Chimpanzee Ecological Niche

Local to the Southern Senegal, Uganda, Western Tanzania, and along the Northern
Congo River, the Chimpanzee today is an endangered African species that is a close relative to modern humans, sharing 98% of genes (Chimpanzee 1). As described by the African Wildlife
Foundation, the chimpanzee is a forest dweller that lives in communities of up to 150 individuals
(Chimpanzee 1). Approximately 300,000 individuals exist today in the wild. Thanks to their intelligence and strong communities, Chimpanzees exhibit two ecological niches: their daily creation of nests and the use of tools. These niches help chimpanzees survive despite their endangered status. Furthermore, chimpanzees may share their environmental resources with other fauna and impact the
al 1). The nests take chimpanzees about ten minutes to create after foraging for nearby materials and confirming its strength (Welsh 1). Although some chimpanzees may build nests on the ground, most build them in trees (Koops et. al 2). This allows chimpanzees to stay high above ground-dwelling predators. Nest creation is a very useful ecological niche for chimpanzees, allowing them to stay mobile around the forest while keeping themselves safe and warm.
Another example of the intelligent chimpanzee is its creation and use of tools. Often, using these tools help them gain an advantage that helps them survive. One instance of tool use is sticks used for feeding. While some Chimpanzees use their hands, sticks usually made of vegetation or wood (Sanz et. al 1). For example, one study found that chimpanzees between the
Republic of Congo and Cameroon modified their sticks to adjust to differences in termite nests.
Termites can be located in grass, trees, or soil and differ in their organization (Sanz et. al 1).
Chimpanzees may use different strategies with these tools, using them to puncture
Hunting chimpanzees for bushmeat is becoming more common because their meat is sought by nearby residents.
Additionally, chimpanzees are becoming evermore threatened by deforestation. Often, the deforested land is used for farming or housing for locals (Chimpanzee 1). This is especially worrisome considering the limited range of chimpanzees in Africa.
The chimpanzee is an intelligent and resourceful species that demonstrates the development of ecological niches. Their use of vegetation and sticks to create strong nests is a cornerstone of their behavior and socialization. Further, their use of tools helps give them an ecological advantage over other species. Chimpanzees impact their environment by their eating of fruit and use of resources like space in trees. However, the chimpanzee is modest in its use of resources, allowing other species to benefit. Finally, chimpanzees are becoming evermore threatened by habitat destruction and bushmeat hunting. Despite its endangered status, the resourcefulness of this species helps it continue on. Hopefully, the range of chimpanzees will grow and it will continue to live productively in the