Altitudinal ranging of the Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi): Patterns of habitat selection and habitat use

Abstract

Between September 2011 and August 2013, we studied patterns of habitat selection and habitat use in the Guizhou golden monkey (Rhinopithecus brelichi) at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve, China. the monkeys ranged across elevations between 1432 and 2100 m. Within this altitudinal range we recorded 125 genera, 72 families, and 236 tree and vine species. From these, the Guizhou golden monkey was observe to consume food items from 104 species, 51 genera, and 31 plant families. Individual food species exploited by the monkeys varied significantly across seasons and by altitude. From October to March (Spring/Winter), the monkeys foraged across their entire 700 m elevation range. From April to September, however, individuals primarily restricted their activities to a narrow zone of between 1,700 m and 1,900 m. Our data indicate that seasonal changes in the Guizhou golden monkey dietary and ranging behavior are attributable to habitat and altitudinal specific differences in the availability of plant foods. The fact that the Guizhou golden monkey actively targets common plant foods appears to represent a low energy foraging strategy designed to minimize search time and travel. Finally, due to their ranging pattern associated with habitat specificity, all of the remaining forested habitat between 1432 and 2100 m should be protected.