The Activity and Ranging Patterns of Gelada Monkeys as Behavioral Responses to the Effects of Livestock Grazing in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia

Livestock grazing significantly alters the activity and ranging behavior of gelada monkeys in Ethiopia's Simien Mountains National Park, according to a 2022 study. Geladas in grazed areas spend more time moving and cover larger home ranges compared to those in non-grazed zones, while social behaviors decrease. The research, conducted from February to July 2019, used instantaneous scan sampling and GPS tracking over 3427 behavioral scans. Statistical analyses revealed that grazing pressure disrupts natural behavior patterns, with implications for conservation strategies. To mitigate these effects, the study recommends reducing grazing pressure and supporting feed cultivation technologies to balance livestock use and wildlife habitat preservation.

Abebe, B., Ashagrie, M., & Moges, E. (2022). The Activity and Ranging Patterns of Gelada Monkeys as Behavioral Responses to the Effects of Livestock Grazing in the Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia. International Journal of Zoology, 2022, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8107527