Feeding behavior of yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalusin) the Amboseli National Park, Kenya

  • David G. Post
Article
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Abstract

The results of an 11-month field study of the feeding behavior of adult yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus)are presented. Although catholic feeders, the baboons are not unselective in their choice of foods, and a small number of foods account for the bulk of their feeding time and are significant determinants of their home-range utilization patterns. These preferred foods are consumed throughout the year, a response, perhaps, to relatively minor fluctuations in their availability. Seasonal changes in food abundance are, however, reflected in other aspects of the baboons’ feeding behavior, including a tendency to show greater day- to- day dietary variability during periods of higher rainfall and greater overall food availability. It is suggested that this, and other, aspects of baboon feeding behavior can be understood only in the context of the extremely “patchy” distribution of their food supplies.

Key words

diet baboons ecology seasonality 
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Copyright information

© Plenum Publishing Corporation 1982

Authors and Affiliations

  • David G. Post
    • 1
  1. 1.American Anthropological AssociationWashington, D.C.

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