Ape nests fulfil a variety of function including providing a safe, comfortable sleeping platform and a shelter from environmental challenges, such as predation, parasite transmission, and thermal stress. The possible thermoregulatory function of great ape nests in cool montane environments has received no empirical consideration to date. We propose to address the following questions: Which environmental factors influence nest site selection (tree characteristics and position within tree)? If nest architecture reflects insulation properties, do overnight weather conditions influence architecture (thickness, depth, amount of lining and mattress material) conditions?

Collaborators:

Prof. Beth Kaplin, University of Rwanda
Prof. Shane Maloney, UWA, Perth 

Student:

Robert Hemsworth, UWA