Population Status, Distribution and General behaviour of Assamese Macaque (Macaca assamensis, Mcclelland, 1840) in Taghring and Ghermu Vdcs, Lamjung,Nepal

Abstract

Population status, distribution pattern and general behaviour of AssameseMacaque(Macaca assamensis) were studied from April 2012 to March 2013 in Taghring ofAnnapurnaConservation Area and Ghermu VDCs of Lamjung district. The total areaof 183.14 km 2 was surveyed by total count method, questionnaire survey andbehavioral data were collected by scan sampling method.A total of 53 Assamese macaques were counted in three different troops. The groupdensity was found to be 0.016 groups/ km 2 with a population density of 0.28individuals/ km 2 and a mean group size of 17.66 (range 13-25) individuals. Age-sexcomposition of macaque comprised 28% adult females followed by 17% sub-adultfemales, 15% sub-adult males, 15% juveniles, 13% adult males and 12% infants. Theadult sex ratio (male to female) was observed 1:2.140.46 i.e. 46 males per 100females. The distribution pattern of Assamese macaques among three different studyblocks was found clumped distribution in the study area. There was no significantdifference in distribution of Assamese macaques among three different blocks(χ =4.6, d. f. = 2, p = 0.05). A total of 2640 scan samples were recorded during the studyperiod covering all four distinct seasons. The study group spent more than one third(45%) of their total time for foraging purpose, followed by 25% on locomotion, 20%on resting and 10% on grooming. A distinct seasonal variation in activities has beenrecorded. Analysis of collected vegetation data showed that 32 tree species wereencountered in protected area (Taghring VDC) in whichSchima wallichii was themost dominant tree species having highest Important Value Index (IVI), i. e.33.2145whereas 28 treespecies in Himali Community Forest on non protected area (GhermuVDC) in whichAlnus nepalensiswas the most dominant tree species having highestIVI i.e.52.012. Crop raiding was the main cause of conflict to human beings with aloss of maize (44%), potato (27%), millet (13%), wheat (7%), paddy (4%), fruits (3%)and vegetables (2%). Similarly, out of 72 observed samples of aggressive interactionby human beings towards monkey to protect their crops guarding (68%), stone andcatapult (16%), using dog (12) andhitting tin box & scarecrows (4%).Population estimation of Assamese Macaques should be carried out throughout theLamjung district.