Activity pattern and habitat association of Assamese macaques Macaca assamensis McClelland, 1840 in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal

Assamese macaque Macaca assamensis McClelland, 1840 is one of the primate species with narrow distribution range and the least exploration. This study investigated the diurnal activity of Assamese macaque and association with the vegetation in Nagarjun Forest of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Nepal. Behaviour sampling including Instantaneous sampling and Ad-libitum sampling (7:30 AM – 4:30 PM) along with vegetation survey (20 m × 20 m plots) were applied. The Raniban Barrack troop of Assamese macaque composed of 12 individuals was observed for a total of 225 hours to record the macaque’s diurnal activity. The troop spent 28% time in inactive, 25% in grooming, 23% in foraging, 23% in locomotion and 1% in fighting. Assamese macaque troop spent more time in Schima wallichii possessing 25.91%, 36.29% and 41.22% for foraging, locomotion and inactive respectively of the diurnal time. Altogether, 67 plant species (herbs, shrubs, trees and climbers) were documented from vegetation analysis. Schima wallichii and Ardisia macrocarpa were dominated the habitat. Paired t-test revealed significant difference in foraging (df = 24, P = 0.010) and inactive (df = 24, P = 0.003) between the morning and day observational phases. The findings of this study shed light on the food preference and microhabitat use by the protected Assamese macaque in Nepal that assists to formulate the management plans for the species.

Feeding ecology of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) troops in Kaligandaki and Budhigandaki River basins of central Nepal

Ghimire SC, Khanal L, Chalise MK. 2021. Feeding ecology of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) troops in Kaligandaki and Budhigandaki River basins of central Nepal. Biodiversitas 22: 2625-2634. Seasonal fluctuations in the availability of key food resources impact the foraging behavior of animals. This study aimed to examine the seasonal variations in feeding time of Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis) in the sub-tropical deciduous riverine forest environment of central Nepal. Two troops of Nepal population of Assamese macaques, a troop from Kaligandaki River Basin (KRBT) and the next from Budhigandaki River Basin (BRBT) were studied by focal animal sampling method. Data from systematic behavioral observations were analyzed with reference to that of the vegetation surveys. Assamese macaques invested more than two-fifths (>40%) of the diurnal time on feeding. The KRBT consumed 71 plant species and the BRBT relied on 69 food plants. Leaves, mature and young, constituted the most dominant food item followed by the fruits and seeds. The two study troops inhabiting highly similar habitats of food plants (Sorensen’s Similarity Index = 0.93) didn’t have a significant difference in the selection of food-plant parts. However, the remarkable temporal difference in feeding plant parts was observed in concordance with their seasonal availability. Young leaves, when available during the spring and pre-monsoon were the major food items. Contrastingly, mature leaves were the food items during the winter on which animals were forced to rely when young leaves were scarce. We conclude that food choice and time investment on the feeding of different plant parts differ depending on the availability of food in the area. Macaques living in comparable habitats with similar food plants have analogous food choices and time investments.

Pet Macaques in Vietnam: An NGO’s Perspective

In this article, we attempt to characterize the widespread trade in pet macaques in Vietnam. Data on confiscations as well as surrenders, releases, and individuals housed at rescue centers across Vietnam for 2015–2019 were opportunistically recorded. Data comparisons between Education for Nature Vietnam and three government-run wildlife rescue centers show that at least 1254 cases of macaque keeping occurred during the study period, including a minimum of 32 Assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis), 158 long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), 291 Northern pig-tailed macaques (Macaca leonina), 65 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), and 110 stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides). A minimum of 423 individuals were confiscated, and at least 490 individual macaques were released. Three semi-structured interviews were conducted with two key Animals Asia (a non-governmental organization) colleagues and their insights are presented. Although we recognize that the data included are limited and can serve only as a baseline for the scale of the macaque pet trade in Vietnam, we believe that they support our concern that the problem is significant and must be addressed. We stress the need for organizations and authorities to work together to better understand the issue. The keeping of macaques as pets is the cause of serious welfare and conservation issues in Vietnam.

Grooming pattern in captive Macaques: A comparative study

A comparative study on grooming behavior was done on three species of macaques, namely, Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) and northern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca leonina) under captivity in Aizawl Zoological Park, Aizawl, India. Observations were recorded by Focal Sampling Technique. Time spent on different acts of grooming, and grooming visible and non-visible sites was recorded. Generally 75% of the time was spent on removal of ectoparasite and skin flakes (hygiene related acts). The time spent on various grooming acts varied in different age and sex categories in all three species. Time spent on grooming visible and non-visible sites was more in the Assamese macaque. Time spent on visible and non-visible site by all age and sex categories in all three species was found to be significant (p<0.05). The pattern of variations on grooming visible and non-visible area was similar in all the species. Time spent on grooming non-visible sites was more than on the visible sites. Adult males and females spent more time on grooming visible areas in all the species. Dissimilarity among macaque species and between age and sex category in grooming visible areas was significant. Grooming site preference is predisposed by the sex and age of individuals.