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Socioecological factors influencing intraspecific variation in ranging dynamics of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Ndoki Forest.
Judson, Kathryn; Sanz, Crickette; Ebombi, Thierry Fabrice; Massamba, Jean Marie; Teberd, Prospère; Abea, Gaston; Mbebouti, Gaeton; Matoumona, Jancy Kelly Boungou; Nkoussou, Esther Godiline; Zambarda, Alice; Brogan, Sean; Stephens, Colleen; Morgan, David.
Affiliation
  • Judson K; Department of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
  • Sanz C; Department of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
  • Ebombi TF; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Massamba JM; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Teberd P; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Abea G; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Mbebouti G; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Matoumona JKB; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Nkoussou EG; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Zambarda A; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Brogan S; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Stephens C; Wildlife Conservation Society, Congo Program, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.
  • Morgan D; Department of Anthropology, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA.
Am J Primatol ; 86(2): e23586, 2024 Feb.
Article in En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38151775
ABSTRACT
Ranging dynamics are physical and behavioral representations of how different socioecological factors affect an organism's spatial decisions and space use strategies. Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are a model species to investigate the drivers of spatial dynamics based on both the natural variation in socioecological factors within the species and compared with their mountain gorilla counterparts. In this study, we evaluate the influences of resource seasonality and social dynamics on variation in home range size, utilization, and intergroup overlap among multiple gorilla groups over an 8-year study period in the northern Republic of Congo. This study shows that western lowland gorillas can have small home ranges comparable to mountain gorillas, rather than universally larger home ranges as previously supposed, and that home ranges are stable through time. The largest source of variation in space use was the degree of intergroup home range overlap. The study groups did not demonstrate intraspecific variation in range size nor changes in intergroup overlap with respect to seasonality of fruit resources, but all groups demonstrated expansion of monthly range and core area with group size, matching predictions of intragroup feeding competition. These findings highlight the potential impact of intergroup relationships on space use and prompt further research on the role of social dynamics in ranging strategies. In this study, we reveal a greater degree of variability and flexibility in gorilla ranging behavior than previously realized which is relevant to improving comparative studies and informing conservation strategies on behalf of these endangered primates.
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Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Hominidae / Gorilla gorilla Limits: Animals Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: En Journal: Am J Primatol Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country:

Full text: 1 Collection: 01-internacional Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Hominidae / Gorilla gorilla Limits: Animals Country/Region as subject: Africa Language: En Journal: Am J Primatol Year: 2024 Document type: Article Affiliation country: