Geladas, the world's only grass-eating primates, live in large social groups in the Ethiopian Simien Mountains and face welfare pressures from habitat degradation and tourism.
Gelada herds disturbed by tourist vehicles or close approaches show stress responses including increased alarm calls and cohesion disruption. Habitat degradation from livestock overgrazing reduces grass availability, causing nutritional stress particularly in the dry season. Male geladas fight intensely for reproductive access — welfare costs from male-male competition are intrinsic but amplified in degraded habitats with reduced resource security. Wildlife tourism that generates income for conservation while following strict codes reduces the welfare burden of economic pressure on surrounding communities.