Chimpanzee Habitat

Chimpanzee Habitat

The habitat for the Chimpanzee is one that is very diverse. The rainforests are the most common areas where they are found. However, they also live in the savannahs and in the mountain forest areas. They are very adaptable to a variety of environments. This is why their habitat continues to be one that is very spread out and diversified.

In the rainforests they are able to find plenty of trees for hiding and for sleeping. It also makes it easier for them to gain access to fruits, plants, leaves, and seeds. They are able to live in shaded areas offered by the trees. In the savannahs they are in open areas but that have woodlands around.

A lower number of them are found in the mountain regions due to the climate there and the temperatures. It is believed that some move that direction though in search of food and once their habitat has been taken from them and they must move on in order to survive.

Chimpanzees do need water so they will be found in areas where there is enough food and a supply of water. This can be from a major river such as the Zaire. It can also be from streams that develop in various areas too and that have branched out throughout their habitat.

The troop will have a home range that they cover and that they use for food and shelter. The size of this area can be from about 10 square miles to more than 500 square miles. It often depends on the area and the number of Chimpanzees in the troop. When the home range is very large the group will often split up and go out into different areas of it.

The migrational pattern through the home range is one that is very complex. It ensures the Chimpanzees are able to get to certain areas where seasonal fruits grow just at the right time. The movement prevents them from depleting any single area of the food sources that are available there. In fact, their methods for eating often ensure that new vegetation is able to grow back for future use.

The largest threat to the future of the Chimpanzee has to do with the destruction of their habitat. Many humans take up these regions in order to plant food and to take part in mining. Forestry is also a very common event that results in large areas of trees being taken down at an alarming rate.

Most people fail to realize that the Chimpanzee has a vital role in the balance of their habitat. For example they help to keep the population of various monkey species under control. They help to keep vegetation growing and they also spread seeds through their movements.

In captivity, every effort has to be made to offer the Chimpanzee a habitat that is reflective of what it seems in the wild. Failure to offer this can result in them being very depressed. Then they won’t eat and they often won’t take part in the mating process. The area for the Chimpanzee in captivity needs to be very large so that they can move around within it. They do that out in the wild in their home range and so that needs to be repeated in captivity.

Ideally though the goal should be for humans to stop invading the habitat of the Chimpanzee. Finding a balance where humans are content and these animals can still thrive has to be found. Otherwise we risk them becoming extinct and the ecosystem that they are a part of being upset.