Data for: Behavioral adjustments and support use of François’ langur in limestone habitat in Fusui, China: Implications for behavioral thermoregulation

Climatic factors such as temperature and humidity vary annually
in primate habitats, thus behavioral
adjustments and microhabitat selection by primate species have been interpreted
as behavioral adaptations. François’ langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) , a native species to southwest China and northern Vietnam, inhabits a limestone habitat with extreme
climatic conditions. To
understand the potential effects of climatic seasonality on this species, we collected data on the individual behavioral
budgets in a T. francoisi group between January and December 2010
in Fusui County, China. Monthly, we monthly
performed 5-11 days of
observation during this period, using focal animal sampling and continuous recording
methods. We also recorded ambient temperature (Ta) and relative
humidity (Hr) data at our study site. Results indicated that Ta
and Hr were significantly correlated with each other and fluctuated
dramatically on a daily, monthly, and seasonal basis. The amount of time spent
resting, grooming, basking, and huddling also varied on a daily, monthly, and
seasonal basis. The proportion of resting time and total sedentary activity time
significantly increased at high and low Tas, respectively. The total
sedentary time, resting time, and plant branch use all showed positive significant
correlations with Ta. Our results suggest that behavioral adjustment
and support use of T. francoisi, at least partly, were related to
thermoregulation. T. francoisi minimized thermal stress through behavioral
adjustments and support use. It is an adaptive behavior associated with the climatic
extremes of limestone habitat. This study can potentially advise conservation
management strategies in this specific habitat. Conservation efforts should
focus on vegetation restoration in langurs’ habitat, including those in the foothills.