Intern, Constance, joined our long-term project assessing baboon crop preference. Constance completed a five-month internship with us from Agrocampus Ouest, France. Crop preference is an experimental project that aims to determine which crops are preferred by baboons and consequently may be more vulnerable to raiding. To do this we are running a series of experiments where we provide the baboons with a choice of two crops. By recording which crops the baboons eat first, and how much of the crop is left over when the baboons leave, it is possible to determine a hierarchy of crop preferences. The aim of the project is to compare the preferences of different baboon troops. The project initially started on a non-raiding troop, during her internship Constance expanded the project to conduct preference trials on a crop-raiding troop of baboons.
A chacma baboon peacefully taking the time to test our crop samples
Camera traps were first used to identify a suitable study troop and help gain an insight into their daily movements. Using the camera trap data, a crop preference study location was set up. Constance conducted her crop preference trials from a hide. Two, locally grown crops were placed in different coloured buckets. Each pair of crops is tested five times for reliability. From the hide, a video camera was used to record baboon visits to the buckets. The videos were then coded and analysed to determine crop preference.
For her report, Constance assessed: What are the crop preferences of a dominant male baboon in a crop-raiding troop? This preliminary analysis found that pumpkins and pattypan were preferred crops whilst red bell peppers were the least preferred. We will be continuing with this project to compare other crops and conduct further repeats of crop pairs. Keep an eye out for further results!
A view from the Hide. Hides form the basis of most field research.
For her report, Constance assessed: What are the crop preferences of a dominant male baboon in a crop-raiding troop? This preliminary analysis found that pumpkins and pattipans were preferred crops whilst red bell peppers were the least preferred. We will be continuing with this project to compare other crops and conduct further repeats of crop pairs. Keep an eye out for further results!
Alldays Wildlife and Communities Research Centre 