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Species, age and sex differences in type and frequencies of injuries and impairments among four arboreal primate species in Kibale National Park, Uganda

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Abstract

Animals in the wild often have physical impairments that can affect their fitness. The aim of this study was to compare injuries and impairments of four different primate species (black-and-white colobus, red colobus, red-tailed monkeys, and grey-cheeked mangabeys) living in Kibale National Park (Uganda), and estimate the proportion of injured and impaired individuals among the sexes and age classes. The species differed in the proportion of individuals with injuries and impairments, with 16.7% in black-and-white colobus, 23.1% in red colobus, 16.2% in red-tailed monkey and 30.2% in grey-cheeked mangabeys. Species also differed in the types and location on the body of injuries. Adult animals had more injuries than immatures. Males had more injuries than females, in all but red-tailed monkeys. The results are discussed in relation to the literature on aggressive behavior, locomotion, and predation in these species.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge helpful discussion on the manuscript and statistical advice from Colin Chapman, Lynne Isbell, and Mark Grote. Many thanks to Charles Akora, Clovis Kaganzi, Richard Sabiti, Richard Kaseregenyu, Koojo John, and Swaibu Katusebe for their invaluable assistance in the field. We thank Tara Harris, Irumba Peter, and Magano James for assistance with black-and-white colobus monkeys. We thank the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and Makerere University Biological Field Station for permission to conduct the research. The research complies with the current laws of Uganda. This research was supported by NIH and NIA grants PO1 A6022500 and PO1 A608761 (to J.R.C.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Briggs 69, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    Malgorzata E. Arlet, James R. Carey & Freerk Molleman

  2. Department of Anthropology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Young Hall, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    Malgorzata E. Arlet

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  1. Malgorzata E. Arlet
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  2. James R. Carey
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  3. Freerk Molleman
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Correspondence to Malgorzata E. Arlet.

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Arlet, M.E., Carey, J.R. & Molleman, F. Species, age and sex differences in type and frequencies of injuries and impairments among four arboreal primate species in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Primates 50, 65–73 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-008-0119-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-008-0119-9

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