Chimpanzee 1321M

Watching Over the Troop

     In one of the only two protected areas in Tanzania for chimpanzees, Mahale Mountains National Park is somewhat of a chimpanzee haven. However, there is also competition between the resident troops as well as other jungle dangers that must be guarded against. To protect their troop, the dominate males will take up positions around the other members as they feed and go about their daily lives. This is where I located the third ranked male of the troop as he sat watching the troop and the surrounding areas. To get a composition of the scene from his perspective, I sat down in the jungle growth just a couple of meters away. I sat quietly for some time until I was assured that he was showing no signs of stress and went on with his vigilance.