• Despite this specific failure, the model retains value as a heuristic tool in ecological studies.