The Western Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes Verus) in the Antenna Zone (Niokolo Koba National Park, Senegal): Nesting Ecology and Sympatrics with Other Mammals

Western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Niokolo-Koba National Park, Senegal, exhibit unique nesting behavior influenced by predator presence. The study found that chimpanzees predominantly use Hexalobus monopetalus and Pterocarpus erinaceus for nesting, with nest heights significantly lower than those observed at other sites like Assirik or Fongoli, despite the park's high risk of predation. This behavior provides critical insights into the species' adaptation to threat. The research also identified sympatric medium and large mammals using camera traps, contributing to a broader understanding of the park's biodiversity. Published in Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, these findings aim to inform conservation strategies for the Critically Endangered western chimpanzee population.

SYLLA, S. F., NDIAYE, P. I., LINDSHIELD, S. M., BOGART, S. L., & PRUETZ, J. D. (2022). THE WESTERN CHIMPANZEE (PAN TROGLODYTES VERUS) IN THE ANTENNA ZONE (NIOKOLO KOBA NATIONAL PARK, SENEGAL): NESTING ECOLOGY AND SYMPATRICS WITH OTHER MAMMALS. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 20(3), 2663–2681. https://doi.org/10.15666/aeer/2003_26632681