Relationship between chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) density and large, fleshy-fruit tree density

Conservation implications

Bibliographic Data

ID22899215
AuthorsSophia R Balcomb (University of Florida, corresponding author), Colin A Chapman (0000-0002-8827-8140, Wildlife Conservation Society), R W Wrangham (0000-0003-0435-2209, Harvard University)
Year2000
Volume51
Issue3
Pages197-203
Publication date2000-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Primatology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0275-2565 • E-ISSN: 1098-2345
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/1098-2345(200007)51:3<197::aid-ajp4>3.0.co;2-c
PMID10902668
OpenAlexW2020270106
LanguageEN
Citations received29
References cited21

Conservation efforts to protect chimpanzees in their natural habitat are of the highest priority. Unfortunately, chimpanzee density is notoriously difficult to determine, making it difficult to assess potential chimpanzee conservation areas. The objective of this study was to determine whether chimpanzee density could be predicted from the density of trees that produce large, fleshy fruits. Using chimpanzee nest counts from six sites within Kibale National Park, Uganda, collected during a year-long study, a predictive trend was found between chimpanzee nest density and large, fleshy-fruit tree density. This relationship may offer a quick, reasonably reliable method of estimating potential chimpanzee densities in previously unsurveyed habitats and may be used to evaluate the suitability of possible re-introduction sites. Thus, in conjunction with other survey techniques, such as forest reconnaissance, it may provide an effective and efficient means of determining appropriate chimpanzee habitat in which to allocate conservation efforts.

Biology · Geography · Habitat · National park · Nest (protein structural motif) · Pongidae · Troglodytes · Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior · Ecology · Primate Behavior and Ecology · Wildlife Ecology and Conservation

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