A5033057286- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Diet and metabolism studies
- Animal Nutrition and Physiology
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
- Animal Behavior and Welfare Studies
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Bat Biology and Ecology Studies
- Gut microbiota and health
- Child Nutrition and Water Access
- Child and Animal Learning Development
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Rangeland Management and Livestock Ecology
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Insect Utilization and Effects
- Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management
- Livestock and Poultry Management
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
City University of New York
2016-2025
Hunter College
2016-2025
Uganda Wildlife Authority
2021-2025
The Graduate Center, CUNY
2014-2025
New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology
2014-2023
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
2023
Makerere University
2014-2018
University of Ulsan
2016
Asan Medical Center
2016
Ulsan College
2016
It is widely assumed that terrestrial food webs are built on a nitrogen-limited base and consequently herbivores must compensate through selection of high-protein foods efficient nitrogen retention. Like many folivorous primates, gorillas' diet supports this assumption, as they apparently prefer protein-rich foods. Our study mountain gorillas ( Gorilla beringei ) in Uganda revealed that, some periods, carbohydrate-rich fruits displace large portion leaves their diet. We show non-protein...
Understanding the causes of population declines often involves comprehending a complex set interactions linking environmental and biotic changes, which in combination overwhelm population's ability to persist. To understand these relationships, especially for long‐lived large mammals, long‐term data are required, but rarely available. Here we use 26–36 years habitat determine potential group density changes five species primates Kibale National Park, Uganda, areas that were disturbed varying...
Eating is a risky affair. All animals have to offset risks of feeding such as exposure plant toxins, increased vulnerability predation, or conspecific aggression with food's energetic and nutritional return. What, when, where an individual eats can impact fitness and, ultimately, species-level adaptations. Here, we explore the variables that influence primate preference: food availability, chemical defense, nutrient content. We present information demonstrating consumers manipulate energy...
Like several other non-human primates, mountain gorillas ( Gorilla beringei ) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda consume decaying wood, an interesting but puzzling behaviour. This wood has little obvious nutritional value; it is low protein and sugar, high lignin compared to foods. We collected pieces of eaten avoided by gorillas, foods consumed measured their sodium content. Wood was substantially higher than dietary items, from stumps contained more those that were avoided....
Abstract Physical traits, such as body size, and processes like growth can be used indices of primate health add to our understanding life history behavior. Accurately measuring physical traits in the wild challenging because capture is difficult, disrupts animals, may cause injury. To measure arboreal primates remotely, we adapted a parallel laser technique that has been with terrestrial marine mammals. Two lasers separated by known distance (4 cm) mounted onto digital camera are projected...
The mountain gorilla ( Gorilla beringei ) lives in two geographically separated populations, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda and three national parks spanning the Virunga region Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda. altitude, climate plant composition these habitats differ. Our goal was to compare diets gorillas living each habitats. nutrients staple foods individuals a group (N = 12 individuals) Virungas 7 were compared determine if differences dietary affected...
Abstract Monitoring programmes are essential for management of large mammal populations because they can detect population change. It is vital that we have the means to evaluate effectiveness protected areas. Kibale National Park a stronghold conservation in Uganda. Past wildlife surveys focused on specific taxa or areas, but our survey covered entire area and evaluated intensity sampling required determine Using line transect sampling, found distribution mammals was nonrandom related...
For most animals, the ability to regulate intake of specific nutrients is vital fitness. Recent studies have demonstrated nutrient regulation in nonhuman primates over periods one observation day, though humans indicate that such extends longer time frames. Little known about longer-term primates, however, due challenges multiple-day focal follows. Here we present first detailed study across multiple days a wild primate. We conducted 30 consecutive all day follows on female chacma baboon...
The gut microbiome of primates, including humans, is reported to closely follow host evolutionary history, with composition being specific the genetic background its primate host. However, comparative models used date have mainly included a limited set related primates. To further understand forces that shape microbiome, reference human populations, we expanded analysis variation among compositions and their hosts, 9 different species 4 groups characterized by diverse subsistence patterns (n...
Global change is affecting plant and animal populations many of the changes are likely subtle difficult to detect. Based on greenhouse experiments, in temperature rainfall, along with elevated CO2, expected impact nutritional quality leaves. Here, we show a decline tree leaves 15 30 years after two previous studies an undisturbed area tropical forest Kibale National Park, Uganda. After sample multiple individuals ten species, mature all but one species increased fiber concentrations, mean...
Abstract Foods eaten by gorillas ( Gorilla beringei ) in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Uganda, were analyzed for their nutrient content. The goal of the study was to assess amounts fiber, protein, and sugars foods gorillas, determine whether condensed tannins cyanide are present these foods. A total 127 food plant parts representing 84 species two groups collected, processed, chemical contents. gorilla ate that contain 2–28% crude protein (CP), 21–88% neutral detergent fiber...
We describe the bacterial diversity in fecal samples of a wild gorilla by use 16S rRNA gene clone library and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP). Clones were classified as Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Actinobacteria, Lentisphaerae, Bacteroidetes, Spirochetes, Planctomycetes. Our data suggest that populations did not change temporally, determined T-RFLP.
Abstract If stress and disease impose fitness costs, if those costs vary as a function of group size, then should exert selection pressures on size. We assessed the relationships between stress, parasite infections across nine groups red colobus monkeys ( Procolobus rufomitratus ) in Kibale National Park, Uganda. used fecal cortisol measure physiological examined samples to assess prevalence intensity gastrointestinal helminth infections. also effect behaviors that could potentially reduce...
We use stable isotope ratios in feces of wild mountain gorillas ( Gorilla beringei ) to test the hypothesis that diet shifts within a single year, as measured by dry mass intake, can be recovered. Isotopic separation staple foods indicates intraannual changes isotopic composition reflect diet. Fruits are isotopically distinct compared with other foods, and peaks fecal δ 13 C values interpreted periods increased fruit feeding. Bayesian mixing model results demonstrate that, although timing...