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Competition for a Forest Palm: Use of Phoenix reclinata by Human and Nonhuman Primates
Author(s) -
KINNAIRD MARGARET F.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
conservation biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.2
H-Index - 222
eISSN - 1523-1739
pISSN - 0888-8892
DOI - 10.1046/j.1523-1739.1992.610101.x
Subject(s) - phoenix , endangered species , geography , population , palm , habitat , agroforestry , competition (biology) , forestry , ecology , biology , demography , archaeology , physics , metropolitan area , quantum mechanics , sociology
The palm, Phoenix reclinata , is heavily exploited by people of the Tana River District of northeastern Kenya and provides an important food source for an endangered forest primate, the Tana River crested mangabey ( Cercocebus galeritus galeritus ). Humans use all parts of the palm; preferential harvesting of the reproductive size classes may affect the palm's population structure, and excessive leaf removal may influence reproduction. Phoenix reclinata accounts for up to 62% of the monthly diet of the mangabey. Mangabeys rely heavily on the fruits and seeds of P. reclinata when other fruits are unavailable; therefore, the elimination of palms and the reduction of fruit production degrade the mangabey's habitat. Human exploitation of P. reclinata may not be sustainable. Regulated harvesting outside protected areas and cessation of harvesting within protected areas are necessary to provide benefits to both the humans and the endangered Tana River crested mangabey.