Archived Abstracts
Behavioral responses of Cao Vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus) to variations in food abundance and temperature in Bangliang, Jingxi, China
Authors: Peng-fei Fan, Han-lan Fei, Chang-yong Ma
The Cao Vit gibbon is a critically endangered species with only about 110 individuals remaining in degraded karst forest along the China-Vietnam border. Gibbons mainly feed on ripe juicy fruit and prefer to live in primary ever-green broad-leaved forest. Behavioral data from this site are particularly useful in understanding gibbon behavioral adaptations to different sets of ecological conditions and will contribute to the conservation of the species. We studied seasonal variation in the time budget and diet of two Cao Vit gibbon groups between January and December 2009 in Bangliang, China. The gibbons increased time spent resting and huddled together in response to cold weather. Although the forest had been degraded by selective logging, collecting wood for fuel and charcoal, and agricultural encroachment prior to the time when the species was rediscovered in China, have had a negative important on the gibbons. However, plant diversity at the site remains high. 114 tree species and 51 species of woody lianas or epiphyte were recorded in 44 20×20m plots. Gibbons were found to selectively consume over 81 plant species. They spent more time feeding on fruit when fruit was more abundant suggesting that fruit was their preferred food. During months of fruit scarcity, Cao Vit gibbons supplemented their diet with leaves, buds, and invertebrates. We conclude that flexibility in consuming diverse food types and plant species, and in responding to the availability of preferred foods, has enabled the Cao Vit gibbon to survive in a degraded karst forest habitat.
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