Individual variation and plasticity in the communicative behaviour of chimpanzees
This project examines the extent of individual variation and plasticity in, and the impact of socio-environmental factors on, communicative behaviour in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) living in three different research settings. A multimodal approach (i.e. focusing on gestures, vocalisations and facial expressions as a whole), together with a behavioural reaction norm (BRN) framework derived from behavioural ecology, will provide insight into the extent of communicative plasticity in one of our closest living relatives by disentangling variation at the individual, group and research setting levels. Data will be collected from the wild chimpanzees of the Kanyawara community (Kibale National Park, Uganda), the semi-wild chimpanzees of the Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage (Zambia), and the captive chimpanzees of Zoo Leipzig and Leintalzoo Schwaigern (Germany).
This research is part of Angele Lombrey's PhD project, funded by a Freigeist Fellowship (VW Foundation) awarded to Dr Marlen Fröhlich, and is being carried out in collaboration with Prof Dr Katie Slocombe and Dr Claudia Wilke from the University of York.