Effects of seasonality on baboons’ (Papio cynocephalus and Papio anubis) daily movement patterns and group sizes in semi-arid environment at Swagaswaga game reserve, Tanzania

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Understanding the effects of seasonality on baboons’ daily movements and group sizes can help to inform conservation authorities and other stakeholders on formulating strategies to cope with climatic changes for enhancing biodiversity conservation. In this study, two species of baboons were followed on foot from morning at 06:00 am before they leave, until they reached a sleeping site at 06:30 pm in Swagaswaga game reserve, central Tanzania. The study aimed to assess the influence of seasonal variation on baboons’ daily movements and group sizes. On all occasions the baboon troops were followed and distance travelled daily was recorded continuously by using hand-held GPS between wet and dry seasons. On their movements, data were recorded including distance travelled and the number and composition of individuals within a group. Results showed that, baboons travelled significant higher distances in dry season (3.01 ± 0.069) km than in wet season (1.06 ± 0.031) km on daily average, Mann-Whitney U test, (U = 2310, p value = 0.006). The average baboons’ group sizes were significantly larger in the wet season (16 baboons) than in the dry season (9 baboons); Mann-Whitney U test, (U = 3600, p value &lt; 0.001). Thus, seasonal variation was found to influence both daily movements and group sizes as it also influences the availability of important resources such as food and water. This gives an alert for conservation efforts to develop more strategies for climate change mitigation measures.