The Ecology of Lowe’s Monkey (Cercopithecus Campbelli Lowei) in Kakum Conservation Area, Ghana

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.