Group size and structure in western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) at Mbeli Bai, Republic of Congo
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2002 |
Authors: |
Richard J. Parnell |
Publication/Journal: |
American Journal of Primatology |
Keywords: |
bachelor groups, gorilla gorilla gorilla, group composition, multi-male groups, social-structure |
ISBN: |
0275-2565 1098-2345 |
Abstract:
This paper describes the size and structure of western lowland gorilla groups visiting Mbeli Bai, a swampy forest clearing in northern Congo. An observation platform at the edge of the clearing was used over a 3-yr period, with gorillas visible for 1,681 hr. Data are presented on 14 groups and seven solitary males. Mean group size (excluding solitary males) was 8.4 +/- SD 4.3, and did not differ significantly from most other gorilla studies. All groups at Mbeli contained only one fully mature male and did not show evidence of fission-fusion or regular subgrouping. All emigrating males that remained in the population became solitary, and “bachelor” groups were not observed. Methodological issues are raised, including the classification of multi-male groups, and the demographic profiles of other populations are discussed in the light of results from Mbeli.