Social and ecological correlates of space use patterns in Bwindi mountain gorillas

A novel study reveals that between-group competition significantly influences space use patterns in non-territorial mountain gorillas, challenging the traditional view of territoriality in these species. Researchers analyzed 13 gorilla groups in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, finding that increased local population density and intergroup encounters led to smaller home range sizes and longer daily travel distances. Within-group competition, driven by larger group sizes, also reduced revisits to specific areas. Food availability further shaped spacing patterns, with herbaceous food abundance decreasing home range size and frugivory increasing travel distance. The findings suggest a gradient of between-group competition in non-territorial species, offering new insights into the adaptive strategies of mountain gorillas.

Seiler, N., Boesch, C., Stephens, C., Ortmann, S., Mundry, R., & Robbins, M. M. (2018). Social and ecological correlates of space use patterns in Bwindi mountain gorillas. American Journal of Primatology, 80(4). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.22754