Sources of variation in the nesting behavior of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Budongo Forest, Uganda

Data on nesting behavior and nests of the Sonso community of chimpanzees (P an troglodytes schweinfurthii) living in the Budongo Forest, Uganda, were c ollected between October 1995 and December 1996. Analysis of the selection of nests shows a preference for particular tree species, especially Cynomet ra alexandri. Male chimpanzees nested lower than females. Day nests were fo und to be structurally simpler than night nests and were built in tree spec ies used for feeding, at the same height as feeding activity. Day and night nests serve different functions, and should be clearly distinguished in st udies of nesting behavior. Am. J. Primatol. 55:49-55, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley- Liss, Inc.