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Meat consumption in bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata): an analysis on recent observations from Wayanad, Kerala


Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Kannur University Mananthavady Campus, Wayanad 670 645, India
2 Biopsychology Laboratory and Institute of Excellence, University of Mysore, Mysuru 570 006, India

Studies on vertebrate feeding among macaques are rare, except for the southern pig-tailed macaque. In this study, we present two instances of bonnet macaques consuming vertebrate meat in a semi-evergreen forest in Wayanad. This marks the first report of a free-ranging bonnet macaque feeding on a bird and the first report of any vertebrate consumption by this species since 1978. Our review and analysis of vertebrate feeding among macaques indicate that they engage in vertebrate feeding infrequently, indicating that it is unlikely to be a significant source of protein or energy for them

Keywords

Bonnet macaque, macaque diet, meat eating, micronutrients, Wayanad.
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  • Meat consumption in bonnet macaque (Macaca radiata): an analysis on recent observations from Wayanad, Kerala

Abstract Views: 123  | 

Authors

K. M. Muhammed Sabith
Department of Zoology, Kannur University Mananthavady Campus, Wayanad 670 645, India
Joseph J. Erinjery
Department of Zoology, Kannur University Mananthavady Campus, Wayanad 670 645, India
Mewa Singh
Biopsychology Laboratory and Institute of Excellence, University of Mysore, Mysuru 570 006, India
P. K. Prasadan
Department of Zoology, Kannur University Mananthavady Campus, Wayanad 670 645, India

Abstract


Studies on vertebrate feeding among macaques are rare, except for the southern pig-tailed macaque. In this study, we present two instances of bonnet macaques consuming vertebrate meat in a semi-evergreen forest in Wayanad. This marks the first report of a free-ranging bonnet macaque feeding on a bird and the first report of any vertebrate consumption by this species since 1978. Our review and analysis of vertebrate feeding among macaques indicate that they engage in vertebrate feeding infrequently, indicating that it is unlikely to be a significant source of protein or energy for them

Keywords


Bonnet macaque, macaque diet, meat eating, micronutrients, Wayanad.



DOI: https://doi.org/10.18520/cs%2Fv127%2Fi12%2F1447-1449