A Preliminary Study on the Diversity of Monkeys in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Its Environs

Abstract

Monkeys are among the prominent animal species found in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka forest areas and its environs; thus, a 3-month reconnaissance and transect survey was carried out to determine the diversity of these monkeys and the ecological features that support their abundance and distribution. Six sample sites designated ‘A’ to ‘F’ were carefully chosen, transected and closely monitored for monkeys’ presence. A total of 116 monkeys, all of the super- family Cercopithecoidae but of four different species were observed. A total of 47 Chlorocebus aethiops with a relative abundance of 40.5% was recorded, it was followed by 34 (29.3%) Chlorocebus sabaeus; 25 (21.6%) Chlorocebus tantalus; and the least is Erythrocebus patas, 10 in number and relative abundance of 8.6%. The distribution of each species in a given site showed that site A recorded the highest number of monkeys 55(47.4%),it was followed by site B with 21(18.1%)monkeys; then site E 16(13.8%); 11(9.5%) in F; 7(6.0%) in site C and the least is 6(5.2%) in site D. The Simpson’s index of biodiversity was 0.7.