Abstract:
Geladas are the most distinctive of Ethiopian endemic mammals, representing the last extant
species of primate genus that have a very restricted distribution in the northern Ethiopian plateau.
The activity budget and feeding ecology of geladas (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) were
studied around Abogedam Church, Ethiopia, from May to October 2014, encompassing dry and
wet seasons. The scan sampling method was applied to collect behavioural data on the identified
band. Activity scans were collected at 15-minute intervals for up to five minutes duration from
0700 to 1730 h. The activity recorded for each individual was the first activity that lasts for five
seconds. During each scan, individuals were recorded as performing activities: feeding, moving,
resting, playing, aggression, grooming, sexual activity, and others. On average, geladas devoted
57.19% feeding, 14.82% resting, 14.92% moving, 4.83% playing, 2.53% aggression, 4.14%
grooming, 1.23% sexual activity, and 0.34% other activities such as vocalization, defecation, and
urination. Forty-one plant species were consumed by geladas that belonged to 18 families of
which 53.66% were grasses. This study provides basic information on further studies and
motivates conservationists to plan the management of unprotected areas at the vicinity of
agricultural lands where such endemic animals dwell.
