Ranging patterns and foraging patch utilization of Assamese macaques inhabiting limestone forests in southwest Guangxi, China

Abstract

To understand primates' behavioral responses and adaptations to the changing environment, ranging pattern and foraging patch utilization data are crucial. We studied the ranging behavior and foraging patch utilization of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) in the limestone forest of Nonggang National Nature Reserve, southwest Guangxi, China, using the grid cell method, from September 2012 to August 2013. Our results showed that Assamese macaques in the limestone forest traveled 816.7 ± 118.4 m/day, occupied a home range of 50.5 ha, and selected 40.5 ha as a foraging patch. Moreover, the food resource distribution and dietary composition were determinates shaping their ranging behavior in the forest. We found seasonal variations in the macaques’ ranging pattern; the daily travel distance in the fruit-rich season was longer than that in the fruit-lean season. Moreover, daily travel distance was positively correlated with fruit and young leaf consumptions. Seasonal variations in the size or usage of home ranges or foraging patches were not detected. The number of the most important food species, Bonia saxatilis, a karst-endemic in the major foraging patches, was higher than that in less frequently used ones (namely non-major foraging patches). These results imply that Assamese macaques living in the limestone forest maintain a small home range size and short daily travel distance and focus on the patches containing large amounts of B. saxatilis. This behavioral strategy contributes toward minimizing energy expenditure and maximizing foraging benefits, in turn assisting survival in the limestone forest.