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Preliminary Census of Free Ranging Vervet Monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus,in Dania Beach, Forida
Title
Preliminary Census of Free Ranging Vervet Monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus,in Dania Beach, Forida.
Creator
Williams, Deborah, Broemel, Erin T., Graduate College, Detwiler, Kate M.
Abstract/Description
Observations of vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, have been documented in 3700 hectares of mangrove preserves of Dania Beach, Florida since the 1950’s. A scientific census in 1995 provided confirmation of this population. Endemic to West Africa, research suggests this primate has adapted to the ecology of the mangrove environment in Southeast Florida. The 1995 census showed the population consisted of two groups with a total of 36 individuals. We resurveyed the population from January...
Show moreObservations of vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, have been documented in 3700 hectares of mangrove preserves of Dania Beach, Florida since the 1950’s. A scientific census in 1995 provided confirmation of this population. Endemic to West Africa, research suggests this primate has adapted to the ecology of the mangrove environment in Southeast Florida. The 1995 census showed the population consisted of two groups with a total of 36 individuals. We resurveyed the population from January-February 2014 by visiting sites where monkeys have been reported either in the media or by local residents. We found the vervets inhabit two geographically isolated areas, separated by a man-made waterway. The population is divided into three groups with a total of 18 individuals. Group A, which occupies the northern most part of the mangroves consists of 3 adult males, 1 juvenile male, 5 adult females, and 1 infant. Group B, which occupies the central part of the mangroves consists of 1 adult male, 2 adult females, 1 sub-adult female, and 2 juveniles. Group C, which occupies the southern part of the mangroves consists of 2 adult females. In the 1995 study, this southern group ranged in size from 19-23 individuals. Our results indicate the total population decreased significantly in size over the past 19 years. To confirm this population decrease, research will expand surveys into unexplored areas of the mangrove preserve to document the presence or absence of additional groups. Ongoing research will investigate day ranges, behavior, and feeding ecology of this feral primate population.
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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005172
Format
Document (PDF)
Human/Non-Human Primate Interface in Dania Beach, Florida
Title
Human/Non-Human Primate Interface in Dania Beach, Florida.
Creator
Broemel, Erin T., Williams, Deborah, Graduate College, Detwiler, Kate M.
Abstract/Description
The frequency of interactions between humans and non-human primates has risen in past decades due to the loss of primate habitat. Many primates now live within human habitats, raising questions about how humans interact with and affect primates. Dania Beach, Florida provides an unusual opportunity to study the dynamics of human interactions with a population of introduced primates. We examined the effect of human behavior on three groups of green vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, through...
Show moreThe frequency of interactions between humans and non-human primates has risen in past decades due to the loss of primate habitat. Many primates now live within human habitats, raising questions about how humans interact with and affect primates. Dania Beach, Florida provides an unusual opportunity to study the dynamics of human interactions with a population of introduced primates. We examined the effect of human behavior on three groups of green vervet monkeys, Chlorocebus sabaeus, through behavioral observations conducted from January-February 2014. North Group A, located on business property, is provisioned 3x daily with nutrient dense fruits and nuts. These monkeys are habituated to human presence and appear to benefit from positive interactions with humans. North Group B, located within mangrove forest near businesses, is provisioned 2x daily with fruits, and restaurant food 2x weekly. This group is less habituated than North Group A, and avoids human contact outside of provisioning. In contrast, South Group C is situated within a residential area and has a history of being trapped since 1993. They are minimally provisioned, and rely on human food items from trash. South Group C exhibits defensive and aggressive behaviors towards humans. These results suggest that primates living in this group experience a negative human relationship, which may lead to an increase in stress levels. Additional exploration into the Dania Beach human/non-human primate interface is required to better understand the potential link between negative human interactions and primate proximity to residential areas.

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Date Issued
2014
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005141
Format
Document (PDF)
An Introduced Primate Species, Chlorocebus Sabaeus, in Dania Beach, Florida: Investigating Origins, Demographics, and Anthropogenic Implications of an Established Population
Title
An Introduced Primate Species, Chlorocebus Sabaeus, in Dania Beach, Florida: Investigating Origins, Demographics, and Anthropogenic Implications of an Established Population.
Creator
Williams, Deborah M., Detwiler, Kate, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description
Nonnative species are reshaping global ecosystems. The success of a nonnative species hinges on both biological and cultural variables. Primates represent a minority of nonnative species but warrant research to understand ecological implications and management solutions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recognizes three species of nonnative primates in Florida that include populations of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Marion County, squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) in...
Show moreNonnative species are reshaping global ecosystems. The success of a nonnative species hinges on both biological and cultural variables. Primates represent a minority of nonnative species but warrant research to understand ecological implications and management solutions. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recognizes three species of nonnative primates in Florida that include populations of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Marion County, squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) in Broward County, and green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus) in Broward County. This study focused on the Dania Beach C. sabaeus population. The goals of this study were to: 1) determine the geographical origins and species of the monkeys, 2) record demographics and determine population growth rate, 3) assess the public’s perception of monkeys, and 4) understand the influence of human provisioning on the population’s behavior and biology. Public surveys and direct field observations of social groups provided baseline data to show that unlike other introduced primates (e.g., macaques in Marion County and green monkeys in the Caribbean), the Dania Beach monkey population has strong public support and is at risk of extinction within the next 100 years.
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Date Issued
2019
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013279
Subject Headings
Nonnative species, Green monkey, Dania Beach (Fla.), Introduced species
Format
Document (PDF)