The broad objective of this research is to characterize utilization of early successional habitats by a non-human primate community in West Africa. Specifically, the proposed research will examine the relationship between primate utilization of early successional plots and potentially influential components of the habitat such as vegetation phenology patterns, availability and quality of fruit resources in young vs. older secondary forest; distribution of large residual trees within clearings; and distance categories from forest edge. Data collection will be accomplished by systematic surveys of primate utilization patterns along with vegetation phenology surveys, collection of fruits from fruit traps, and analysis of the constituents (nutrient content and digestibility reducers) and morphology (color and size) of available fruits. Particular attention will be directed toward the identification of keystone resources occurring within early successional habitats. The field study will be conducted at Tiwai, Sierra Leone. Tiwai, Sierra Leone. A site with a high diversity (11 species) and density of primates, along with a high degree of habitat heterogeneity. Fruit and data analysis will follow at Rutgers University.
