Changes in Chemical Composition of Food Parts in the Diet of Colobus Monkeys

摘要: Foliage of Celtis durandii and Markhamia platycalyx are important foods the red colobus (Colobus badius tephrosceles) black-and-white guereza occiden- talis) at Kanyawara, Kibale Forest, Uganda. Seasonal variations in chemical composition this foliage were attributed to phenological changes. Moisture, crude protein, energy value, potassium, phosphorus decreased, while acid detergent fiber, lignin, calcium, sodium increased with advancing maturity. Intermonthly changes plant chemistry M. not so pronounced as C. durandii; latter also gave strong correlation among its components, similar correlations for generally weak. The nutrient quality leaves from was highest during brief period when buds (leaf flower), flowers, young most abundant. With increasing maturity, these lost characteristics that made them good forage. platycalyx, on contrary, had varying quality. dietary vari- ation monkeys is governed by interactions between food consumption rate changing quality, together availability alternative items.