Reports

Program No.17-032

A research on the relation between ecological parameters and infectious diseases among African great apes.

Takenoshita, Yuji

Period of visit: 3rd January,30th January,2006

Gabonese Republic Parc National de la Moukalaba-Doudou, Franceville International Medical Research Center

A ecological research on the wild African great apes (chimpanzee and gorilla) was conducted in the Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon. During the 10 days of fieldwork, five observation of chimpanzees and three observation of gorillas were made. Combining data from these observations and indirect evidences such as feeding traces and nests, foraging patterns of habitat use by the apes was examined. After the field research, I visited the Franceville International Medical Research Center (CIRMF) in the Haute Ogooue Provence, Gabon. I met Dr. Patricia Reed, who works for the prevention of infectious diseases among wildlife and asked her cooperation in the study on the relation between ecological parameters and infectious diseases in great apes of the Moukalaba-Doudou and gained her approval. We also discussed about the means to prevent transmission of infectious diseases between the apes of the Moukalaba-Doudou and local inhabitant and she gave me many practical suggestions.

Chimpanzee moving on ground (trailing)

Chimpanzee's leaf cushion

A gorilla eating Cola sp. fruits in Moukalaba

Franceville International Medical Research Center (CIRMF)

HOPE Project<>