Chimpanzees' (Pan troglodytes) choice of prey among termites (macrotermitinae) in western Tanzania |
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Authors: | D A Collins W C McGrew |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Psychology, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA Stirling, Scotland |
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Abstract: | This study examines factors affecting chimpanzees' preying on termites, especially their choice of prey species. Regular surveys
of a large sample of termite-mounds in the Mahale Mountains, Tanzania, confirmed that chimpanzees of B Group obtainedMacrotermes, which were relatively uncommon, by the use of fishing-tools, but ignored the much more abundantOdontotermes. This preference appeared to reflectMacrotermes' more extended swarming period, greater accessibility, larger size, and less noxious taste than the soldiers ofOdontotermes. Similar factors probably underly the chimpanzees' choice ofMacrotermes at Gombe, butPseudacanthotermes spiniger are also common there, and their absence from the diet is less easily explained. In contrast, the chimpanzees of K Group
at Mahale prey mainly onP. spiniger;Macrotermes are apparently absent, andP. spiniger appear to be more abundant, accessible, and palatable than the alternativeOdontotermes. |
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Keywords: | Chimpanzee Pan troglodytes Diet Prey choice Termite |
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