Estimates of population density and correlates of the status of the samango monkey Cercopithecus mitis in Natal, South Africa

In southern Africa the samango monkey Cercopithecus mitis is confined to small (< 500 ha) forest fragments and is considered a locally rare species. Monkey populations from 17 of Natal's forests were visited and 14 of these were censused using King's strip transect method. Enviromental correlates and disturbance factors affecting samango population density are examined. The results of this provincial census show that it may be possible to predict samango density according to the plant species richness and diversity of a forest. The potential effect of the latter on the vagaries of food abundance and availability and hence the primate carrying capacity of a forest are considered. The important conclusion is that forests in Natal with very high species richness and diversity values do not necessarily support high samango densities. In fact these forests appear to maintain population densities similar to those forests with low plant species richness and diversity (swamp and sand forests). This has important implications for the conservation and management of the species, since it high-lights the importance to its survival, of those, often young, forests that can maintain high population densities (coastal dune and coastal lowland forest). Furthermore, results of this study permit a more objective interpretation of the evaluation of the observed abundance of samango monkeys in different forest types, and in so doing may form the basis for sound management proposals in the future.