Feeding Ecology of Primates in Southern Sector of Gashaka-Gumti National Park (Filinga Range), Taraba State, Nigeria

Primates along with many other animal taxa are forced to cope with large shifts in basic ecological conditions because of rapid anthropogenically induced changes of their habitats. One of the coping strategies for primates is to adjust their diet to these changes. Little is known, however, about primates feeding ecology in fragmented habitats and many species remain studied. The feeding ecology of primates in Gashaka-Gumti National park, Taraba State, Nigeria particularly in Filinga range was studied for six weeks. Direct observation along predetermined transects with the aid of binoculars was used in data collection. The visits were made between 06.00 h – 11.00 h and the evening 15.00 h – 18.00 h in the park. Data were collected from the plants species the primates fed upon. Five species of primates were identified, Papio anubis, Cercopithecus aethiops tantalus, Colobus gureza, Cercopithecus nictans and Cercopithecus mona respectively. Diurnal, arboreal and grouping were observed as feeding behaviour exhibited by the identified primates. The result revealed that primates feed on wide variety of plants with preference for Landolphia owariensis followed by Anogeissus leiocarpus respectively. Each primate displayed a level of selectivity and utilization of the plant species used as food source. Both Baboon and Tantalus monkey utilized Elaeis guineensis most (34.9%, 26.7%) with Vitex doniana and Brachystegia eurycoma being least (5.8%, 5.0%) utilizes. Mona monkey, Black and White Colobus both utilizes Anogeissus leiocarpus most (51.4%, 15.7%) and the least was Landolphia owariensis (10.8%) and Parkia biglobosa (5.1%) respectively. Putty-nosed monkey utilized Landolphia owariensis most (49.2%) and Erythrophleum suaveolens least (34.3%). Black and White Colobus showed a wide selection of food sources, feeding on ten out of fifteen plant species identified, including (Landolphia owariensis) fruits. Mona monkey on the other hand showed a high selectivity, feeding on four out of the total plants species utilized. Primate’s species were observed to feed mostly on leaves and fruits. Conservation and proper management of the range condition of the park should be encouraged to enhance proper co-existence between flora community and fauna species of the area.