Some Ecological Factors Influencing The Distribution And Abundance Of Patas Monkeys (Erythrocebus Patas) In Laikipia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu And Trans Nzoia Districts In Kenya.

Abstract

A four-month survey of patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) populations, carried out in Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Laikipia districts of Kenya revealed that they have reduced in numbers drastically from the year 1970. This was attributed to the fact that no single population is found in protected areas, while intensive farming and vegetation clearance practices have been recorded in areas that used to accommodate these populations. Competition for land with humans has been a major factor, as humans and wild animals have killed both individuals in some of the populations. Human encroachment into the habitats was obvious, with much of the land being turned to farming, particularly in Laikipia and Uasin Gishu. This promoted human-wildlife conflict mainly in the agriculturally oriented farms. Just a handful of ranches with a policy of conservation still have groups of patas monkeys. To determine the numbers and densities of patas monkey left in the study area, road counts, observation vigils, ground transects and questionnaires were used. Entire districts of Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Trans- Nzoia, Laikipia and a part ofNakuru were covered through driving, vigils and walking. Contrary to earlier reports that the patas were widely distributed, it was found that populations were limited to a few areas. Informants explained that most of these areas had patas up to the early and mid 1 980’s from when most of them disappeared. They suggest that IV the cause for the disappearance was human wildlife conflict, drought and desertification, and migration to other potential areas. A total of 148 animals were counted distributed in-groups ranging from one (1) to twenty-two (22). Of these, most were found in Laikipia District while a few others were found in Baringo. Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia and parts of Nakuru Districts which were covered did not yield any animals though earlier questionnaires revealed animals existed up to mid 1 980's in each of these Districts. A total of 3.064 people were interviewed in the research area, of which 78.8 % reported having never seen patas in their lifetime. Of the 2 I .2 % who had seen patas one time or another, 42 % were aged above 5 1 years. The sex ratio of patas was highly biased towards females for males females, juveniles and infants respectively. The ratio was 12:54:38:3 1