Non-Human Predator Interactions with Wild Great Apes in Africa and the Use of Camera Traps to Study Their Dynamics

Citation

Klailova M, Casanova C, Henschel P, Lee PC, Rovero F & Todd A (2013) Non-Human Predator Interactions with Wild Great Apes in Africa and the Use of Camera Traps to Study Their Dynamics. Folia Primatologica, 83 (3-6), pp. 312-328. https://doi.org/10.1159/000342143

Abstract
The slow life histories of great apes (hereafter ‘apes') combined with a growing inventory of predation incidents suggest that apes may be strongly affected by direct predation, as well as by predation risk. Predation risk may shape and increase behavioural flexibility by forcing individuals to adapt their behaviour to predator patterns. Forest leopards are an apex predator of primates in African rain forests and may represent a significant risk to ape populations. More field data are needed to further elucidate the behavioural modifications of apes in response to predation. We present research methods that combine the use of remote camera traps, capture-mark-recapture statistics and occupancy modelling to study predator-African ape relationships and potential antipredator behaviour through spatial variation in species co-occurrence patterns.

Keywords
Predation; Gorilla; Chimpanzee; Leopard; Antipredator behaviour; Camera traps; Species co-occurrence; Apes Behavior; Psychology, Comparative

Journal
Folia Primatologica: Volume 83, Issue 3-6