THE BIOLOGY STUDY PROGRAM STUDENTS OBSERVED GREY MONKEYS AT WEST BALI NATIONAL PARK

8
Jan
2015

The grey monkey behavior observation was conducted by the Biology Study Program students at West Bali National Park (WBNP). They are Fitriana, Siti Ismawati, and Nanik Ismiyani under the supervision of dr. Tutiek Rahayu, M.Kes., Tri Atmanto, M.Si., and Paramita C.K., M.Sc. The observation, which was around sapodilla trees, started from 08.20 a.m. to 1.00 a.m.

According to the climatic factor measurement, it is found that the condition of grey monkey habitat consists of temperature (370 C), humidity (66%), and light intencuty (7700 lux). In this observation, major behaviors observed were in eating activity, foraging for food and water, child nurturing, and monkey at rest.

The monkeys start to search for food by going around their area. If they find their food, they will quickly open and close their mouths. Then they will approach and touch it. Before taking the food to  the mouth, they will smell it in advance. According to the locals,  The monkeys start foraging for food from 04.00 up to 09.00 a.m. The monkeys forage for drink by approaching water resources (there is a pond in WBNP) and sit around the edge of it. They will take the water by their hands and drink it then. While foraging for food, the monkeys nurture their children. They will walk side by side when foraging for food. Also, the calves will be carried by the mother when they are still infants.

“When the monkeys are at rest, they will find a shade place, on tree branchess. While scratching their body, the other monkeys will search for lice consecutively,” Said Fitiriana. In WBNP, they sometimes get their food from the tourists visiting this place. (Siti/witono)

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