Diet composition and diurnal activity patterns of gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada)

Abstract

AbstractGelada baboons (Theropithecus gelada) are the only surviving species of the genus Theropithecus and endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia. The present study deals with feeding ecology and diurnal activity patterns of gelada (T. gelada) in Wof‐Washa Forest, central Ethiopia. It was conducted from September 2016 to August 2017. Focal sampling technique for 10 min observation was employed to study the feeding ecology. Type of plant species consumed and parts eaten by gelada were recorded using binoculars during dry and wet seasons. On the other hand, data on diurnal activity patterns were collected using scan sampling technique. The activity patterns of bands under study were quantified by scanning at every 15‐min interval from 06:00 to 18:00 h. A total of 11 plant species that belong to 10 families were foraged by gelada during the wet and dry seasons. Grass was the main food source for geladas that contributed about 81% and 68% of their diet during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, while Thymus schimperi was the least consumed plant species during both wet (0.5%) and dry (1%) seasons. Grass blades were the most preferable food items by almost all age and sex categories. Daily activities of gelada were mainly dominated by feeding during both seasons. Geladas spent 58% of their time on foraging activity during the wet season and 67.2% of their time spent during the dry season. Geladas mainly depend on grasses for their diet in the study area. Therefore, to implement successful management and conservation of the species, the area needs to be properly protected.