From Forest Trails to Tourism Tales: Habitat Preferences of Cercocebus torquatusin Southwest Nigeria

This study examined the range and habitat preferences of the red-capped mangabey ( Cercocebus torquatus ) inside the Omo Biosphere Reserve and Idanre Forest Reserve in southwestern Nigeria, with the objective of enhancing conservation and ecotourism efforts. Data were obtained from 36 plots (25 m × 25 m) across six habitat types using Total Enumeration Count (TEC). The analysis encompassed vegetation structure, species diversity, and stratification in conjunction with mangabey encounter data. The findings indicated a pronounced predilection for the middle canopy layer, which contained more than 65% of fruit-bearing trees and recorded the largest number of mangabey sightings. The Omo Reserve demonstrated a significantly higher mean tree diameter at breast height (p ≤ 0.05), signifying structural maturity, although Sørensen's similarity index (0.83) indicated important ecological overlap between the two sites. Seasonal trends revealed enhanced visibility of mangabeys during the dry season, coinciding with greater fruit availability. The principal plant families that support the species are Fabaceae, Moraceae, and Sterculiaceae. The findings underscore the essential importance of mid-canopy structure and fruiting species in the distribution of mangabeys. Conservation measures must focus on replanting fruit-bearing trees, regulating forest utilisation, and establishing sustainable ecotourism infrastructure to safeguard this vulnerable primate.