Gorilla BehaviorNicholas Soto

Research on gorilla behavior

Currently a decent amount of research conducted on gorillas. Majority of studies are conducted on captive gorilla species. Many “random” topics covered in the field of gorilla behavior

(bucket use, sexual competition among female gorillas, post-conflict behavior of gorillas).

Majority of research conducted to benefit captive gorilla populations (bachelor group comparisons, facility design for gorilla groups, behavioral response of gorilla to death of group members).

Why a lack of research on wild gorilla behavior? Difficult to conduct. More costly and time dependent. General “un-interest”. No immediate monetary gain. No direct benefits for humans.

Why Study Wild Gorilla Behavior? Able to document their true natural behavior for generations

without wild gorillas. Provide current researchers with a true understanding of the

mind of the gorilla. Able to provide most realistic habitats for captive gorilla

populations. Allow researchers to compare the behavior of captive gorillas

to wild gorillas to check for any behavioral differences. Possibility of predicting the behavior of captive gorillas due to

information on the behavior of wild gorilla to certain stimuli.

Research – Gap Overview

Research being conducted on gorilla behavior, but not enough on wild gorillas.

Need to obtain information on true gorilla behavior. Newly found knowledge can be used to predict captive gorilla

behavior as well as to provide the most realistic experience for captive gorilla populations.

Project Proposal Construction of observation tower. Observation schedule and independent research goals for

each member of the research team. Data to be collected on certain behaviors as a group, along

with individual data each researcher or research team can study.

Installation of solar-powered, night-vision video cameras throughout the areas with highest frequent concentrations of gorillas.

Record data over extended periods of time through distant observation and viewing of recorded footage.

Why my project? Ensures the safety of both parties involved in the research. Follows current research advice suggesting minimal human

onlooking. Obtain much more information about wild gorilla behavior. Can provide more effective habitats for captive gorillas,

which would in turn increase gorilla happiness and possibly create a more entertaining gorilla exhibit, which could possibly lead to a more lucrative operation.

STUDY WILD GORILLAS