Nesting Behavior of Lowland Gorillas in the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, Central African Republic: Implications for Population Estimates and Understandings of Group Dynamics.

摘要: An analysis of 1231 nests from 163 nest-sites recorded during a twenty-seven month long study (August 1990-NovemberI992) on the feeding ecology oflowland gorillas at Bai Hokou Study Site, Dzanga-Sangha Dense Forest Reserve, Central African Republic is presented and compared with results concurrent nest-count census same site as well an earlier regional population those other gorilla populations. Nest counts are commonly used 1) to estimate sizes densities (Tutin & Fernandez, 1984; Carroll, 1986, 1988; Fay, Fay Agnagna, 1992) 2) supplement direct observations thus aid in understanding fluctuations size composition groups (Kuroda, 1992; Mitani et. ai., 1993). At 44 % longitudinal had no construction. 15% nest sites none were constructed. During fine-grained area, 30% identified bare ground nests. These contrast reports 0-10% Williamson 1986; Schaller 1963). construction type probably related availability suitable nesting materials 8ai shown be influenced by micro-habitat, season group size. factors also likely affect interpopulation variability Bare associated dung generally deteriorate become unrecognizable after 4 days, while types remain recognizable for more than 50 days Fernandez 1984, this study). Therefore, nest-counts will underestimate numbers older may even fail record entire sites. The accuracy surveys vary location, habitats sampled season.