Monkeys and matrices: a second look

A recently proposed model of competition was claimed to have predicted accurately the independently estimated densities of four sympatric primates in Kibale Forest, Uganda. The validity of one of the key assumptions of the model, the assumption of comparable land tenure systems, is examined here. Results show that when deviation from the assumption of comparable land tenure systems is accounted for, the model fails to predict Kibale primate densities. Possible reasons for model failure are discussed, and it is concluded that despite model failure when applied to the specific case of Kibale primates, the model remains a valuable heuristic tool.