Documentation of plant species eaten by black and white colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) in Kibale Forest National Park

Abstract

During January 2020, observations were made on the plant foods, plant parts, activity budget and food habitats of black and white colobus monkeys in the Kibale Forest National Park (KFNP). The black and white colobus monkeys (BWCM) of the KFNP spent 20% of their daytime feeding and their diet comprised 26 plant species / items (including soil) of which 95% were trees. BWCM spent most of their feeding time on Celtis durandii and Prunus africana trees. Black and white colobus monkeys fed mostly on leaves (80%), favoring young leaves. The monkeys spent much of their time resting 43% as compared to activities such as travelling, feeding, socializing and other activities like self-grooming. Logged areas (48%) provided the majority of food for the black and white colobus monkeys and were also habitats with the highest human interference in the past. Past forest management plans did not consider black and white colobus food trees, most were considered timber species. We conclude that the long term survival of the black and white colobus monkeys of KFNP requires implementation of management plans based on conservation and re - afforestation of food trees.