Holding on in the Djebela: Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus in northern Morocco

A survey of Vulnerable Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus populations in the Djebela region of northern Morocco was conducted in October-November 2004 and the species' presence verified in four areas. This macaque occurs in habitat types ranging from matorral (shrub vegetation) to higher altitude...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Oryx 2007-01, Vol.41 (1), p.106-108
Main Authors: Waters, Siân S., Aksissou, Mustapha, Harrad, Ahmed El, Hobbelink, Maria-Elisa, Fa, John E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Barbary macaque
Djebela
Forests
habitat degradation
Land degradation
Macaca sylvanus
National parks
northern Morocco
Polls & surveys
Short Communication
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Summary:A survey of Vulnerable Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus populations in the Djebela region of northern Morocco was conducted in October-November 2004 and the species' presence verified in four areas. This macaque occurs in habitat types ranging from matorral (shrub vegetation) to higher altitude fir forest. A total of 89 individuals were observed in nine groups. Comparisons of our survey with the previous one undertaken in the same area in 1980 indicate that group sizes are similar but the total population size may have decreased. We estimate there is a population of 200–300 Barbary macaques in the Djebela. Although some areas where the species is found are now protected, further work will be crucial to safeguarding this species in northern Morocco.
ISSN:0030-6053
1365-3008
DOI:10.1017/S0030605307001536