Just Like Us, These Chimps Splash in the River to Stay Cool
Feb. 26, 2018 - Things get very hot in the savanna. National Geographic explorer Jill Pruetz followed the behavior of chimpanzees during different seasons in Senegal. Pruetz found that the apes are more active during nights when the moon is brighter. Also, they are more active at night during dry seasons, when the lack of rain exacerbates their daytime heat stress. Nighttime activities include bathing, socializing, traveling, foraging, and long-distance vocalizing. The apes tend to bathe a lot in this region as the heat index will often reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Sometimes, in the heat of the night there are “romantic” disputes of “jealous” suitors, as you can see here. This study gave more insight into how apes behave during thermal stress.
Transcript
Things get very hot in the savanna.
National Geographic explorer Jill Pruetz followed the behavior of chimpanzees during different seasons in Senegal.
Pruetz found that the apes are more active during nights when the moon is brighter.
Also, they are more active at night during dry seasons, when the lack of rain exacerbates their daytime heat stress.
Nighttime activities include bathing, socializing, traveling, foraging, and long-distance vocalizing.
The apes tend to bathe a lot in this region as the heat index will often reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sometimes, in the heat of the night there are “romantic” disputes of “jealous” suitors, as you can see here.
This study gave more insight into how apes behave during thermal stress.
