Wildlife Habituation and Primate Behavior Study in Ikogosi Warm Springs Forest, Ekiti State

The forest ecosystem surrounding Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State, within Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone, supports populations of olive baboons and several other primate species that have increasingly come into contact with human activities at the tourist site. This study investigates primate behavioral patterns and the degree of habituation to human presence among resident groups, with implications for both ecotourism management and wildlife safety. Behavioral observations were conducted using focal animal sampling and scan sampling methods over a 12-week field period, recording activity budgets, inter-individual interactions, and responses to tourist presence. A total of three baboon troops and two patas monkey groups were identified and regularly observed. Results indicate that baboon groups in the immediate vicinity of visitor zones exhibit significantly reduced flight distances and more frequent food-begging behaviors compared to groups in interior forest areas. These findings suggest an advanced level of human provisioning and behavioral modification that poses both ecological and human safety risks. Visitor behavior surveys reveal that approximately 40 percent of respondents had fed primates during their visit, despite the absence of formal prohibition signage. The study recommends the introduction of wildlife-sensitive tourism protocols, including visitor briefings, prohibition of feeding, and spatial regulation of visitor access near high-density primate zones. A ranger monitoring program is proposed to track primate behavioral trends over time. Keywords: primate habituation, baboon behavior, Ikogosi Warm Springs, South West Nigeria, wildlife tourism