The Paleo-Primate Project Gorongosa (PPPG) team is making remarkable progress in their research on baboon behavior and ecology in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique. With the rainy season approaching, GPS collaring has been implemented to track baboons when on-foot observation becomes challenging. This innovative approach promises to yield invaluable data for several ongoing studies led by an impressive group of young scientists.
Advancing baboon research
To ensure consistent monitoring during the rainy season, the PPPG team has equipped baboons with GPS collars. These collars will enable researchers to gather continuous data on baboon movements and behaviors, even when direct tracking is impossible.
Three new PhD students are utilizing this data to investigate key aspects of baboon behavior within Gorongosa’s complex ecosystem:
Feeding Behavior: Emanuela Rabajoli is exploring baboon dietary habits and their adaptations to seasonal changes.
Predation and Bipedalism: Rassina Farassi is studying how predation pressures influence baboon movement and the evolution of bipedalism.
Ecosystem Coexistence: Catarina Coelho is examining interactions between baboons and herbivores in Gorongosa’s biodiverse landscape.
These students represent leading academic institutions, including ICArEHB at the University of Algarve and the University of Coimbra.
Collaboration
This project reflects outstanding teamwork and collaboration among researchers and specialists: Dr. Susana Carvalho, Dr. Dora Biro, Dr. João d’Oliveira Coelho, and MSc Rassina Farassi focused on the primatology. Field support came from ranger Sulemane Damicolo. Veterinary expertise was delivered by Drs. Mércia Ângela and Elias Mubobo. The project exemplifies the dedication of young scientists and the skill of highly trained professionals working together to advance primate research.
The PPPG continues to lead innovative studies that enhance our understanding of primate behavior and their roles in ecosystems. As the rainy season sets in, we eagerly anticipate the insights these GPS tracking efforts will bring to baboon ecology and behavior in Gorongosa National Park.
