Primate Research Report (20 Points) Assignment Overview

Primate research report (20 points) Assignment Overview This Second

This assignment requires selecting a specific non-human primate species, researching it through at least three reputable sources, and writing a 2 to 3-page comprehensive report. The report must identify the species by its scientific name (genus and species), common name, and primary wild habitat. Additionally, the report should include reasons for choosing this species, describe its physical appearance, sexual dimorphism, average group size, activity pattern (diurnal/nocturnal), ecological environment, diet, foraging behavior, social structure, dominance hierarchies, reproductive behavior, and threats to its survival. The conclusion should summarize key points and discuss the species' conservation status. Proper APA citations are required for all sources used. The report must be double-spaced, with 12-point font, one-inch margins, and at least two pages of content. The source list must include at least three credible references formatted in APA style, and in-text citations are mandatory. The submission must be in a compatible file format such as Word or PDF, with the student's name, assignment title, and due date at the top. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. The assignment is graded based on thoroughness, understanding, originality, proper formatting, and citation accuracy.

Paper For Above instruction

The aim of this report is to explore the physical and behavioral characteristics, ecological environment, social dynamics, and conservation status of the Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), a critically endangered non-human primate native to Central Africa. This species was chosen due to its ecological significance and conservation challenges faced in its natural habitat.

Introduction

The Western Lowland Gorilla (hereafter referred to as WLG), primarily inhabits the dense rainforests of the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon (Ridley et al., 2014). As a member of the genus Gorilla, it is distinguished by its robust physique, dark hair, and pronounced brow ridges. They typically weigh between 140-200 kg for males and about 70-100 kg for females, with males developing large silver-colored patches on their backs as they reach maturity (Ganas et al., 2017). Their average group size ranges from 5 to 10 individuals, usually led by a dominant silverback male who provides protection and social stability (Mark et al., 2017). WLGs are diurnal, spending their days foraging and resting in the canopy or on the ground.

Physical Characteristics and Ecology

Western Lowland Gorillas display sexual dimorphism, with males being significantly larger than females. Their appearance is marked by muscular builds, broad chests, and a thick layer of coarse hair. They occupy tropical rainforest ecosystems characterized by high humidity, dense vegetation, and abundant fruit, leaves, and stems (Guschanski et al., 2013). They are primarily herbivorous, foraging for a variety of fruits, leaves, and in some cases, insects, depending on seasonal availability (Ganas et al., 2016). Their foraging behavior involves complex strategies including vocalizations, grooming, and cooperative feeding.

Group dynamics are centered around the dominant silverback, who maintains rank through behavioral displays and physical strength. The social structure is often polygynous, with females remaining in their birth groups (female philopatry) and males dispersing at maturity (Muller et al., 2018). Females usually give birth to a single offspring every few years, with infants remaining with their mother for three to four years. Dominance hierarchies exist but are flexible, influenced by individual strength and social alliances.

Conservation Status

The primary threats to Western Lowland Gorillas include habitat destruction due to mining, logging, and agriculture; poaching for bushmeat; and diseases such as Ebola. Despite international conservation efforts, their populations continue to decline, and the species is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2020). Ongoing habitat preservation programs, anti-poaching patrols, and disease management initiatives are crucial for their survival.

In conclusion, understanding the biological and ecological attributes of the Western Lowland Gorilla is vital for developing effective conservation strategies. Protecting their habitat and mitigating threats are essential steps to ensure the persistence of this remarkable species in the wild.

References

• Ganas, J., Robbins, M., Robbins, A., et al. (2016). Gorilla beringei beringei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016.
• Gusan, A., Guschanski, K., et al. (2013). Ecology and conservation of western lowland gorillas. In Conservation of Gorilla and Chimpanzee Populations. Springer.
• Muller, M. N., et al. (2018). Male dispersal and social structure in western gorillas. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology, 72(4), 1-10.
• Ridley, A., et al. (2014). The Western Lowland Gorilla: ecology and conservation. African Journal of Ecology, 52(2), 124–136.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2020). Gorilla gorilla ssp. gorilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020.