Seasonal Changes in the Techniques Employed by Wild Chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania, to Feed on Termites (Pseudacanthotermes spiniger)

摘要: During a short period, wild chimpanzees of group K in the Mahale Mountains employ set several techniques, including tool use, to feed on one species termite (Pseudacanthotermes spiniger). They appear use each technique appropriately according phenological changes prey insect’s activities. The also ingest small pieces soil from tower P. spiniger’s mound throughout year. Geophagy presumably makes them visually and tactually aware termite’s reproductive cycle. Analyses fecal samples indicate interannual fluctuations amount termites ingested. On other hand, B, ranging north K, utilize fishing obtain another type (Macrotermes ?herus) large scale during first half wet season. Fecal analysis data show that B consume far more than those K. probability same or similar tool-using techniques as may be employed feeding different types insects by unit groups subtle local differences insect fauna their home ranges is discussed.