Termite fishing by wild chimpanzees: new data from Ugalla, western Tanzania

Primates. 2014 Jan;55(1):35-40. doi: 10.1007/s10329-013-0362-6. Epub 2013 May 30.

Abstract

Chimpanzees manufacture flexible fishing probes to fish for termites in Issa, Ugalla, western Tanzania. These termite-fishing tools are similar in size and material to those used by long-studied communities of chimpanzees in western Tanzania (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) and in West Africa (P. t. verus), but not central African populations (P. t. troglodytes). This report adds to the patchwork of evidence of termite-fishing tool use behaviour by chimpanzees across Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Female
  • Food Chain
  • Isoptera / physiology
  • Male
  • Pan troglodytes / physiology*
  • Seasons
  • Tanzania
  • Tool Use Behavior*