The Nesting of Grauer’s Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) and the Management of Wildlife Tourism at High Altitude in Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC): The Case of the Sylverblack Chimanuka Family

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, home to approximately 170 Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), harbors distinct nesting behaviors influenced by seasonal changes. A recent study reveals that the Chimanuka family, one of two habituated groups, constructs more terrestrial nests during the rainy season, primarily using grasses (59%), while shrub foliage dominates in the dry season (50%). Fresh nests, a key attraction for wildlife tourism, are built nightly and show seasonal variation in vegetation preference. Terrestrial nests often feature Mimulopsis solmsii in the rainy season and Chassalia subochreata in the dry season, whereas aerial nests, constructed at heights of 6–10 meters during rains (55%) and 4–6 meters in dry periods (55%), favor Dombeya torrida trees. The research employed reconnaissance walks, direct observation, and vertical measurements to map nesting patterns, highlighting seasonal habitat shifts and the regenerative aspects of fruit trees used for nesting.

Mabiala, I. M., Mokoso, J. D. D. M., & Kumanenge, J. P. (2025). The Nesting of Grauer’s Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) and the Management of Wildlife Tourism at High Altitude in Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DRC): The Case of the Sylverblack Chimanuka Family. Journal of Agricultural Science, 18(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.5539/jas.v18n1p93