Preliminary Studies on Population Status of Mona Monkey (<i>Cercopithecus Mona</i>) in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, Cross River State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Preliminary study on the population status of mona monkeys (<i>Cercopithecus mona</i>) was conducted in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) in April (wet season) and December (dry season) of 2014. Data were collected from 20 transects randomly selected from the Northern Sector (12 transects) and Southern Sector (8 transects) using the systematic segmented trackline sampling option. Data generated were analysed with density equation (D) and chi-square (&chi;²) statistical analysis at 5% level of significance. Population parameters assessed are troop density and troop size. Wet season troop densities for the Northern Sector, Southern Sector and entire sanctuary were 8.69&plusmn;1.80, 7.71&plusmn;1.93 and 8.20&plusmn;1.87 troops/km² respectively. Troop sizes recorded were 4.44&plusmn;0.30, 3.80&plusmn;0.36 and 4.12&plusmn;0.33 individuals/troop for the Northern Sector, Southern Sector and entire sanctuary respectively for the same season. Dry season troop densities of 7.80&plusmn;0.23, 6.66&plusmn;2.04 and 7.23&plusmn;1.14 troops/km² were also obtained for the Northern Sector, Southern Sector and entire sanctuary respectively. Within the same period, the values for troop sizes (individuals/troop) were 3.16&plusmn;0.91 (Northern Sector), 3.20&plusmn;3.30 (Southern Sector) and 3.18&plusmn;0.61 (entire sanctuary). There is no significant difference (p>0.05) between the wet and dry seasons as well as between the Northern and Southern Sectors in relation to troop sizes and troop densities. The AMWS habours a high population of <i>Cercopithecus mona</i> as indicated in this study. It is recommended that regular population census should be conducted to ascertain more population parameters for effective conservation of the species.