Ecological factors influencing ranging decisions in a montane population of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), Rwanda

Samantha Green

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

Optimising energy balance is challenging for terrestrial animals living in rugged, montane environments, where available energy is relatively low and travel costs are high. Spatial analyses of chimpanzee travel routes collected over 14 months at the altitudinal extreme of their range revealed that they reduce travel effort during periods of fruit scarcity. Chimpanzees preferentially travelled on human-made trails, re-used their own travel routes and show evidence of using knowledge of the trails and topography of their home-range to plan energy-efficient routes. This research reveals new behavioural strategies that allow chimpanzees to reduce their energy expenditure in harsh, high-elevation environments.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Grueter, Cyril, Supervisor
  • Boruff, Bryan, Supervisor
  • Maloney, Shane, Supervisor
  • Kaplin, Beth A., Supervisor, External person
Thesis sponsors
Award date25 Feb 2020
DOIs
Publication statusUnpublished - 2020

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