A survey of population and habitat of the barbary macaque macaca sylvanus L. in North Morocco

Abstract

A three-month survey, including systematic censusing of Barbary macaque populations in the Djebala region of North West Morocco, was conducted in 1980. Primary objectives included the assessment of the status of natural populations, and of habitat and anthropogenic factors affecting population sizes and densities. Data were collected on group size, composition and stability of monkey groups within four habitat types (coniferous forests, mixed oak forests, low and high matorral) in five main localities where the monkey was known to exist.Estimated monkey densities and population sizes varied between areas and habitats from 0·37 to 3·38 animals km−2 and from 12 to 254 monkeys respectively. The highest figures were obtained for the fir forest surrounding Djevel Lakraa. A total maximum population of 383 was estimated for the entire study area. This figure indicates that the species is more abundant than had been suspected before. However, the monkey populations in the Djebala are very depressed when compared with those on the Middle Atlas and Algeria. Unless conservation measures are implemented immediately both to protect and to manage the most suitable habitats, the Barbary macaque in the Rif risks extinction in the near future. Two areas of forest, on Djebel Bouhassim (cork and Portuguese oak) and on Djebel Lakraa (fir) are recommended as Nature Reserves.