2 results
6 - Estimating Travel Distance and Linearity of Primate Routes
- from Part I - GPS for Primatologists
- Edited by Francine L. Dolins, University of Michigan, Dearborn, Christopher A. Shaffer, Grand Valley State University, Michigan, Leila M. Porter, Northern Illinois University, Jena R. Hickey, University of Georgia, Nathan P. Nibbelink, University of Georgia
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- Book:
- Spatial Analysis in Field Primatology
- Published online:
- 29 January 2021
- Print publication:
- 18 February 2021, pp 106-120
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Summary
Primatologists use data collected by GPS devices to answer a wide variety of scientific questions. GPS data on locations where individuals were recorded as present or absent can provide insight into primate genetic diversity, dispersal patterns, densities, and habitat suitability (e.g., Guschanski et al. 2009; Hickey et al. 2012; Junker et al. 2012; Kouakou et al. 2009). GPS data on locations of primates’ daily travel paths provide an even wider range of information. Knowing how locations change over time can inform us on disease transmission probabilities, the impact of seasonality in food availability, or differences in social organization (e.g., Lehmann & Boesch 2005; Olupot et al. 1997; Walsh et al. 2005). Calculations of travel distances reveal indices of energy expenditure (e.g., Steudel 2000), while calculations of travel speed provide information on vigilance behavior, levels of food competition, and anticipation of food finding (e.g., Janmaat et al. 2006; Noser & Byrne 2009; Pochron 2001). In addition, travel shape (e.g., linearity of or directional changes in the travel path) can help us reveal cognitive abilities, such as spatio-temporal memory or planning skills (Milton 2000; Noser & Byrne 2007; Valero & Byrne 2007). Lastly, knowledge about directional changes improves our understanding of the importance of specific locations in the habitat, such as fruit trees (Asensio et al. 2011; Byrne et al. 2009). Within this large number of studies, very few reported that GPS devices make errors that can affect the scientific conclusions that are drawn. Even fewer studies investigated how we can limit or correct these errors. In this chapter, we therefore discuss the issues we encountered when using a handheld commercial GPS device (Garmin GPSMAP® 60CSx) to estimate travel locations of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in a West African rain forest. We present methods we used for testing the accuracy of the GPS device and provide primatologists with ideas on how to clean and smooth track data.
27 - Spatial cognitive abilities in foraging chimpanzees
- Edited by Christophe Boesch, Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany, Roman Wittig, Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany
- Edited in association with Catherine Crockford, Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany, Linda Vigilant, Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany, Tobias Deschner, Max-Planck-Institut für Evolutionäre Anthropologie, Germany, Fabian Leendertz
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- Book:
- The Chimpanzees of the Taï Forest
- Published online:
- 25 November 2019
- Print publication:
- 28 November 2019, pp 440-450
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Summary
After observing wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, for years, Professor Christophe Boesch and collaborators noticed behaviours indicating that the chimpanzees knew where they were heading hours before arrival. One can assume that animals living in such complex environments should possess developed cognitive abilities. To study their intelligence in the wild, we followed adult chimpanzees for long consecutive periods and collected detailed behavioural data including measurements of travel direction and distances, and feeding tree properties. We examined their spatial orientation abilities and found they travelled in a goal-directed manner, using different directions to reach the same feeding tree rather than using the same paths, which was consistent with the use of a Euclidean map. The content of their spatiotemporal memory, and revisiting and ranging behaviour, revealed that chimpanzees remembered the characteristics of the feeding trees and feeding experiences, and that the nutrient content of fruit impacted their travel path. Our investigations revealed that chimpanzees used many food-finding strategies, adding pieces to the puzzle of our closest relatives.