Field Methodology for Analyzing Diets of Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Zaire.

Abstract

In order to analyze diets of eastern lowland gorillas, we used three method, such as belt transect methods, fecal analysis and tracking fresh feeding remains in our field works in Kahuzi Biega National Park, Zaire. This paper describes the detail procedure of each method. The long line method is useful for describing the composition and densities of plant species in different vegetation types. Fecal analysis is a useful means to quantify fruits and insects consumed by gorillas. It shows seasonal fluctuations in fruit consumption and age-sex differences in fruit and insect eating by eastern lowland gorillas. Tracking gorilla’s fresh feeding remains combined with fecal analysis is needed for describing the composition of diets. The various combination among these three methods contribute to day range of gorillas in relation to food availability, to a comparison of seed dispersion by gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants, and to a comparison of individual energy expenditure and food choice between seasons or between habitats. Some of the results analyzed by these methods are provided in this paper.