Abstract:
Habitat loss is the major threat to primates. In areas that have been heavily deforested, it is vital to document the population abundance and behavioral ecology of primates to inform conservation actions. This study was conducted to examine the population size, diurnal activity pattern and diet of black-and-white colobus monkey (Colobus guereza) as well as human-primate conflict in Kurib Forest, Awi Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia. The study was carried out from August 2023 to February 2024 which includes both the wet and dry seasons. Population size data were collected using total count method, while diurnal activity pattern and diet data of black-and-white colobus monkey were collected using scan sampling method in 15 minutes intervals. The extent of human-primate conflict data was collected using questionnaire and focus group discussion method. The total population of colobus monkeys in the study area was 135, with 129 recorded in the dry season and 141 in the wet season. Of this total population, 36 (26.6%), were adult males, 40.1 (29.7 %), adult females 30 (22.2%) Juveniles and Infants 28.9(21.4%) and Colobus monkey spent time 30.05 % for resting, 24.03% feeding, 16.56% moving, 16.31% grooming, 5.29% playing, 4.2% for aggression and 3.53% other activities. A total of 6234 diet records were obtained from scan sampling of the study groups. 3412 records were recorded during the dry season and 2822 records were during the wet season). From both seasons, young leaf contributed the most edible food items (34.55%). Matured leaf contributed (25.23 %) of the food items, Shoot contributed (20.17%), fruit (18.9%) and other (1.07%). A total of 16 plant species were consumed by colobus monkey in the study area. There was human-primate conflict in the Kurib Forest as the result of crop damage. Consequently primates were killed in response to crop damage. Habitat fragmentation and degradation are the main threats to primate survival. There is a need to protect the forest in order to ensure sustainable conservation of biodiversity in general and primates in particular. Educating the residents about wildlife and their habitat is necessary, and people should understand the impact of deforestation, overgrazing and hunting and the role of primates in the ecosystem at large.