Analysis of seasonal variation in dietary composition and behaviour of wild chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in two habitats of different human influence around windhoek, central Namibia

A Mini thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in biodiversity management

Diet composition of an organism gives a holistic picture of what an organism forages on in its environment to maximize energy intake for all its essential activities that contribute to survival and successful reproduction. Chacma baboons have the ability to modify their broad omnivorous diet and behavior under changing environmental and climatic conditions. However, the ever-increasing environmental and anthropogenic pressures on baboon populations are likely to affect both the diet composition and foraging behavior of these animals. Moreover, Namibia being one of the driest countries in the Sub Saharan Africa, and coupled with accelerated anthropogenic changes, baboon populations, especially those thriving in and around the city of Windhoek are facing constant threats of habitat destruction and fragmentation due to the rapid expansion of the city and are under pressure to adapt to these changes in order to survive. With limited research carried out on primates in the central highlands of Namibia, this study was carried out in an effort to bridge the knowledge gap and obtain insight into the influence humans have on the ecology of these primates around the city of Windhoek. The study investigated the activity budget and diet of the baboons using data collected from two contrasting habitats (Dobra and farm Krumhuk) that are influenced by human activities. A total of 166 baboons were observed during 2 seasons (wet & dry) at two sites using a focal animal method. Forty-nine (49) scat samples were collected between the seasons, separated in the laboratory, weighed, and placed into four categories (fruits and seeds, roots, stems, and leaves, invertebrates, and others). Results showed that baboons consumed plant materials more than any other food type and that they maintained their diet profile across the seasons. Furthermore, their behavior was found to be reactional to seasonal changes. The study further confirmed the ii broad diet and selectivity that exists in the so-called “generalist diet” of these well documented old-world monkeys while also providing an alternative method to enhance scat analysis techniques in the laboratory. The study noted that the human-disposed food waste, stable and constant water supply, preserved wild flora and minimal disturbance regimes around human settlements, all contribute to increased contact with humans