Research Activity Report
Supported by “Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science”
2014. 06. 15
Affiliation/Position

Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute/ Mahale-Gombe WRCName

Simula Peres Maijo

1. Country/location of visit
Japan, Yakushima Island-Kagoshima Prefecture.
2. Research project
Study on Japanese macaques’ (Macaca fuscata yakui) behavior and their feeding ecology.
3. Date (departing from Kyoto/returning to Kyoto-Japan)
2014. 05. 18 – 2014. 05. 25
4. Main host researcher and affiliation
Prof. Shiro Kohshima, Wildlife Research Centre of Kyoto University.
5. Progress and results of your research/activity(You can attach extra pages if needed)
Please insert one or more pictures (to be publicly released). Below each picture, please provide a brief description.

Field Science Course
This time the field science course was carried out in Yakushima Island at Yakushima National Park. The course
was divided into four teams; Monkey team, Deer team, Plant team and Insect team. For my case I was in Monkey
team.
During the field training in Yakushima National Park, as a team we conducted research on the behavior andfeeding ecology of the Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata yakui).
The aim of our study was to identify different behaviors exhibited by the Japanese monkeys and find out theactivity budget from their doings. Also we were paying attention on identifying the food items that are actuallyeaten by the monkeys in the field area (Yakushima Island).
The study was very exciting and insightful as we adopted standard methods to meet the aims of our study. We
used direct observation method in which focal animal sampling and ad libitum techniques were employed. Apartfrom direct observation we also used fecal sampling method through which feces dropped by monkeys werecollected and kept as per individual droppings. The feces were washed through 1mm wire mesh on reaching
Nagata camp , dried in oven and finally sorted to identify the food items (seeds, plant parts/insect parts) eaten bymonkeys. On top of all the methods, we also used GPS tracking technique for the purpose of monitoring
movements and distribution of monkeys within the study area.

Photo 1: Observers following Japanese monkey.
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Photo 2: Japanese monkeys on tree branchesResearch Activity Report
Supported by “Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science”

Photo 3: Adult female Japanese monkey with a baby at rest
Despite the fact that our study was of a very short period ( field observation covered only four (4) days from 20th
May to 23th May 2014) and that was limited to one type of season, we came to conclude the followings basing onthat specific contracted period;o Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata yakui) spent most of their time searching for, manipulating andeating food items.
o Each monkey group has its own distinct territory from which they obtain and meet their needs.
o Food availability affects the movement pattern of monkeys within their territory with respect toseason.
o The most preferred monkey food during our study was Yamamomo (Myrica rubra)
o Japanese monkeys eat a variety of insects of which to identify them through direct observation in thefield and fecal sorting is difficult and hence the need of DNA analysis.
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Research Activity Report
Supported by “Leading Graduate Program in Primatology and Wildlife Science”

Having attended this training, I used this opportunity to learn different field methods and techniques especially on
data collection specifically behavioral data and feeding ecology data on Primates. On the other hand, the training
has also been of a great help on how to analyze the collected data for good discussion and presentation.
From what I have experienced in this training, I have developed additional knowledge which previously I waslacking. It’s my hope that, the knowledge I have obtained during this field science course will be of a positive
impact on the study I am conducting (The feeding ecology of Chimpanzees in Mahale, Tanzania).

6. Others

Photo 4: Group photo for the field science course participants.
It’s my pleasure to extend my gratitude to the course organizers (WRC-Kyoto University), the field instructors(Professors and Doctors) and all other facilitators in the field training course.
I would like also to thank all the participants of this course for constructive discussion, friendship, and the goodtime we all experienced from the first moment of our interaction. Thank you all.

Submit to：report@wildlife-science.org2014.05.27 version