Census methods

Salonga National Park (SNP) is the only protected site within the known range of bonobo distribution. Consequently, it plays a key role in protecting natural habitat and wild populations of this species. Evidence suggests that SNP is home of a large bonobo population but the data suggest that within the protected area, distribution is variable and discontinuous. To assist conventional techniques of population density assessments by nest counts, we are collecting long term data on nest building within the study site (100 km2). This includes habitat preferences, re-use of nest sites, and decomposition of nests in relation to structural, floristic and climatic variables. This is a joint project with Barbara Fruth directing the Project Cuvette Centrale (http://www.eva.mpg.de/procuv/).