POPULATION DENSITY AND STRUCTURE OF THE RED-EARED GUENON (CERCOPITHECUS ERYTHROTIS CAMERUNENSIS) IN AFI MOUNTAIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (AMWS), NIGERIA

Abstract

An estimate of Red-eared guenon’s population density and structure was carried out in Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS), Cross River State, Nigeria. Line transect method of data collection was used to conduct census. The study was conducted to determine the population density and structure of Red-eared monkeys. Census was conducted in the two sectors of the sanctuary using Ten transects (1.0km length, 0.02km width) and spaced at an interval of 0.5km. Direct method of animal sighting was used. Population density of Red-eared monkeys in the two sectors of Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary was 5/km² and 2/km² respectively. However, the mean population density of red-eared monkeys in AMWS was ~ 4/km². This shows that the population density is similar to previously reported for the monkey species in the study area implying that the population has not increased significantly over time. The variation of Red-eared monkeys in the study area showed that the population structure is composed more of Juveniles than adult (3:1 and 6:1 respectively) implying that there is potential for the population to increase with adequate conservation efforts. The statistical test of significance between the Northern and Southern populations showed no significant difference. (T-tab = 0.482 < t-cal = 0.840 @ p = 0.05). It was therefore recommended that efforts through regular patrols by the rangers should be encouraged to protect the increasing population of guenons in the study area.