Damage by Samango Monkeys, Cercopithecus (mitis) albogularis, to Pine Trees in the Northern Transvaal

SYNOPSIS

Damage to pine trees in commercial plantations of the Northern Transvaal by samango monkeys Cercopithecus (mitis) albogularis has been reported since about 1960. The damage is caused by monkeys stripping pieces of bark to eat the soft tissues directly beneath. The monkeys are restricted to patches of indigenous montane evergreen forests, but appear to be common where they occur. The extent of plantation damaged has increased from about 140 ha in 1970 to about 600 ha in 1981. There is no evidence that bark eating is the result of a lack of natural food. Most of the damage appears to be done en route to other food sources. Financial loss up to 1980 has been estimated at about R400 000. Various methods to control the damage have been and are being tried, so far with little success. Future research is aimed at determining the feasibility of removing troops in the plantation environment as a method of control.