The feeding pattern and activity budget of black and white colobus monkeys (colobus guereza) in Budongo Central Forest Reserve, Uganda.

Abstract

This study was on the feeding patterns and activity budget of black and white colobus monkeys in the N3 Compartment of Budongo Central Forest Reserve (CFR), western Uganda. The main aim was to document the environmental adaptation of black- and-white colobus monkeys in Budongo CFR. The study was conducted in January 2025. The objectives of the study were: (i) to examine the plant species and parts eaten by these primates; (ii) to compare their feeding time with other activities (resting, socializing, and moving); and (iii) to evaluate the influence of habitat type on diet composition and activity budget of black and white colobus monkeys. Scan sampling method was used to collect data on the activities and the foraging habits of these primates. Their diet was composed of 17 plant species belonging to eight families, with items including leaves, flowers, and fruits. Leaves contributed the largest to the diet of C. guereza (42.2%), flowers (38.4%) and fruits contributed (19.5%). The highest contribution of the diet was from the family Apocynaceae (42%), followed by Ulmaceae and Moraceae, contributing 23.5% and 20.7% respectively of the diet. The most consumed plant species included Alstonia boonie (flowers), Ficus variifolia (leaves), Celtis zenkeri (fruits and leaves), and Antiaris toxicaria (fruits). Resting, feeding, moving, and socializing accounted for 36.3%, 20.1%, 23.6%, and 20% of the activity budget, respectively. These primates spent most of their time resting, especially during the hot afternoons, while feeding occurred more frequently in the mornings and late evenings. The results of this study will aid in sound management of the black and white colobus monkeys in the study area and elsewhere. This study proposes that to maintain the sustainable conservation of these primates in their habitat, appropriate strategies like conservation and restoration of plant species most fed on by these primates as well as creation of a conservation plan for proper forest and primate management, should be implemented to protect these primates.