Population density and distribution of green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops. linnus 1758) at Zugurma sector of Kainji lake national park, Nigeria

Abstract

The population densities and distribution of green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops) at Zugurma sector
of Kainji lake national park were investigated. Transects were taken within the vegetation zones. Animal
census was carried out by using road count and ground survey between 6.30 - 12.00 h in the mornings
and between 15.00 - 18.30 h for six months. Other information recorded were the number of troops, the
troop size, and the vegetation where they occurred. Results were pooled together using outer bound
method. The diameter at breast height (DBH) and the relative densities of the major plant species in the
habitats were also recorded. The result of the study revealed that the habitat of the green monkey have
been restricted to the riparian vegetation zone in this sector of the park. The population density in
Zugurma sector was 0.6/ km2 . The habitats were highly threatened. The average monthly population
range was 141 - 795 for the period of study. The troop size was six. The population ratio of male to
female was one to two. It was also observed that the juveniles were about 40% of the population. This
confirmed that the population is stable and viable. Recommendations were made on the necessary
strategies for improvement on the conservation of the species.