Data for positional behavior of white-headed langurs

Information on positional behavior contributes to the
understanding of the ecological adaptation mechanisms in animals. We collected
data on the positional behavior of white-headed langurs (Trachypithecus
leucocephalus) at the Guangxi Chongzuo White-Headed Langur National Nature
Reserve from September 2016 to August 2017 via instantaneous scan
sampling method. This study aimed to examine the importance of positional behavioral
flexibility in limestone forests characterized by seasonal variations in climate
and food resources. Our results indicated that langurs adopted leaping (47.92%
± 5.50%) and vertical climbing (40.13% ± 6.20%) as their predominant locomotor
modes and sitting (83.08% ± 4.70%) as their predominant posture. Their positional
behavior exhibited marked seasonal variations. More specifically, langurs used
quadrupedal walking more frequently during the dry season than during the rainy months. In the stationary state,
they sat more frequently during the dry season, whereas they laid and suspended
more often during the rainy season. Their positional behavior was affected by
fruit availability, day length, and temperature. Quadrupedal walking increased
with the decrease in fruit availability, whereas leaping was positively
correlated with fruit availability. Moreover, sitting was positively correlated
with average temperature but negatively correlated with day length. Lying was
also negatively correlated with temperature but positively correlated with day
length. We conclude that white-headed langurs adapt to limestone forests with positional
behavior flexibility in response to seasonality. Our research provides evidence
of the effects of food availability, ambient temperature, and day length on the
positional behavior of white-headed langurs, highlighting the need to understand
their behavioral ecology and the influence of ecological factors on behavioral adaptation.