Ecology, nutrition, and timing of reproductive events in an Asian primate, the Hanuman langur (Presbytis entellus)

Abstract

Ecological conditions, feeding and ranging behaviour as well as physical condition of female Hanuman langurs (Presbytis entellus) were studied in order to analyse the major influences on the timing of reproductive events. The langurs inhabited a semi‐evergreen forest dominated by Sal trees (Skorea robusta). The climate was dominated by the summer monsoon lasting from May to September. Availability of plant phytophases was markedly seasonal, with fruiting as well as flushing of the six main food plants during the monsoon. Feeding and ranging behaviour of the females varied with food availability and its distribution. High dietary quality was only obtained during a short period from May to July. Physical condition of the females varied in accordance with dietary quality and energy expenditure, with a good physical condition during the second half of the year. Births occurred from January until June, with most births around the energetically worst period of the year. The results indicate that, in contrast to several other non‐human primates, most females of this population gave birth too early to meet the optimum lactation requirements. Complete weaning mainly took place during an energetically bad time of the year (October to December). However, it can be inferred that the reduction of suckling bouts prior to the next conception took place when high quality food was available. Conceptions were confined to the months of July to November, coinciding with the time of best physical condition. Moreover, females who conceived were in a better physical condition than those who failed to conceive, suggesting a primary influence of nutrition on the probability of conception. Seasonality and timing of births may be the result of a regular seasonal shortfall of resources influencing the ability of the females to ovulate and to conceive.