primate ecology and genetics group (pegg) symposium: 30 ... · desiré l dalton 1,2, ......

Primate Ecology and Genetics Group (PEGG)

Symposium: 30 June

Black Mountain Hotel, Thaba ‘Nchu

Hosted by Department of Genetics and the

and Agricultural Sciences,

About PEGG

Conference Schedule

Abstracts

List of Delegates

We thank Prof. Neil Heideman,

Agricultural Sciences, UFS, for a kind sponsorship to facilitate the hosting

of PEGG 2012 by UFS.


Symposium: 30 June-1 July 2012


Department of Genetics and the Faculty of Natural

Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State

Table of Contents

About PEGG .................................. 2

Conference Schedule ..................... 3

Abstracts ....................................... 6

List of Delegates ............................ 16

Prof. Neil Heideman, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and


of PEGG 2012 by UFS.


2012


Faculty of Natural

University of the Free State

2

3

6

16

Dean of the Faculty of Natural and


PEGG Executive Committee:

Co-Chairs

• Prof. Judith Masters, University of Fort Hare

• Prof. Trudy Turner, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Committee Members

• Prof. Paul Grobler, University of the Free State

• Prof. Rebecca Rogers Ackerman,

• Dr. Riashna Sithaldeen, University of

• Mr. Hannes Marais, Mpumalanga Tourist and Park Board

Statement of Purpose:

PEGG (the Primate Ecology and Genetics Group) was established to provide a forum

for individuals interested in primate ecology, behavior and evolution to discuss and

share information. We encourage scientific research, education, conservation and

conservation oriented management of species of non

southern Africa. Membership is open to individuals involved in academics, nature

conservation and wildlife management, living or working in southern Africa. Students

are actively invited to participate.

(www.peggweb.com)

Our goals are:

• Increase educational awareness of primate diversity in southern Africa

• Encourage research on primates in

• Encourage conservation

Africa

PEGG is an affiliate of the International Primatological Society

(www.internationalprimatologicalsociety.org

2

PEGG Executive Committee:

Masters, University of Fort Hare

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee


Prof. Rebecca Rogers Ackerman, University of Cape Town

Riashna Sithaldeen, University of Cape Town

rais, Mpumalanga Tourist and Park Board

Statement of Purpose:




conservation oriented management of species of non-human primates found in


ildlife management, living or working in southern Africa. Students

are actively invited to participate.

Increase educational awareness of primate diversity in southern Africa

Encourage research on primates in southern Africa

Encourage conservation-oriented management of primate populations in southern

PEGG is an affiliate of the International Primatological Society

www.internationalprimatologicalsociety.org)




human primates found in


ildlife management, living or working in southern Africa. Students

Increase educational awareness of primate diversity in southern Africa

oriented management of primate populations in southern

3

Conference Schedule

Friday, 29 June 2012

16:00-17:30 Committee meetings (Newsletter, Meetings, Human-Primate

interaction) in main reception area

17:30-18:00 Executive committee meeting

18:00-19:00 Registration in Main Reception area

19:00 Welcome by Paul Grobler, followed by Dinner in Moroka

Restaurant

Saturday, 30 June 2012

07:00-08:00 Breakfast in Moroka Restaurant

08:00-08:30 Registration in Main Reception area

PEGG 2012 meeting - Wildebeest Room

Chair: Trudy Turner

08:30-08:40 Welcome

1. 08:40-09:00 Rebecca Ackermann

Non-adaptive processes shaping human evolution: What

primates can tell us

2. 09:00-09:20 Olivia Stone

Geological basis or biogeography? Assessing the distribution of

South African hominin fossil sites based on GIS modelling of

baboon core habitats

3. 09:20-09:40 Riashna Sithaldeen

Baboon (Papio) biogeography: An overview of insights found

from molecular studies of diversification within the genus

4. 09:40-10:00 Desire Dalton

DNA Barcoding solves lemur mystery

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5. 10:00-10:20 Judith Masters

APIES: A primate research unit for The University of Fort Hare

10:20-10:50 Tea

Chair: Paul Grobler

6. 10:50-11:10 Antoinette Kotze

The Samango Monkey Working Group

7. 11:10-11:30 Juan Scheun

Reproductive activity and its endocrine pattern in the lesser

bushbaby (Galago moholi)

8. 11:30-11:50 Riel Coetzer

Population genetic structure of vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus

aethiops) in the south–eastern parts of South Africa

9. 11:50-12:10 Trudy Turner and Paul Grobler

Prevalence, incidence and patterns of diversity in SIV and

parasites in wild vervet monkey populations

10. 12:10-12:30 Wendy Khanye

Genetic determinants of novelty-seeking and aggressive

behaviour in wild vervet monkeys

12:30-13:40 Lunch

Chair: Judith Masters

11. 13:40-14:00 Fabien Genin

A New Primate for South Africa

12. 14:00-14:20 C. Andrews

A comparative evolutionary approach to feeding: Gummivory in

G. moholi and G. griseorufus

13. 14:20-14:40 Julia Nowack

Staying warm during the cold African winter: Alternatives of

heterothermy in the African lesser bushbaby

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14. 14:40-15:00 Manyngerew Shenkut

Preference to human food consumption by vervet monkeys with

no ecological constraint in food abundance, and distribution in

Gudemala recreation center, Hawassa, Ethiopia

15. 15:00-15:20 Maryjka Blaszczyk

Social behavior and foraging ecology of vervet monkeys at

Soetdoring Nature Reserve, Free State

16. 15:20-15:40 Laura Bidner

Baboon ranging and risk near Hogsback, Eastern Cape

17. 15:40-16:00 Robyn Khoury

Eavesdropping: How do vervet monkeys perceive alarm calls in

other species?

16:00-16:20 Short break

16:20-18:00 Game drive in Maria Moroka Reserve (meet in front of main

building)

19:00 Symposium dinner: Buffalo Hall

Sunday, 1 July 2012

09:00-10:00 PEGG Annual General Meeting

10:00-11:00 Panel discussion- 10 Years of PEGG in South Africa—Where we

are, Where do we want to go

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Abstracts

1. Non-adaptive processes shaping human evolution: What primates can tell us

Rebecca Ackermann

Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town

Morphological variation and diversification in fossil hominins has overwhelmingly been

attributed to adaptive processes. Yet the assumption that selection has shaped human

evolution has rarely been tested. Here I summarise what we know of the role other

evolutionary forces (i.e genetic drift and gene flow) played in shaping hominin cranial

diversity. Using models developed in New World monkeys, we have been able to show

that while selection played a role in diversifying australopiths from Homo, genetic drift

explains the pattern of cranial diversification seen in Homo. Studies of baboons (as well

as other mammals) have revealed signatures of gene flow in the skeleton, which has

allowed us to identify gene flow in early australopiths, Neanderthals/AMHS, and

possibly other hominins. To date, these studies indicate that non-adaptive evolutionary

processes have played an important role in shaping hominin diversity. Further studies

are underway to determine the extent of this role.

2. Geological bias or biogeography? Assessing the distribution of southern

African hominin fossil sites based on GIS modelling of baboon core habitat

Olivia Stone1, Andy I.R. Herries2, James Brink3, Shawn Laffan1 & Darren Curnoe1

1School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales,

Kensington, Sydney, Australia; 2Department of Archaeology, Environment and Planning,

School of Historical and European Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, La

Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia; 3Florisbad Quaternary Research,

National Museum, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Here we investigate the potential for similarity between predicted core baboon habitat

and the distribution of early fossil hominins in southern Africa. There is potentially

major geological bias to the fossil record in southern Africa with the majority of known

fossil sites being located in caves on karst landscapes. However, any similarity between

fossil site location and predicted baboon core habitat would be novel.

The similarity between hominin fossil sites and baboon core habitat is close enough

that despite the considerable uncertainty in the data, resulting from predictions based

on a predicted paleaoclimate, the majority of sites are located within day range of

predicted core. With minimal refinement of the model, we find that 100% of the Plio-

Pleistocene fossils are contained or within 1km of the core.

Such similarities suggest that fossil site locations may have a biogeographical bias as

well as a geological bias. It is possible that the predicted palaeobiogeography of

baboons may well be similar to the palaeobiogeography of hominins. Our refined

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model offers a testable hypothesis for the palaeodistribution of hominin core habitat in

which fossil bearing sites are more likely to be located.

3. Baboon (Papio) biogeography: An overview of insights gained from molecular

studies of diversification within the genus.

Riashna Sithaldeen

Department of Archaeology, University of Cape Town

Baboons (genus Papio) are large, primarily terrestrial, old world monkeys. They are

highly adaptable and are generally considered to be one of the most successful and

versatile of non-human primates. These primates have been studied extensively for

many decades and have contributed significantly to our understanding of a wide array

of primate behavioural, physiological, developmental and evolutionary traits. The

diversification of Papio into five major forms - hamadryas, chacma, olive, yellow and

guinea – is thought to be linked to range shifts as climates fluctuated in the Plio-

Pleistocene. Recent genetic studies using phylogenetic and phylogeographic methods

support, in general, this biogeographic model for Papio. However the details regarding

the processes driving differentiation remain largely unknown. Here I synthesize a

model of baboon evolution from a molecular perspective based on recent studies of

diversification within the genus, and highlight questions for further investigation.

4. DNA barcoding solves lemur mystery

Desiré L Dalton1,2, Anna M van Wyk1 & Antoinette Kotzé1,2

1National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria;

2Department of Genetics,

University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

Madagascar is home to 99 species and subspecies of lemurs, however, additional

species of lemurs are continually being identified due to advances in the field of

genetics. DNA barcoding is a technique that is frequently used in wildlife forensics and

conservation studies to identify species of origin from an unknown sample and in

taxonomic identification of organisms. DNA barcoding uses variation in short

sequences of mitochondrial DNA that acts as the “barcode” for different species.

Developing the DNA barcode library is the critical first step required to make the DNA

barcode available as a ‘tool’ for use by biologists, ecologists and environmental impact

assessment practitioners, to the benefit of society. The National Zoological Gardens of

South Africa (NZG) is undertaking the barcoding of South African terrestrial vertebrate

species (birds, mammals, reptiles) as part of a collaborative project with SANBI and the

African Centre for DNA Barcoding (ACDB) at the University of Johannesburg. The NZG

has already collected approximately 300 voucher specimens from 165 bird and 149

mammal species since September 2011. We were successful with a case study where

we had to identify using DNA barcoding between a common and mongoose lemur

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where both species have similar morphological characteristics. This technique can be

applied in the taxonomic identification of lemur species. The study highlights the

importance of genetic techniques in wildlife management.

5. A.P.I.E.S.: A primate research unit for the University of Fort Hare

J.C. Masters

African Primate Initiative for Ecology and Speciation, Department of Zoology and

Entomology, University of Fort Hare

In the last round of awards made by the South African Research Chairs Initiative

(SARChI) funded by the National Research Foundation, the University of Fort Hare was

granted financial support for a Chair in Past and Present Primate Diversity. The Chair

was awarded on the basis of a proposal to establish a research unit, coupled with a

field research laboratory, devoted to the integration of palaeontological and

neontological research into Africa´s primate diversity. The Chair is intended as a focal

point, bringing together projects in phylogeography and phylogenetics, biogeography,

behavioural ecology, ecology and palaeoclimatic research under the umbrella of Earth

Systems Science, and includes bursaries and operating funds for up to 10 postgraduate

and post-doctoral researchers. Projects focus on all six of South Africa´s non-human

primate species, as well as primate communities in East Africa and Madagascar. The

award has been made for a five year cycle, with two possible renewals making up a

possible 15 years of primate research.

6. The Samango Monkey Working Group

Antoinette Kotze1,2

1National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria;


University of the Free State, Bloemfontein

7. As Time Goes By: gonadal and adrenocortical endocrine function in the

lesser bushbaby (Galago moholi)

Juan Scheun1, Andre Ganswindt1, Julia Nowack2 & Nigel Benett1

1Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria;

2Department of Animal

Ecology and Conservation, University of Hamburg

The African Lesser Bushbaby (Galago moholi) is a small, nocturnal strepsirhine primate

which has largely been the subject of behavioural studies over the past 30 years.

However, little is known about their reproductive physiology and related underlying

endocrine patterns. A study by Lipschitz and colleagues (1996) investigated variations

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in progestagen and oestrogen concentrations in captive G. moholi females, however,

the endocrine pattern in relation to male reproductive activity and information from

studies in the wild are still missing. We therefore aim to investigate the reproductive

endocrinology of captive and free ranging Galago moholi at Ithumela Primate

Sanctuary, Buffelsdrift, using a non-invasive approach. The development and use of

non-invasive techniques for the analysis of reproductive hormones allow acquisition of

hormonal data over a longer time span without disturbing the animal and might

therefore contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive activity pattern in

G. moholi. We intend to a) examine the suitability of various enzyme immunoassays

(EIAs) for monitoring gonadal and adrenocortical endocrine function in G. moholi based

on faecal hormone metabolite analysis, b) characterise the annual pattern of androgen

and glucocorticoid metabolite excretion in males, c) compare physical and

physiological characteristics associated with male reproductive activity, and d)

describing the patterns of faecal progestagen and oestrogen concentration during

pregnancy. In addition to faecal sampling for hormone analysis of both captive and

free-ranging individuals, testis sizes will also be continuously monitored for

comparison. The revealed information could help to improve existing rehabilitation

strategies and thereby assist conservation and education efforts. Furthermore, the

established non-invasive methods for assessing gonadal and adrenocortical activity in

male and female lesser Bushbaby could be a valuable tool for zoos and animal parks to

maintain welfare and reproductive activity in captive populations.

8. Population genetic structure of Vervet Monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) in the

south–eastern parts of South Africa

Riël Coetzer1, Trudy Turner1,2 & Paul Grobler1

1Department of Genetics, University of the Free State;

2Department of Anthropology,

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA

Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops) are one of the most widely distributed primate

species in Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the level of genetic

differentiation among conspecific vervet populations in the south-eastern regions of

South Africa, as part of a bigger project to determine genetic structure across South

Africa. For this purpose samples were taken from four localities in the Free State

Province (Soetdoring Nature Reserve (NR), Gariep Dam NR, Sandveld NR and the Parys

area), four Eastern Cape locations (Tsolwana NR, Baviaanskloof NR, Shamwari Private

Game Reserve and the NMMU campus, Port Elizabeth) and one Kwa-Zulu Natal

location (St. Lucia area). Genetic differentiation was quantified using a portion of the

mtDNA control region. The sampled animals were grouped according to broad

geographic region of origin. Eleven haplotypes were identified within the total sample

group. A maximum likelihood (ML) tree was constructed using the available

haplotypes, and clustering of the haplotypes was found to coincide with geographical

features of South Africa. A haplotype yielded the same clustering found with the ML

tree analysis. The detected structure can be explained by two mechanisms, namely

female philopatry and geographical barriers. It is however not known whether the

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detected structure have any adaptive significance or simply represent neutral drift.

These results should also be compared to result from nuclear markers, to allow for the

effect of female philopatry and the different effective population sizes of mtDNA and

nuclear DNA markers.

9. Prevalence, incidence and patterns of diversity in SIV and parasites

in wild vervet monkey populations

Trudy Turner1,2, Paul Grobler2, Dongzhu Ma3, Anna Jasinska4, Jan Kristoff3, , Yoon Jung4,

Christopher Schmitt4, Kevin Raehtz3, Natalie Martinez3, Viskam Wijewardana3, Russell

Tracy5, Ivona Pandrea3,6, Tegan Gaetano¹; Jennifer Danzy¹; Moses Mtshali8; Nicholas

Theron2; Nelson Freimer4 & Cristian Apetrei3,7

1University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI;


University of the Free State, Bloemfontein; 3Center for Vaccine Research, University of

Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; 4Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for

Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, CA; 5Departments of Pathology and Biochemistry, University of Vermont, Burlington VT;

Departments of 6Pathology and

7Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of

Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA; 8National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, Pretoria.

Very little is known about viral and parasitic infection in wild non-human primates. SIV

has been identified in many African cercopiths, but the prevalance and pattern of

transmission is not well understood. In a recent survey of vervet monkeys we found

that the prevalence differed between adults and juveniles and between adult males

and adult females. The strain of virus present in different locations in the country also

differed. This may reflect long standing barriers to population flow.

We also examined a subset of animals for the parasite infection, to determine the

relative effects of anthropogenic and environmental components of the landscape on

the prevalence, richness, and species diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild

vervet monkeys. Strongyloid nematodes, Coccidia, and the protozoan genus Trichuris

were present in 55.13% of sampled animals (n = 43). Parasitological, geographical,

demographic, and climatic correlates of infection were assessed in a geographical

information systems (GIS) platform. Significant results were found for average annual

temperature (P=0.001), annual rain days (p = 0.003) and vegetative biome (p < 0.05),

but less so for anthropogenic contact (p = 0.06). These results suggest that parasitism

in South African vervets may be better predicted by environmental factors than by

degree of anthropogenic contact.

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10. Genetic determinants of novelty-seeking and aggressive behaviour in wild

vervet monkeys

Wendy Khanye1, Zurika Odendaal1, Hennie Butler2, Trudy Turner1,3 & Paul Grobler1

1Department of Genetics, University of the Free State;

2Department of Zoology and

Entomology, University of the Free State; 3Department of Anthropology, University of

Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA

This paper addresses the key genetic pathways contributing to novelty-seeking

aggressive behaviour in chlorocebus aethiops (vervet monkeys), a species of old world

monkeys often used as a model to better understand the human species and

behavioural evolution. Aggressive behaviour defined by Blanchard and Blanchard

(2003) is an overt behaviour that involves a stimulus, response and an outcome, which

further is categorized in to two main types namely; offensive and defensive anger. The

social structure within a troop forms an essential determinant of the prevalence in

aggressive and social behaviours. The correlation study involves the observation and

scaled charting of behaviours including: tail posture, play behaviour in juveniles,

grooming and feeding hierarchy and facial expressions. Data from observations will

then be correlated with the specific pathways and their candidate genes. The serotonin

transporter (5-HTT SLCA64), receptors (5HT1A and 5HT1B), Monoamine oxidase_A

(MAO_A) enzyme and 5-H1AA metabolite are the candidate genes of interest in this

study since these are implicated as being highly involved in aggressive behaviour.

Quantification and analysis of genetic material will be based on DNA isolated from

faecal samples.

11. A new primate species for South Africa: the Grant’s bush-baby

(Galagoides granti)

F.G.S. Génin1, S. Couette2, T. Dieuleveut3 & J.C. Masters1

1African Primate Initiative for Ecology and Speciation, Department of Zoology and

Entomology, University of Fort Hare; 2Laboratoire d’Evolution des Primates and Centre

de Recherches sur la Paléobiodiversité et les Paléoenvironnements, Muséum National

d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France; 3E.C.W.P., BP47 Route de Midelt 33250 Missour

Maroc

Five species of primates are recognised in South Africa. We report the occurrence of a

sixth species, the Grant’s lesser bush-baby (Galagoides granti), which was thought to

range from Mozambique to southern Tanzania. In South Africa, the species appears

limited to the sand forest in Tembe Elephant Park and the Tshanini community game

reserve, a patchily distributed habitat. Within its favourite habitat, G. granti appears

fairly common and is easily localised by its calls. The best characters of identification

are its small size compared with the sympatric Otolemur crassicaudatus. It is

comparable in size with Galago moholi, but the two species occupy very different

habitats. Galagoides granti differs from G. moholi in its locomotion: it leaps hands first

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instead of feet first. At close range, G. granti has a more pointed snout, a larger white

stripe on the noise, and a more bushy tail with a black tip. The sand forest of

Maputuland hosts other highly localised species reaching the southern limit of their

distributions, such as the suni and the blue-throated sunbird. A new species of primate

should contribute to improve its conservation.

12. A comparative evolutionary approach to gum-feeding in Galago moholi and

Microcebus griseorufus

C.A. Andrews1,F.G.S. Génin1, J.C. Masters1 & J.U. Ganzhorn2

1African Primate Initiative for Ecology and Speciation, Department of Zoology and

Entomology, University of Fort Hare; 2Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation,

University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.

Gummivory in primates has always been viewed as a fallback diet, a resource exploited

when other food sources become scarce. However, other researchers have interpreted

it as an evolutionary adaptation to environmental hyper variability. Gum-feeding

occurs in a number of primates that are either opportunistic or specialists and their

method of obtaining and digesting gum differs significantly. We will assess the

systematic and biogeographic distribution of gummivores and try to reconstruct the

origin of gummivory in primates. In addition, Andrews will conduct fieldwork in South

Africa on G. moholi (Galagidae) and Madagascar on M. griseorufus (Cheirogaleidae), as

well as a series of captive feeding experiments to assess the efficiency of the digestive

and fermentation organ/s in the respective animals. It has been noted that G. moholi

has an elongate ceacum and ansa coli that serve as a fermentation chamber, while M.

griseorufus lacks this adaptive feature. Temperature and rainfall data will also be used

to assess the variability of the habitats occupied by both species compared with the

habitats of other gummivorous strepsirhine primates. The observation of physiological

and behavioural differences will support the hypothesis that the evolution of

gummivory in these two different primates is convergent.

13. Staying warm during the cold African winter: Alternatives of heterothermy in

the African lesser bushbaby

Julia Nowack1, Nomakwezi Mzilikazi2 & Kathrin H. Dausmann1

1Department of Animal Ecology and Conservation, Biocentre Grindel, University of

Hamburg, Germany; 2Center of African Conservation Ecology, Department of Zoology,

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan, Port Elizabeth

Hibernation and daily torpor are energy- and water-saving adaptations employed by

small mammals to survive unfavourable periods. Recently it has been found, that the

African Lesser Bushbaby, Galago moholi, is physiologically able to undergo torpor.

However, unlike other species, G. moholidoes not use this ability as routine behaviour,

13

but only under adverse conditions.

We studied behavioural and physiological thermoregulatory adaptations in a free

ranging population of G. moholi for the course of two and a half years. During this time

only about a fourth of the individuals entered torpor during the cold and dry period,

most probably in response to natural or experimental food or water restriction. Main

food source of G. moholi was significantly reduced during this period, however, a

change in feeding behaviour and availability of high quality food in low quantities

presumably enables Galagos to stay normothermic. Telemetric tracking and

behavioural observation showed that G. moholi relies on seasonal changes in sleeping

site use and group composition paired with a shift of activity times to reduce energy

expenditure during the cold.

We propose that G. moholifavours ecological and behavioural adjustments over

torpor, as they serve to meet energy requirements of this species, and their

advantages (flexibility, unrestricted activity and reproduction) outweigh the energetic

benefits of heterothermy. In contrast, torpor is only used as a last alternative in

response to phases of unusual severely food shortage (caused by especially harsh

winters or individual emergency situations) and not as a preventive strategy as found

in other heterotherms.

14. Preference to human food consumption by Vervet Monkeys with no

ecological constraints in food abundance, and distribution in Gudumale

recreational centre, Hawassa, Ethiopia

Manyingerew Shenkut & Solomon Yirga

Department of Biology, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

A study conducted in Gudumale recreational center, Hawassa, Ethiopia resulted in

finding three social groups of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) living in

adjacent (overlapping) territories. The three groups were usually observed not far from

their sleeping sites. From the habitat composition and the season at which they were

observed, it may imply the fact that they have a narrow home range which in turn

indicates the carrying capacity of the habitat. However, from each group, they tend to

go every morning to the fish market, located outside the recreational centre

compound, where they could access human foods. Human food is usually of higher

quality and energy per unit than wild food. Thus, metabolic demands may be reached

sooner on a human food diet, which in turn leads to improved foraging efficiency (Saj

et al., 1999). As a result of the little variety of human foods they could access, the risk

associated with human food consumption and the high number of vervets accessing

the fish market from each group, it is plausible to indicate the low consumption of

human foods by the vervets. We suggest that the large number of vervets presence in

the fish market despite the constraints in the fish market and no constraints in their

habitat home range may explain their preference to human food consumption at

whatever cost.

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15. Social behaviour and foraging ecology of vervet monkeys at Soetdoring

Nature Reserve, Free State Province

Maria B. Blaszczyk1 & Christine B. Haunhorst

1Department of Anthropology, New York University

Here we present preliminary observations regarding the social, foraging, and ranging

behavior of two groups of vervet monkeys at Soetdoring Nature Reserve in the Free

State. These observations form part of an ongoing research project on individual

differences in the personality trait “novelty seeking” in relation to social and foraging

behaviour in wild vervet monkeys. The central Free State experiences marked

seasonality, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the hot summer season, and

dry winters where night temperatures frequently drop below zero. We detail seasonal

variations we have observed in foraging, ranging, and social behaviour in the course of

this project thus far (July 2012 – June 2013).

16. Baboon ranging and risk around Hogsback, Eastern Cape

L.R. Bidner

African Primate Initiative for Ecology and Speciation, Department of Zoology and

Entomology, University of Fort Hare

Baboons (Papio hamadryas) are well known for their ecological flexibility and exposure

to large, terrestrial predators. When they exploit human-modified habitats to gain

access to anthropogenic food sources, baboons face risks in addition to or in place of

non-human predators. This study examined the ranging behavior of two previously

unstudied, semi-habituated groups of chacma baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus) that

forage within human-modified habitats in the village of Hogsback adjacent to

fragments of afromontane forest with a focus on the distribution of risk within the

ranges of both groups. Both groups are similar in size, smaller than a neighboring

group of over 50 individuals that did not enter the village, spent similar amounts of

time inside human property, and were near humans and barking dogs for similar

percentages of overall locations from July 2011 – June 2012. No evidence of large,

terrestrial predators was found within either group’s range during this period although

crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus), confirmed predators of baboons, were

present in the area. The Hogsback baboon groups faced risk of injury or death

primarily from guns, dogs, and snares. Baboons used steep forested cliffs, natural

forest patches, and pine forests as refuges when confronted by humans or chased by

barking dogs during daily ranging. Preliminary results indicate that the spatiotemporal

distribution of risk for baboons in Hogsback was such that barking dogs were slightly

more predictable than humans. To better chart human-induced risk around Hogsback,

areas of heavy snare use and firearm use against baboons needs to be identified.

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17. Eavesdropping: How do vervet monkeys perceive the alarm calls of other

species?

Robyn E. Khoury & Adrian M. Shrader

School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Perceived predation risk has a large impact on how prey species utilise landscapes. In

an effort to reduce the risk of predation, individuals tend to utilise safer areas more

than those that are unsafe. The manner in which individuals perceive landscapes with

regard to predation risk is termed a “landscape of fear”. Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus

aethiops) have a landscape of fear that operates in both a horizontal and vertical plane.

Within this landscape, the vervets’ safest perceived area is in a tree, under the canopy.

These monkeys use various alarm calls to alert of a potential threat. In addition,

vervets also eavesdrop on the alarm calls of other species. In this study, we explore

how vervet monkeys perceive the alarm calls of heterospecifics. For example, do they

associate specific bird alarm calls with either terrestrial or aerial predators? Does

location of the call influence whether vervets perceive the threat to be aerial or

terrestrial? To explore these questions, we first quantify the three-dimensional

landscape of fear for vervet monkeys by measuring giving up densities in artificial

patches. We then use playbacks of the different vervet alarm calls, as well as several

passerine bird alarm calls to quantify how perceived predation risk varies in response

to these calls. By comparing the differences in foraging intensity during these calls, we

will be able to determine how vervets interpret the alarm calls on which they

eavesdrop.

16

List of Delegates:

Becky Ackermann Department of Archaeology

Faculty of Science

University of Cape Town

Private Bag X1

Rondebosch 7701

(021) 650 2356

[email protected]

Curswan Andrews APIES, University of Fort Hare

P.O. Box 12

Hogsback 5721

079 821 7803

[email protected]

Mariance Barnard Department of Zoology


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

083 561 1127

[email protected]

Sarah Beebe 2 Cromer Court

Frankston

VIC 3199

Australia

[email protected]

Laura Bidner APIES, University of Fort Hare

P.O. Box 12

Hogsback 5721

079 103 6008

[email protected]

Maryjka Blaszczyk Department of Anthropology

New York University

25 Waverly Place

New York, NY 10003

U.S.A.

079 312 5652

[email protected]

Hennie Butler Department of Zoology


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

(051) 401 2489

[email protected]

Riel Coetzer Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

073 211 7019

[email protected]

Bruce Cronk Watch Rehabilitation Centre

PO Box 261

Vryheid 3100

072 133 6090

[email protected]

17

Sandi Cronk Watch Rehabilitation Centre

PO Box 261

Vryheid 3100

083 635 5497

[email protected]

Desire Dalton National Zoological Gardens

PO Box 754

Pretoria 0001

(and Affiliated Senior Lecturer in the

Department of Genetics, UFS)

(012) 328 3265

[email protected]

Andre Ganswindt Department of Zoology and

Entomology

University of Pretoria

Pretoria 0028

-

Fabien Genin APIES, University of Fort Hare

P.O. Box 12

Hogsback 5721

(040) 602 2337

[email protected]

Paul Grobler Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

(051) 401-3844

[email protected]

Reineri Janse van

Rensburg

Department of Zoology


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

[email protected].

za

Wendy Khanye Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

[email protected]

Robyn Khoury School of Life Sciences

University of KwaZulu-Natal

(Pietermaritzburg)

Private Bag X01

Scottsville 3209

083 654 2229

[email protected]

Marti Scholtz Koen Ithumela

Buffelsdrift

Gauteng

[email protected]

18

Antoinette Kotze National Zoological Gardens

PO Box 754

Pretoria 0001

(and affiliated Professor in the


(012) 339 2795

[email protected]

J. Kunkel -

-

Lari Le Roux Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

[email protected]

Dianah Manhanga APIES, University of Fort Hare

P.O. Box 12

Hogsback 5721

073 426 7165

[email protected]

Ntuthu Makhasi APIES, University of Fort Hare

P.O. Box 12

Hogsback 5721

073 945 0763

[email protected]

Billy Malatji

Department of Environmental

Sciences

UNISA

cnr Christiaan de Wet & Pioneer ave,

Block b 1-48, Florida campus,

Florida, 1710

082 806 6161

[email protected]

Judith Masters APIES, University of Fort Hare

P.O. Box 12

Hogsback 5721

(040) 602 2164(w)

083 561 8648

[email protected]

Natasha Mazunder 7550 S Placita de Cervecas

Tucson

Arizona

USA

[email protected]

Jordan Nasenbeny 17657 Dartmoor Drive

Grayslake

IL. 60030

USA

847 310 5673

[email protected]

19

Julia Nowack

Department of Animal Ecology and

Conservation

Biocentre Grindel

University of Hamburg,

Martin-Luther-King-Platz 3, 20146

Hamburg, Germany

Julia.nowack@uni-

hamburg.de

Thea Odendaal Department of Zoology


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

[email protected]

Jaco Oosthuizen Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein

[email protected]

Lené Pienaar Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

[email protected]

Malcolm Roberts Tumbili Sanctuary

Mkondeni

KZN

[email protected]

Sheesh Roberts Tumbili Sanctuary

Mkondeni

KZN

[email protected]

Julian Saunders Imfene

Western Cape

[email protected]

Lollie Scheepers Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

[email protected]

Juan Scheun Department of Zoology and

Entomology

University of Pretoria

Pretoria 0028

[email protected]

Jean Senogles Primates Africa

55A Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville,

Durban

031 266 5240

[email protected]

20

Manyngerew Shenkut Department of Biology, Addis Ababa

University, Ethiopia

[email protected]

Riashna Sithaldeen Department of Archaeology

Faculty of Science

University of Cape Town

Private Bag X1

Rondebosch 7701

072 230 6373

[email protected]

Olivia Stone School of Biological and

Environmental Sciences, University

of New South Wales, Kensington,

Sydney, Australia

[email protected]

Daniella Strauss Department of Genetics


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

[email protected]

Larissa Swedell Queens College, CUNY

New York, USA

Imfene

Western Cape

[email protected]

Trudy Turner Department of Physical

Anthropology

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

P.O.Box 413

Milwaukee, WI 53201

(and Affiliated Professor in the


414-229-4613

076 788 3711 (in SA)

[email protected]

Van Niekerk

- -

Anneke Vermeulen Department of Zoology and

Entomology


PO Box 339

Bloemfontein 9300

084 575 5015

[email protected]

primate ecology and genetics group (pegg) symposium: 30 ... · desiré l dalton 1,2, ......

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