Chimpanzee’s (Pan Troglodytes Verus) Activity and Feeding Patterns in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science

© 2018 by SSRG - IJAES Journal

Volume 5 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2018

Authors : Gone Bi Zoro Bertin, Vroh Bi Tra Aime, Adou Yao Constant Yves

10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V5I3P117

How to Cite?

Gone Bi Zoro Bertin, Vroh Bi Tra Aime, Adou Yao Constant Yves, " Chimpanzee’s (Pan Troglodytes Verus) Activity and Feeding Patterns in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire," SSRG International Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Science, vol. 5,  no. 3, pp. 107-116, 2018. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942568/IJAES-V5I3P117

Abstract:

In Taï National Park (TNP), communities of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) have been studied since 1979. Studies have characterized the plant species diversity and the vegetation structural parameters of their habitats. However, the variability of the activities and feeding patterns of these chimpanzees have not yet clarified during a full year. The present study aimed to (1) identify the activities and feeding patterns of TNP chimpanzees and (2) determine the basic diet of their feeding during 15 consecutive months. Activity budgets (feeding, travelling, resting, etc.) was quantified from instantaneous focal animal samples on individual chimpanzees of three. Feeding is considered here as active consumption of plant parts as well as soil and animal prey. The diversity of the plant species component in chimpanzees’ diet was calculated. Result showed that the chimpanzees of TNP spent more than half of their active time on feeding activities. The chimpanzees’ diet in TNP consisted mainly in fruits supplemented by leaves mostly during wet season. A large range of plant species composing the diet and the availability of 30 of them during a full year can contribute to establish the scientific basis for their communities monitoring and their viability.

Keywords:

Chimpanzees, activity budget, feeding time, diet variation, Taï National Park

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