Primate Ecology and Genetics Group (PEGG) Symposium: 30 ... · Desiré L Dalton 1,2, ......
Transcript of 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.
Primate Ecology and Genetics Group (PEGG)
Symposium: 30 June-1 July 2012
Black Mountain Hotel, Thaba ‘Nchu
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
Agricultural Sciences, UFS, for a kind sponsorship to facilitate the hosting
of PEGG 2012 by UFS.
Primate Ecology and Genetics Group (PEGG)
2012
Black Mountain Hotel, Thaba ‘Nchu
Faculty of Natural
University of the Free State
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3
6
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Dean of the Faculty of Natural and
Agricultural Sciences, UFS, for a kind sponsorship to facilitate the hosting
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
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PEGG Executive Committee:
Masters, University of Fort Hare
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University of the Free State
Prof. Rebecca Rogers Ackerman, University of Cape Town
Riashna Sithaldeen, University of Cape Town
rais, 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-human primates found in
southern Africa. Membership is open to individuals involved in academics, nature
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)
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
human primates found in
southern Africa. Membership is open to individuals involved in academics, nature
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
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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;
2Department of Genetics,
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;
2Department of Genetics,
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,
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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.
15
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
Curswan Andrews APIES, University of Fort Hare
P.O. Box 12
Hogsback 5721
079 821 7803
Mariance Barnard Department of Zoology
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
083 561 1127
Sarah Beebe 2 Cromer Court
Frankston
VIC 3199
Australia
Laura Bidner APIES, University of Fort Hare
P.O. Box 12
Hogsback 5721
079 103 6008
Maryjka Blaszczyk Department of Anthropology
New York University
25 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10003
U.S.A.
079 312 5652
Hennie Butler Department of Zoology
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
(051) 401 2489
Riel Coetzer Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
073 211 7019
Bruce Cronk Watch Rehabilitation Centre
PO Box 261
Vryheid 3100
072 133 6090
17
Sandi Cronk Watch Rehabilitation Centre
PO Box 261
Vryheid 3100
083 635 5497
Desire Dalton National Zoological Gardens
PO Box 754
Pretoria 0001
(and Affiliated Senior Lecturer in the
Department of Genetics, UFS)
(012) 328 3265
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
Paul Grobler Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
(051) 401-3844
Reineri Janse van
Rensburg
Department of Zoology
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
za
Wendy Khanye Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
Robyn Khoury School of Life Sciences
University of KwaZulu-Natal
(Pietermaritzburg)
Private Bag X01
Scottsville 3209
083 654 2229
Marti Scholtz Koen Ithumela
Buffelsdrift
Gauteng
18
Antoinette Kotze National Zoological Gardens
PO Box 754
Pretoria 0001
(and affiliated Professor in the
Department of Genetics, UFS)
(012) 339 2795
J. Kunkel -
-
Lari Le Roux Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
Dianah Manhanga APIES, University of Fort Hare
P.O. Box 12
Hogsback 5721
073 426 7165
Ntuthu Makhasi APIES, University of Fort Hare
P.O. Box 12
Hogsback 5721
073 945 0763
Billy Malatji
Department of Environmental
Sciences
UNISA
cnr Christiaan de Wet & Pioneer ave,
Block b 1-48, Florida campus,
Florida, 1710
082 806 6161
Judith Masters APIES, University of Fort Hare
P.O. Box 12
Hogsback 5721
(040) 602 2164(w)
083 561 8648
Natasha Mazunder 7550 S Placita de Cervecas
Tucson
Arizona
USA
Jordan Nasenbeny 17657 Dartmoor Drive
Grayslake
IL. 60030
USA
847 310 5673
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
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
Jaco Oosthuizen Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein
Lené Pienaar Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
Malcolm Roberts Tumbili Sanctuary
Mkondeni
KZN
Sheesh Roberts Tumbili Sanctuary
Mkondeni
KZN
Julian Saunders Imfene
Western Cape
Lollie Scheepers Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
Juan Scheun Department of Zoology and
Entomology
University of Pretoria
Pretoria 0028
Jean Senogles Primates Africa
55A Jan Hofmeyr Road, Westville,
Durban
031 266 5240
20
Manyngerew Shenkut Department of Biology, Addis Ababa
University, Ethiopia
Riashna Sithaldeen Department of Archaeology
Faculty of Science
University of Cape Town
Private Bag X1
Rondebosch 7701
072 230 6373
Olivia Stone School of Biological and
Environmental Sciences, University
of New South Wales, Kensington,
Sydney, Australia
Daniella Strauss Department of Genetics
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
Larissa Swedell Queens College, CUNY
New York, USA
Imfene
Western Cape
Trudy Turner Department of Physical
Anthropology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
P.O.Box 413
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(and Affiliated Professor in the
Department of Genetics, UFS)
414-229-4613
076 788 3711 (in SA)
Van Niekerk
- -
Anneke Vermeulen Department of Zoology and
Entomology
University of the Free State
PO Box 339
Bloemfontein 9300
084 575 5015