Title
The ecology of the Endangered yellow-cheeked crested gibbon in areas of high human presence: implications for long-term conservation
Author(s)
Pheakdey, S.;Nuttal, M.;Dolhem, J.;Diment, A.
Published
2015
Publisher
Cambodian Journal of Natural History
Abstract
There is scarce information about the habitat requirements of yellow-cheeked crested gibbons Nomascus gabriellae in the Seima Protected Forest (SPF). This study aimed to estimate the home range size of one focal group of semihabituated N. gabriellae and assess habitat characteristics both within the home range and in adjacent habitat. Data were collected in SPF from February to April 2014. Point locations were collected and a kernel estimator was used to estimate the group’s home range, and a systematic grid of 91 plots was used to assess the habitat characteristics of two areas. Three home range contours were estimated: 50% contour (14.9 ha), 85% contour (38.6 ha) and 95% contour (57.8 ha). Three habitat characteristics showed no significant difference between two areas; however, two other characteristics showed a significant difference. The home range analysis suggested that the focal group’s area of utilisation overlaps with some areas of the Indigenous Communal Land Title (ICT) of Andong Kraloeng Village, as this community land is still forested. This study has highlighted some key habitat characteristics that may be selected for by N. gabriellae, which has implications for law enforcement in the context of increasing threats such as selective logging and land clearance. The existence of the ICT within the group’s home range demonstrates the challenges of long-term conservation in protected areas with a large human presence. We discuss the potential solutions in light of a primate-focused, community-based ecotourism project in the area, and the challenges of eff ective management under increasing threats.

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PUB15663