We’re excited to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed article from the Paleo-Primate Project Gorongosa (PPPG), led by Philippa Hammond in collaboration with Kaitlyn Gaynor, Tara Easter, Dora Biro, and Susana Carvalho. The study, titled “Landscape-scale effects of season and predation risk on the terrestrial behaviour of chacma baboons,” has been published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology.
Utilizing extensive camera trap data from Gorongosa National Park, the research explores how seasonal changes and predation risk influence baboon ground use. Key findings include:
➝ Increased terrestrial activity during the dry season, likely driven by the need to access limited food and water resources.
➝ Reduced ground use during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours, times associated with higher predation risk, particularly in areas with known leopard presence.
This landscape-scale perspective offers valuable insights into how primates adjust their behavior in response to ecological pressures, enhancing our understanding of primate adaptability and risk management strategies.
📖 Access the full open-access article here:
🔗 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.70052
