The Effects of habitat fragmentation on the distribution of primates in the kimbi-fungom National Park, North West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Anthropogenic disturbance is known to affect the diversity and abundance of primates in the world. Many studies on primates in Cameroon have focused on forest ecosystems, with little knowledge on primate species in the degraded woodland and grasslands which inhabit a great number of primates. This study investigates the relationship between primate distribution and habitat parameters in the heavily human occupied landscape of Kimbi Fungom National Park (KFNP). Primate data were obtained through the use of line transects, and interview. A total of twenty 3-kilometre transects were laid in the national park area. In addition, assessment of ecological factors such as forest fragment size, habitat types, and habitat structure (canopy height) was carried out. Data analysis was run using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Ecological variables were analysis by chi-square (χ2), to assess the impact of habitat parameters on primate’s diversity. The study observed 6 primate species in the national park area; chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ellioti), Olive baboons (Papio anubis), Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas), Mona monkeys (Cercopithecus mona), Putty-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans) and Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) with low densities. Baboons were the most numerous species while putty-nosed monkey was the most frequently encountered. However, three ecological factors were found to significantly affect the distribution of primates; habitat types (χ2= 3.069, df=1, p= .048), habitat structure (χ2=4.992, df=1 p=0.025) and landscape (χ2=8.225, df=1, p=.004). Detections of patas monkeys and baboons were higher in areas with low forest strata, having mainly grassland and woody savanna ecosystem. This study recommends the need for sustainable agricultural practices, control grazing, selective logging and continuous education of local population on primate conservation.