Chimpanzees: Taï Chimpanzee Project.

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Chimpanzee

Research on chimpanzees

chimpanzeeTaï Chimpanzee Project

conducted by Christophe Boesch

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are the closest extant relative of humans, sharing 98.7% of our DNA. They are found in tropical Africa from Senegal to Tanzania with 4 recognized subspecies. The major field research project of our department centers on the West African chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) of the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. Taï chimpanzees have been the subjects of observation and behavioral research for over twenty years. Studies of this population have led to insights into the construction and use of tools, cooperative hunting behavior, and many aspects of chimpanzee social life. More recently, comparisons of behavior patterns seen at Taï with those exhibited by chimpanzees at other sites have led to the more wide-spread recognition that culture, an attribute often restricted to humans, is also present in chimpanzee societies.

map: location of ape projects in africa

A chimpanzee community, a group of approximately 10 to 120 individuals occupying a territory, is defined as the core unit of social and reproductive interaction in chimpanzees. At present, the project is following three habituated neighbouring communities totaling some 100 individuals and are followed by a team of Ivorian field assistants and students on a daily basis. The habituation of a large fourth community is currently being finalized. Observation of nine neighboring groups, including collection of samples for genetic analysis, is also being conducted.

Researcher in the Taï National Park are working with the WCF (Wild Chimpanzee Foundation) and park authorities to protect the chimpanzee future.

 

Research at Taï is currently focusing on:

  • Intercommunity interactions
  • Long-term demographic changes
  • Male social interactions and stress
  • Parasites, disease and the effect of stress
  • Reproductive strategies and relatedness
  • Different aspects of physical and social cognition
  • Feeding ecology
  • Long-term social interactions
  • Survey techniques and bio-monitoring

 

Research at Taï is greatly supported by the invaluable help of our field assistants, coming from villages close to the research area: Kohou Nohon Gregoire, Kpazahi Honora, Bole Camille, Bally Louis Bernard, Tahou Mompeho Jonas, Gouyan Bah Nestor, Gnahe Djirian Appollinaire, Tagnon Alphonse, Dehegnan Olivier, Goulei Florent, Jean Babtiste, Remi Lyas, Martin Dere, Leonard Sio, Alain Takouo, Alain Toubate, Crepin Patty, Yagnon Valentine, Lia Denis, Joel Nomane, JC Roya, Sididki Kone, Arsene Sioblo, Zagnonde Egou Francis, Kouame Yao Lambert