(17) Hunting 1: Prey Species and Techniques

37-41

distribution of hunting across field sites / sex differences

• hunt usually in groups

• meat is highly prized at all field sites

• males mostly hunt, although females sometimes join, also get meat without fighting

what species do chimpanzees prey on? when?

• mostly monkeys and primates (37)

• preference for red colobus monkeys (38)

• seasonal variation correlates with dry season (39)

what hunting techniques imply awareness/ premeditation?

• prolonged watching, following, chasing

• binges: multiple/ many hunts in the same day/ few days

• common: average hunt 1-2 a day

once chimpanzees make the decision to hunt, what happens next?

• show signs of interest and excitement

• if prey in tree, follow on ground, looking up and watching

• climb tree and chase monkey until captured

what is going on within the hunting groups? who is it made up of? What is their relationship?

• usually involve more than one male because the odds are better

• hard to tell if there’s actually cooperation or they are just in a group

what factors affect the likelihood of hunting?

hunting is more likely when there are MORE male chimps, when the red colobus group is LARGE, and when there are MORE juvenile red colobus (who are easier to capture and kill). (41)