Variation in monthly and seasonal elevation use impacts behavioral and dietary flexibility in Rhinopithecus bieti

Area of Science:

• Primate Ecology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys (Rhinopithecus bieti) inhabit high-elevation, seasonal environments.
• Their survival depends on behavioral and dietary flexibility, but how elevation impacts this is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of elevation on the feeding behavior and diet of Rhinopithecus bieti.
• To understand monthly and seasonal variations in elevation use and dietary flexibility.

Main Methods:

• Field study of an isolated Rhinopithecus bieti population at Mt. Lasha, China (May 2008–August 2016).
• Monitoring of elevation use (3031–3637 m amsl) and feeding behavior across months and seasons.

Main Results:

• Monkeys used less feeding time at higher elevations, contrary to expectations.
• Lichen consumption correlated with elevation use year-round; leaf consumption correlated only in spring.
• Elevation use variation was explained by seasonal changes in lichen and leaf consumption.

Conclusions:

• Rhinopithecus bieti do not maximize food intake at higher elevations.
• Dietary flexibility, particularly lichen and leaf consumption, drives seasonal elevation use.
• Findings inform conservation strategies for Rhinopithecus bieti habitats facing environmental change.