Ranging pattern, feeding and time budget of langurs (semnopithecus entellus) in a recently established home range at Eastern University Campus, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Ranging pattern, feeding activity and time budget were studied in a troop of langurs in the Eastern University campus. Locations, feeding preference and activities of members of the troop were recorded for a period of five months. The troop consists of 16 individuals. The home range was 8.3 ha; the. core area was 0.063 ha. The leaves, fruits of a variety of plants were taken as feed. The preferred feed in the descending order for the pooled data include: Azadirachta indica leaves, Terminalia catappa leaves, Poinciana sp leaves, Albizzia spp leaves, gum of Anacardium occidentale, Mangifera indica fruits, Psidium fruit, Ficus shoot and fruit, Anacardium fruit, Samania saman leaves, Pongamia shoot, Tridex spp leaves, Leucaena sp leaves, Acacia sp leaves, Acacia fruit and Azadirachta indica gum. The feed intake varied seasonally: Psidium fruits in March, Acacia and Anacardium fruits in April and Mangifera fruits in May and June. The frequency of feeding and play was higher in the mornings and evenings, whereas resting was observed at noon. Grooming was also observed at noon