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Human encroachment threatens chimpanzee culture

Environmental disruptions reduce opportunities for social learning

chimpanzees

MAKING NOISE  Primatologists are concerned that deforestation and other disturbances are affecting the behavioral repertoire of chimpanzees in Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire (shown) and elsewhere.

© Liran Samuni/Taï Chimpanzee Project

By Sujata Gupta

- More than 2 years ago

From deep inside chimpanzee territory, the fieldworkers heard loud bangs and shouts. Hidden video cameras later revealed what the chimps in the Boé region of Guinea-Bissau were up to.