The fruit phenology of Musanga leo-errerae and its importance for chimpanzee diet in Kalinzu Forest Uganda

Abstract

This study reports the rate of fruit phenological pattern of Musanga leo-errerae and how it sustains the chimpanzee population better than other fruits in Kalinzu Forest Reserve. We analysed 2635 faecal samples to determine the proportion of M. leo-errerae by composition of fruit diet compared with other fruits eaten by chimpanzees. Musanga leo-errerae trees were monitored for fruit production between November 2002 and December 2004. Musanga leo-errerae fruit production did not vary significantly between months (ANOVA, F = 2.0, d.f. = 11, P = 0.13). The size of fruit and rate maturation varied with seasons, although fruit production was synchronous and available all year round. From the 2635 faecal samples analysed, 79.2% contained M. leo-errerae fruit seed. Chimpanzee diet in Kalinzu is 75% frugivorous, 37.2% of which is solely contributed by M. leo-errerae fruit. The continuous avail ability of M. leo-errerae fruit makes it the most important food for chimpanzees in this forest, especially during gen eral fruit scarcity there by joining figs in importance for chimpanzee survival in tropical Africa.