Ranging Patterns of Critically Endangered Colobine,Presbytis chrysomelas chrysomelas

Abstract

Presbytis chrysomelas chrysomelasendemic only in Sarawak and Kalimantan was categorized by IUCN as a critically endangered primate that require special attention from research and conservation perspectives. A qualitative study on ranging patterns ofP. c. chrysomelaswas conducted in the Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarawak. The study was conducted over a period of 13 months from December 2004 to December 2005 with 213 days of observation. Behavioural observation covered 17 groups with special emphasis on two main groups and 1 subadult group. Scanning and focal sampling were employed as the observation methods. Results indicated thatP. c. chrysomelashad vertical, straight horizontal, and cross-horizontal types of movement patterns.P. c. chrysomelaswas recorded to have a short movement distance (31.8–54.3 m). Distribution, abundance types, and food resources might be the factors that shaped the patterns of movement and distance inP. c. chrysomelas.