Abstract:
The ecology of Lowe’s monkey (Cercopithecus campbelli lowei) was
investigated at Kakum Conservation Area of Ghana in both dry and wet seasons in
2009 and 2010. Analysis of satellite images and field survey was done to evaluate
the dynamics in canopy coverage, species density and composition of the
living components were determined. Foraging and feeding behavior were studied
plus proximate analyses of three fruits consumed by the monkeys were determined
by ‘ Weende system of Analysis’.
The number of tree species enumerated was 97, distributed from 37 to 92
trees per 0.20 ha in eight sampled areas. The mean density of Lowe’s monkey was
found to be 0.99 and 1.07 per km in the wet and dry seasons respectively. With
reference to the implementation of conservation practices in 1993, the average
density of the Lowe’s monkeys has increased from 0.31 to 1.03 with an average
group size of 10.2 in the wet season while in the dry season the mean group size
was 11.8. Proximate analysis of three fruits found to be commonly consumed by
Lowe’s monkey indicated high carbohydrate (Maize = 67%, Banana = 75%,
Spondias 66%) and moisture (Maize = 8%, Banana = 14%, Spondias = 16%)
contents.
Hunting which could negatively affect the population of monkeys has
largely been controlled in the Kakum Conservation Area in recent times. The
Lowe’s monkey should be promoted as an icon species for it to get conservation,
political and public attention and so as to save their populations from collapse.
