Related Experiment Videos
Urban primate ranging patterns: GPS-collar deployments for Macaca fascicularis and M. sylvanus
Amy R Klegarth1,2, Hope Hollocher1, Lisa Jones-Engel3
1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
American Journal of Primatology
|April 19, 2017
Summary
Urban primate ranging patterns vary significantly based on access to human food resources. This study reveals how urbanization impacts macaque behavior and spatial ecology in cities.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Urban Ecology
- Primate Behavior
Background:
- Increasing urbanization leads to greater human-wildlife interaction.
- Understanding urban primate ranging patterns is crucial for conservation.
- Limited research exists on primate spatial ecology in urban environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of urbanization on primate ranging patterns.
- To analyze long-term GPS collar data from urban macaques in Singapore and Gibraltar.
- To identify factors influencing variability in urban primate spatial behavior.
Main Methods:
- Long-term deployment of multiple GPS collars on two macaque species.
- Collection and analysis of high-quality GPS tracking data.
- Comparison of ranging patterns based on food resource availability and tourism.
Main Results:
- High individual variability in ranging patterns observed within species.
- Less access to human food correlated with larger home and day ranges.
- Seasonal variations in daily path length and range size were significant for both species.
- No relationship found between anthropogenic schedules and ranging pattern changes.
Conclusions:
- Behavioral plasticity in macaques is evident in urban ranging patterns.
- Human food resources and tourism significantly influence urban primate spatial ecology.
- Urban environments present unique challenges and opportunities for primate adaptation.