A Preliminary Report on Distribution of the Tschego Chimoanzee (Pan t. troglodytes) in the Region of Lekoumou, Republic of Congo

Abstract

An extensive survey of tschego chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) was carried out in the south-western Congo from January to March, 1992. The survey was conducted by inquiries at 12 villages and by searching in the forests around 6 villages. The local people confirmed the presence of chimpanzees in all villages. Four parties of chimpanzee were observed directly in the forests around 4 villages, and 100 nests were recorded. Chimpanzee population density was low because of hunting and logging pressures in most of the areas. Higher population density was formed in an area without hunting. This area may be an acceptable location for a new research site if suitable measures for chimpanzee conservation are implemented as soon as possible.