Feeding ecology of Nilgiri Langur (Semnopithecus johnii) in shola forests of Eravikulam National Park of Western Ghats, India
摘要
We studied the feeding ecology of Nilgiri Langurs from May 2019 to May 2021 in the shola forests of the Eravikulam National Park, Kerala, India. Nilgiri Langurs (Semnopithecus johnii) were examined for two years for their feeding ecology in the shola forests of Eravikulam National Park. We observed that Nilgiri Langurs interacted with 39 species of plants belonging to 23 families. A total of 169 fecal samples containing intact seeds were analyzed, and the results of which shows the role of langurs as potential seed dispersers in shola forest ecosystem. The proximate analysis of the eleven fruit species consumed by the langurs revealed higher levels of carbohydrates, moisture, and fat. These findings highlight the importance of preserving diverse habitats to meet their nutritional needs and support their conservation, especially in seasonal and disturbed environments.