Energetic management in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire

A study of wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals distinct energetic strategies between males and females influenced by social dynamics and food availability. High-ranking females exhibited higher energy balance when no oestrus females were present, while high-ranking males showed increased energy levels during oestrus but not otherwise, suggesting differential competitive pressures. The research used non-invasive urinary c-peptide (UCP) measures alongside behavioural data to assess energetic conditions over 12 months, highlighting the value of hormonal markers in field studies. Findings align with socioecological theories, indicating that female energetics are shaped by food competition and male aggression, while male energetics are more tied to mating competition.

Valé, P. D., Béné, J.-C. K., N’Guessan, A. K., Crockford, C., Deschner, T., Koné, I., Girard-Buttoz, C., & Wittig, R. M. (2020). Energetic management in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 75(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-020-02935-9