Behavioural Ecology and Group Cohesion of Juvenile Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla g. gorilla) during Rehabilitation in the Batéké Plateaux National Park, Gabon

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119609
• Publication Date: 2015-03-27T13:14:35Z
• Authors: Guillaume Le Flohic; Peggy Motsch; Hélène DeNys; Simon Childs; Amos Courage; Tony King
• Keywords: Gorilla; Frugivore

Rehabilitation of animals followed by reintroduction into the wild can benefit conservation supplementing depleted populations or reintroducing a species in an area where it has been extirpated become extinct. The western lowland gorilla (WLG, Gorilla g. gorilla) is persistently poached; infants are often illegally traded and used as pets. Some confiscated rehabilitated, then kept sanctuaries reintroduced wild. Prior to reintroduction, ability orphans survive independently their environment needs be assessed. Here, we performed multivariate analysis, including diet composition, activity-budget, pattern strata using group five juvenile WLG process rehabilitation distinguished three sub-periods ecological significance: high furgivory period, Dialium fruits consumption folivory period. consequences these variations on well-being (play behaviour) cohesion (spatial proximity social interactions) were examined. Like WLGs, diets shifted seasonally from frugivorous folivorous, while same staple foods consumed large amounts gathered trees. When succulent fruit intake was highest, thus providing energy sugar, juveniles spent less time feeding, more playing highest. Conversely, decreased with increasing folivory, individuals feeding together. Nonetheless, also after death one highly social, wild-born orphan. This may underscore importance skilled entire and, ultimately, success. study evaluates success regards methods highlights need consider set individual environmental factors for enhancing preserving local biodiversity well-being.