Nest-building orangutans demonstrate engineering know-how to produce safe, comfortable beds

Casteren, Adam van; Sellers, William I.; Thorpe, Susannah K. S.; Coward, Sam; Crompton, Robin H.; Myatt, Julia P.; Ennos, A. Roland

doi:10.1073/pnas.1200902109

Cited by 77 publications

(84 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…In other taxa it has been shown that nests are also asymmetrical; in orangutan nests the long axis is orientated pointing towards the tree trunk (van Casteren et al 2012). The authors suggested that orangutans also select stronger and more rigid branches for the structural parts and weaker more flexible elements for the lining of the nest (van Casteren et al 2012). It would be interesting to see if blackbirds also position the long axis of their nests in situ relative to the supporting structures in a similar way.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Recent work on nest construction in primates has shown the importance of the mechanical role of nest elements and its significance in terms of nest building behaviour. van Casteren et al (2012) demonstrated that a compliant central structure, with thicker more rigid and stronger outer elements, is optimal for safely supporting the weight of sleeping Orangutans Pongo species. However, different parts of bird nests may have more than one role.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Morphology and biomechanics of the nests of the Common BlackbirdTurdus merula

2014

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Capsule Common blackbirds select different materials, with varying biomechanical properties, to construct different parts of their nest. Aims This study tested the hypothesis that outer components of a nest have a more structural role and so are stronger than materials used to line the cup. Methods Blackbird nests were measured prior to being dismantled to isolate structural components which were tested for mechanical strength and rigidity. Results Outer nest wall materials were significantly thicker, stronger and more rigid than materials in the inner structural wall or the cup lining. In the vertical plane materials used in the structural wall did not differ. By contrast, lining materials from the bottom of the nest cup were significantly thicker, stronger and more rigid than materials from the top of the cup. Conclusion Blackbirds use different materials in nest construction roles suited to their properties and so may be able to recognize the structural properties of these materials. Materials on the outside of the nest may have a key structural role during construction.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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confidence: 99%

Morphology and biomechanics of the nests of the Common BlackbirdTurdus merula

2014

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“…The smaller 15 m buffer used in our study could be associated with our smaller detection rate, i.e., we were more conservative regarding what constituted a match. Moreover, aerial nest surveys may be more efficient for orangutan nests as they tend to build nests higher in the tree canopy and visual contrasts of nest materials and canopy color are seemingly more apparent in these habitats [58,59].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Chimpanzee Nest Detectability in Drone-Acquired Images

Bonnin

Andel²,

Kerby

et al. 2018

Drones

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Abstract:As with other species of great apes, chimpanzee numbers have declined over the past decades. Proper conservation of the remaining chimpanzees requires accurate and frequent data on their distribution and density. In Tanzania, 75% of the chimpanzees live at low densities on land outside national parks and little is known about their distribution, density, behavior or ecology. Given the sheer scale of chimpanzee distribution across western Tanzania (>20,000 km 2 ), we need new methods that are time and cost efficient while providing precise and accurate data across broad spatial scales. Scientists have recently demonstrated the usefulness of drones for detecting wildlife, including apes. Whilst direct observation of chimpanzees is unlikely given their elusiveness, we investigated the potential of drones to detect chimpanzee nests in the Issa valley, western Tanzania. Between 2015 and 2016, we tested and compared the capabilities of two fixed-wing drones. We surveyed twenty-two plots (50 × 500 m) in gallery forests and miombo woodlands to compare nest observations from the ground with those from the air. We performed mixed-effects logistic regression models to evaluate the impact of image resolution, seasonality, vegetation type, nest height and color on nest detectability. An average of 10% of the nests spotted from the ground were detected from the air. From the factors tested, only image resolution significantly influenced nest detectability in drone-acquired images. We discuss the potential, but also the limitations, of this technology for determining chimpanzee distribution and density and to provide guidance for future investigations on the use of drones for ape population surveys. Combining traditional and novel technological methods of surveying allows more accurate collection of data on animal distribution and habitat connectivity that has important implications for ape conservation in an increasingly anthropogenically-disturbed landscape.

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“…build nests in trees that act as sleeping beds. They select stronger, more rigid materials for the outer 'structural' part of the nest compared to the weaker and more flexible materials used to construct the cup lining (Van Casteren et al 2012). Irrespective of the availability of tree species in one study, Eurasian Beavers Castor fiber largely used poplars Populus and willow Salix branches in building their lodges (Fustec and Cormier 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Birds use structural properties when selecting materials for different parts of their nests

2018

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Bird nests can have various roles but all act as the location for incubation, so at least have to serve to hold and support the incubating bird and its clutch of eggs. Nest construction is species specific and the use of materials varies between different parts of the nest. At present we know very little about the role that these materials play in the structural characteristics of the nest. This study examined materials from deconstructed nests from four species of thrush (Turdidae) and two species of finch (Fringillidae) that all constructed nests made of woody stems. It was hypothesised that structural properties would vary within the different regions of a nest, with thicker and stronger materials being found in parts of the nest needing the most support. Secondly, it was predicted that structural properties would vary little between nests of members of the same family, but would be quite different between nests of different families. Nests were deconstructed to quantify the materials used in the cup lining, and the upper and lower parts of the outer nest. The 20 thickest pieces of material were selected from each nest part and for each piece, and their diameter and mass quantified. Each piece was then subjected to a three-point bending test using an Instron universal testing machine to determine its rigidity and bending strength. Placement of materials in the nest was non-random in all species. The materials used in the outer part of the nest were thicker, stronger and stiffer than those materials found in the cup lining. The extent to which these structural properties varied between families depended on where the material was taken from the nest. Both strength and rigidity strongly positively correlated with the diameter of the piece of material. We hypothesise that birds are not directly aware of the structural properties of the material per se but rather assess diameter and mass of the material when they pick it up by the bill. Using this information they decide on whether the piece is suitable for that appropriate stage of nest construction. Keywords

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Nest-building orangutans demonstrate engineering know-how to produce safe, comfortable beds

Cited by 77 publications

References 31 publications

Morphology and biomechanics of the nests of the Common BlackbirdTurdus merula

Morphology and biomechanics of the nests of the Common BlackbirdTurdus merula

Assessment of Chimpanzee Nest Detectability in Drone-Acquired Images

Birds use structural properties when selecting materials for different parts of their nests

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