Abstract
A preliminary report on distribution and demography of primates in Eritrea. At least three diurnal primate taxa are still present in Eritrea, NE Africa: hamadryas baboons (Papio h. hamadryas), olive baboons (Papio h. anubis) and grivet monkeys (Cercopithecus a. aethiops). During a survey, focusing on hamadryas baboons, we achieved information about their geographical distribution and abundance, their altitudinal range, the habitat quality of their home-ranges, and aggregation sizes at sleeping cliffs. We also collected detailed demographic data on six bands of hamadryas baboons at four sites in different eco-geographical zones. Opportunistically, we gathered information about the situation of olive baboons and grivet monkeys. Both baboon taxa are still present in Eritrea in good numbers. An estimated 15,000 Papio h. hamadryas live in the 25,000 Km2 area of survey (0.58 baboons/Km2). Preliminary comparative information on habitat quality and demography are given with other studies in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.
