Behavioural plasticity of chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) in southern African biomes: a camera trap data approach.

Abstract

Southern African biomes exhibit diverse environmental conditions that play a pivotal role in shaping phenotypic variations in wildlife. To endure the challenges of a rapidly changing environment, wild animals may undergo shifts in their geographic distribution, genetic composition, and adapt through phenotypic variations. The crucial question arises: Can all animal populations successfully adapt to future climate changes? To address this inquiry, it is imperative to first assess how wild animals have historically responded and evolved phenotypically to thrive in different environments. The objective of this project is to bridge this knowledge gap by scrutinizing the phenotypic variations of a non-human primate species inhabiting diverse environments—the chacma baboon (Papio ursinus). Our investigation will delve into behavioural variations across multiple populations of chacma baboons in Southern Africa, utilizing camera trap data analysis to explore their (1) diel activity and (2) reproductive phenology patterns.

Project Partners

Panthera

Cape Leopard Trust

Wildlife Ecology Lab

Snapshot Safari

International Research Labratory

Project Funding

cnrs

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