Ecological Relations and Niche Separation between Sympatric Terrestrial Primates in Ethiopia

Abstract

Theropithecus gelada, Papio anubis and Cercopithecus aethiops are commonly sympatric in Ethiopia. It is suggested that niche separation would be more marked among terrestrial open country species than among forest primates. The ecological relationships between these three species in an Ethiopian valley where they coexist are analysed. Quantitative data are presented on density and biomass, size of home ranges and day ranges, activity patterns, use of habitat, diet and feeding patterns and on interspecific interactions. These are compared across the species to determine to what extent ecological competition could occur and in what ways it is reduced. The data are discussed with reference to studies of forest primate communities where niche overlap has commonly been reported.

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