Ranging patterns of Japanese macaques in the coniferous forest of Yakushima: Home range shift and travel rate

Japanese macaques on Yakushima exhibit strategic home range shifts and travel rate adjustments to optimize foraging efficiency amid seasonal fluctuations. The study, conducted over 17 months with supplementary data from a five-year census, revealed that the macaques shift their home range seasonally—occupying higher-altitude primary forest in eastern Yakushima during warmer months (May–September) and logged western areas rich in herbs and small trees during cooler periods. This shift, observed consistently across multiple years, allows them to capitalize on food availability while conserving energy during colder temperatures. Additionally, travel rates increased when foraging for fungi or flowers, which are less densely distributed than fruits, suggesting a fine-tuned response to habitat heterogeneity. The findings underscore the macaques' adaptive behavior in navigating seasonally variable environments.

Hanya, G., Yoshihiro, S.-i., Hayaishi, S., & Takahata, Y. (2020). Ranging patterns of Japanese macaques in the coniferous forest of Yakushima: Home range shift and travel rate. American Journal of Primatology, 82(10). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23185