David Beaune

Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
Department of Primatology
Deutscher Platz 6
D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
with: Dr Barbara Fruth/Dr Gottfried Hohmann

e-mail: david_beaune [Please replace the brackets with an AT sign] eva.mpg.de

 

Université de Bourgogne
UMR CNRS Biogéosciences
Équipe écologie évolutive
6 bd Gabriel, 21000 Dijon
France
with: Pr Loïc Bollache/Pr François Bretagnolle

 

Current research:

Ecosystems are composed of species of various importances. In ecology, a keystone species is defined as a species which abundance dramatically alters the structure and dynamics of ecological systems. The identification of keystone species is therefore crucial to understand the functioning of a particular ecosystem. The Congo basin is the second largest tropical forest of the world and is therefore of major importance for the ecological stability of the planet and its biodiversity conservation. Within this system, relations between all species create a network in equilibrium, which is particularly true for plant-animal relationships. The survival of many angiosperm species depends on animals for pollination or seed dispersion. Bonobos (Pan paniscus) could be one of these keystone species supporting the maintenance and stability of the jungle.

Since 2002, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI) has conducted research on behavioural ecology and floral diversity at the research site Lui Kotale. It is located in the evergreen lowland rainforests at the south-western border of Salonga National Park.
Bonobo feeding ecology embraces numerous fruiting species such as Ficus-, Dialium- and other ecologically important trees and lianas. Bonobo-plant interactions should affect reproduction biology of trees and thus the forest ecosystem.

The aim of this project is to determine the potential role of bonobos as seed dispersers within this ecosystem, its importance and functioning with focus on consequences for management and conservation of biodiversity.