Montane grassland resources drive gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) nesting behaviors in the Ebo forest, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Mfossa, Daniel Mbouombouo; Gazagne, Eva; Gray, Russell J.; Ketchen, Marcel E.; Abwe, Ekwoge E.; Beudels-Jamar, Roseline; Tchouamo, Roger Isaac; Brotcorne, Fany

doi:10.1007/s10344-023-01660-8

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 42 publications

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“…All apes construct overnight arboreal nests by interweaving branches and other vegetation (Anderson et al, 2019; Fruth et al, 2018). Gorillas, although able to climb while foraging, are the most terrestrial of the great apes and build overnight nests primarily on the ground using available herbaceous vegetation, although they increase the use of arboreal nesting seasonally, or when terrestrial vegetation is limited (Brugiere & Sakom, 2001; Mfossa et al, 2022; Tutin et al, 1995). In contrast, orangutans, bonobos, and chimpanzees primarily build arboreal nests (van Casteren et al, 2012; Fruth & Hohmann, 1993; Fruth et al, 2018; Goodall, 1962; Hicks, 2010; Prasetyo et al, 2009), using multiple interwoven supporting branches, filling in with smaller softer material (Fruth et al, 2018; Furuichi & Hashimoto, 2000; Prasetyo et al, 2009; Samson & Hunt, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitual ground nesting in the Bugoma Forest chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), Uganda

Hobaiter,

Klein,

Gruber

2023

American J Primatol

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We report the presence of habitual ground nesting in a newly studied East African chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) population in the Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, Uganda. Across a 2‐year period, we encountered 891 night nests, 189 of which were classified as ground nests, a rate of ~21%. We find no preliminary evidence of socio‐ecological factors that would promote its use and highlight local factors, such as high incidence of forest disturbance due to poaching and logging, which appear to make its use disadvantageous. While further study is required to establish whether this behavior meets the strict criteria for nonhuman animal culture, we support the argument that the wider use of population and group‐specific behavioral repertoires in flagship species, such as chimpanzees, offers a tool to promote the urgent conservation action needed to protect threatened ecosystems, including the Bugoma forest.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Habitual ground nesting in the Bugoma Forest chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), Uganda

Hobaiter,

Klein,

Gruber

2023

American J Primatol

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Effects of Human Disturbance on the Endangered Preuss’s Monkey (Allochrocebus preussi) in the Ebo Forest, Cameroon: Implications for Conservation

Nkengbeza,

Mesame,

Ngansop

et al. 2024

Tropical Conservation Science

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Background and Aim: Knowledge of population size is crucial for efficient conservation planning. Limited population survey data exist for the Endangered Preuss’s monkey in Cameroon’s Ebo forest, a stronghold for this species and several other IUCN RedList species. In this study, we assessed the population size of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest. Methods: Ecological data on Preuss’s monkey and evidence of anthropogenic disturbances were collected based on recce surveys. Encounter Rate was used to assess abundance and distribution, and for comparing relative abundance among four survey sites. We employed ANOVA to test for significant differences in encounters with Preuss’s monkey across sites in the Ebo forest. We used regression analysis to identify possible relationships between encounters with Preuss’s monkey and anthropogenic activities recorded. Results: Based on direct sightings, we observed 66 individuals residing in 11 groups. This resulted in an encounter rate of 0.15_individuals/km, a sighting frequency of 0.024_groups/km, and an encounter frequency of 0.062_groups/km of Preuss’s monkeys. On average, an encounter rate of 2.4_signs of anthropogenic activities/km was documented. Our results revealed a negative and significant correlation between encounters of Preuss’s monkey and human activities such as hunting signs, logging signs, evidence of planted crops, collection of Non-Timber Forest Products, and fishing activity. Conclusion: Our investigation indicates that the population of Preuss’s monkey in the Ebo forest totals approximately 481 individuals, which is consistent with their Endangered status. Implications for Conservation: We recommend continued monitoring and research on this population to better determine the specific drivers of their population decline. We also advocate a community conservation approach to incentivize local communities to take a more active role in preserving the forest and protecting Preuss’s monkey. Equally important, are programs of conservation education and awareness, in an attempt to inspire local people to become involved in this species conservation.

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Montane grassland resources drive gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) nesting behaviors in the Ebo forest, Littoral Region, Cameroon

Cited by 2 publications

References 42 publications

Habitual ground nesting in the Bugoma Forest chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), Uganda

Habitual ground nesting in the Bugoma Forest chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), Uganda

Effects of Human Disturbance on the Endangered Preuss’s Monkey (Allochrocebus preussi) in the Ebo Forest, Cameroon: Implications for Conservation

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