Impact of ecological and social factors on ranging in western gorillas
We examined the influence of ecological (diet, swamp use, and rainfall) and social (intergroup interaction rate) factors on ranging behavior in one group of western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) during a 16-month study. Relative to mountain gorillas, western gorillas live in habitats with reduced herb densities, more readily available fruit (from seasonal and rare fruit […]
Intake and digestion of horned guan Oreophasis derbianus diets measured in three Mexican zoos
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.20237.abs We conducted nutritional analyses of diets offered to and ingested by seven pairs of horned guans (Oreophasis derbianus) in three zoos. Digestibility was calculated with individually housed birds (n=1 at each zoo). Diets offered varied widely among institutions, both in ingredients fed as well as in nutrient composition. Feeding selectivity was evident through […]
Fiber digestibility and nitrogen requirements of blue duikers (Cephalophus monticola)
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.10025.abs We examined the energy and protein requirements, and the fiber and protein digestive capacity, of a small African ruminant, the blue duiker (Cephalophus monticola), by conducting a series of complete balance digestion trials with three captive male blue duikers feeding on fruits, leaves, forbs, grass, and pelleted diets ranging from 9.4% to 49% […]
Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) change their activity patterns in response to frugivory
The most important environmental factor explaining interspecies variation in ecology and sociality of the great apes is likely to be variation in resource availability. Relatively little is known about the activity patterns of western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), which inhabit a dramatically different environment from the well-studied mountain gorillas (G. beringei beringei). This study […]