The Red Colobus Monkeys: Variation in Demography, Behavior, and Ecology of Endangered Species

ISBN-13: 9780198529583 / Angielski / Twarda / 2010 / 376 str.

Thomas T. Struhsaker

Opis

Based on field studies spanning nearly 40 years, this reference book summarizes and integrates past research with new and previously unpublished information on the behavioral ecology of Africa's red colobus monkeys from study sites as diverse as Senegal, Uganda and Zanzibar. It provides an unparalleled compilation of information on taxonomy, genetics, vocalizations, demography, social organization, dispersal, social behavior, reproduction, mortality factors, diet, ranging patterns, interspecific relations, and conservation. Social relationships in red colobus are less rigidly structured than in other African monkeys, resulting in considerable variation in social organization and group composition, both within and between taxa. This provides a unique opportunity to examine the extent to which social variables correlate with differences in habitat quality, demography, and predation by chimpanzees and humans. Unfortunately, at least half of the 18 taxa of red colobus are now threatened with extinction. Conservation problems are described, causal factors identified, and solutions proposed. This volume is intended not only to serve as a reference book, but to stimulate and guide future long-term research and to encourage effective conservation action.

O autorze

Thomas T. Struhsaker began his research in Africa in 1962 with a study of the behavioural ecology of vervet monkeys. Since then he has conducted biological field studies in 13 African nations and numerous countries in Latin America and Asia. From 1970 until 1988 he established, developed, and managed the field research station in Kibale, Uganda. His lobbying efforts in collaboration with many others eventually resulted in the creation of the Kibale National Park. Working in collaboration with numerous colleagues, he helped establish research and conservation programs of red Colobus, other primates, and forest ecology at 3 other important sites in East Africa: Tana River, Kenya; Jozani, Zanzibar; and the Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania. His publications include two books: The Red Colobus Monkey (1975) and Ecology of an African Rain Forest (1997), and numerous scientific and popular articles and technical reports on ecology, conservation, and animal behaviour.