Effects of Forest Type and Human Presence on Bonobo (Pan paniscus) Density in the Salonga National Park1 |
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Authors: | Gay E Reinartz Inogwabini Bila Isia Mafuta Ngamankosi Lisalama Wema Wema |
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Institution: | (1) We dedicate this paper in humble gratitude to the Sandra and Fred Young family in recognition of their exceptional interest and generous support to ensure that bonobos survive in their homeland, Wisconsin, USA;(2) Zoological Society of Milwaukee, 1421 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA;(3) Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) 13, Avenue Des Cliniques No. 13, Commune de la Gombe, Kinshasa I, DRC, USA;(4) Present affiliation: World Wildlife Fund, 6, Lodja Avenue, Quartier Soeimat Commune, Gombe, Kinshasa I, DRC, USA |
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Abstract: | Our study elucidates how forest type characteristics and human presence influence bonobo (Pan paniscus) densities and assesses
whether the Salonga National Park harbors a substantial bonobo population. We searched 11 locations in the Salonga for the
presence of bonobos and sampled 9 study sites using line transects to estimate relative bonobo nest density, the proportion
of forest types, and the intensity of human activity. We classified forests into broad types by overstory and understory composition,
canopy cover, and hydrology, and calculated encounter rates for bonobo, human, and large mammal signs. Bonobo signs occurred
in 8 of 11 locations but varied widely in frequency. Mean density was 0.72 nest-builders/km2, but density was not uniform across sites (range=0–2.8 nest-builders/km2). Of 11 forest types encountered, the most common were mixed mature forest with an herbaceous (Marantaceae) understory (36.8%),
with a woody understory (23.6%), and old secondary forest with a Marantaceae understory (10.5%). Nest sites occurred only
in these forest types, called nest-forest types. Bonobo density was highest in locations comprising >80% nest-forest types.
Nests occurred more frequently in the mixed mature/Marantaceae forest. Nest-site density correlates positively with the nest-forest
patch length we encountered on transects, implying that forest patch size and consistency may influence bonobo density. Mean
nest group size correlates positively with proportion of nest-forest types found at a site, suggesting that increased resource
availability—nesting sites and food—allows larger group size. A significant inverse association existed between bonobo density
and human presence.
An erratum to this article can be found at |
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Keywords: | distribution habitat characteristics hunting Pan paniscus Salonga survey |
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