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How to measure chimpanzee party size? A methodological comparison
Kelly L van Leeuwen1,2, Tetsuro Matsuzawa3, Elisabeth H M Sterck4,5
1Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Bournemouth University, Poole, United Kingdom. K.L.vanLeeuwen1@gmail.com.
Primates; Journal of Primatology
|January 3, 2020
Summary
Motion-triggered cameras (MTCs) are the best method for estimating chimpanzee party size and understanding socio-ecological influences. This study compared MTCs to direct observation and nest counts in Guinea.
Area of Science:
- Primatology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Conservation Biology
Background:
- Chimpanzees exhibit fission-fusion social structures with dynamic party sizes.
- Understanding grouping patterns is crucial for population assessment and socio-ecological studies.
- Existing methods for estimating party size lack comparative analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of four methods for estimating chimpanzee party size.
- To examine socio-ecological factors influencing party size in unhabituated chimpanzees.
- To determine which method best reflects socio-ecological influences on grouping.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of direct observation, motion-triggered camera (MTC) observations, and night/day nest counts.
- Field study of unhabituated chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Nimba, Guinea over 69 months.
- Statistical assessment of socio-ecological factors (fruit abundance, estrous females) on party size estimates.
Main Results:
- Night nest counts overestimated, while day nest counts underestimated party size compared to other methods.
- Direct observations and MTCs yielded similar party size and composition estimates.
- Fruit abundance and estrous females positively influenced party size, but only detected via MTCs.
Conclusions:
- Methodological choices significantly impact chimpanzee party size estimates and the detection of socio-ecological drivers.
- Motion-triggered cameras (MTCs) provide the most reliable estimates for party size and socio-ecological factor influence.
- MTCs offer a promising tool for studying unhabituated chimpanzee social dynamics.
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