Abstract
The influence of ecological factors on the behavioral pattern in animals is attracting research interest, particularly for drill monkeys. The aim of this study was to check if ecological changes influence behavior of captive drill monkeys. The study was carried out in Limbe Wildlife Center (LWC) from May 15th 2016 to August 15th 2016 while scan and focal samples were collected in mixed strategy. Continuous sampling started from 6:00 in the morning and ended at 6:30 in the evening, where the following behavioral categories were recorded: feeding, foraging, movement, resting, socialization, grooming, play, aggression and vocalization. Simultaneously, data were recorded on weather changes. Data analysis in this survey comprised of the descriptive and inferential statistics. The study showed a significant difference for the daily activity at different time ranges (X2=172.282 df =24 P<0.05). There was no significance between 6:8.59 am to 12:2.59 pm for foraging (X2=0.103 df =1 P=0.749). In addition, there was significance on foraging from 12 am to 2.59 pm and 3 to 6:30 pm (X2=9.607 df =1 P<0.002). The drills spent more time resting between 6 to 8.59 am and 12 to 2.59 pm (X2=6.164 df =1 P<0.013). There is a significance for feeding between 6 to 8.59 am and 3 to 6.30 pm for (X2=85.63 df =1 P<0.05). The results show that the drills spent more time feeding in the morning period than in the evening period of the day, but correlated with foraging behavior. There is a positive correlation between resting and weather changes (rain and sun) R2=0.11 P<0.05. All the age sex class categories spent less time foraging. (X2=12 df =1 P<0.05) is for time resting during the wet and (X2= 94.6 df=1 P<0.05) for sunny weather. This study revealed that ecological factors like weather and photo-period influence the behavior of drill monkeys in captivity. Key words: Weather changes, wildlife, vocalization, habitat, behavior.
Highlights
The behavioral study in wildlife is a key element for proper management and conservation purposes in captivity
Studies of behavioral ecology can provide significant contributions to conservation through evolutionary and ecological perspectives of how animals adapt to their environment (Krebs and Davies, 1993)
The main aim of this study is to find evidence on, the roles that these two environmental variables may play on the activity budget of the drill monkeys in Limbe Wildlife Center, Moreso
Summary
The behavioral study in wildlife is a key element for proper management and conservation purposes in captivity. It plays an eminent role in understanding both the causes and solutions to threaten species (Eadie et al, 1998). Captive studies can aid in understanding aspects of species-specific behavior, especially when behaviors are difficult to observe in the wild. Zoos provide advantages to researchers by allowing longitudinal studies of behavior and reproduction, as well as opportunities for gathering data on all aspects of life history (Hardy, 1996). More so, preserving the behavioral and developmental diversity of animals maintained in captivity allows zoos to achieve their full potential in conservation. Captive propagation efforts and reintroduction programs in particular are dependent on captive animals, exhibiting normal reproductive and behavioral repertoires
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