Population size, group and age structure of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in escarpments of Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia: implication for conservation

A study conducted in Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia, revealed a very small gelada (Theropithecus gelada) population size, averaging 105.5 individuals across wet and dry seasons. The research used total count methods to estimate population structure, classifying age and sex categories based on morphological characteristics. Findings indicated no statistically significant differences in age and sex group distribution between seasons, with a sex ratio of adult males to females ranging from 1:2.6 to 1:2.7. Group size variations were also observed seasonally. This is the first report of gelada population data for this region, highlighting the need for further monitoring to assess long-term trends and inform conservation strategies.

Girmay, T., & Dati, D. (2020). Population size, group and age structure of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) in escarpments of Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia: implication for conservation. Journal of Ecology and Environment, 44(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41610-020-00163-w