The Congo Basin is considered among the last strongholds for protecting tropical forest biodiversity. Located in the heart of this region, the Goualougo Triangle of the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park is one of the most important forest-rich regions, with enormous potential for conserving animal and plant diversity.

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Hello from Republic of Congo! Last Friday, I arrived at Maya Maya airport in the country’s capital city of Brazzaville with Crickette Sanz, Ph.D., David Morgan, Ph.D., and fellow graduate student Ashley van Batavia (Washington University in St. Louis). For years I have wanted to study wild apes in Africa; I can’t believe that I am here!

Researcher Marrissa Milstein (second from right) will study the development of tool-using skills in young chimpanzees through the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project.

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Among the best news we receive in the Goualougo Triangle is when a chimpanzee birth is recorded. Part of the reason why these apes are in danger of extinction is that new additions to chimpanzee communities are rare, with births infrequent. Long-term monitoring indicates female chimpanzees produce offspring on average every five or more years.

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One of the most rewarding aspects of our conservation and research efforts in the Goualougo Triangle is the opportunity to work side by side with some of the most talented and courageous animal trackers in all Central Africa. Crickette and I have often remarked that members of the Goualougo tracking team could have long ago earned Ph.D.’s based on their deep understanding of the forests and wildlife. Their tireless work ethic and genuine interest in assisting in our research endeavors are the foundation to the success of the GTAP.

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Tropical forests are one of the most challenging environments in which to work. Beyond the physical conditions themselves, forests can be problematic for research because detailed observations can be extremely difficult to achieve. A dense understory, large trees with connecting canopies and elusive study animals challenge even the best and most-dedicated observers. Conditions like these have led many to search for alternative, high-tech solutions for assistance.

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