Increasing our Understanding of Gorillas
Research data collected at the Mbeli Bai Study has vastly increased our understanding of western gorillas. Patterns of bai use have been analysed and feeding behaviour, including nutritional analysis, has been studied. In the field of social behaviour, researchers have been able to collect unparalleled levels of data and a detailed picture has now been built up of individual and group histories. Studies analyzing the nature of interactions between groups and mechanisms of social control and change both within and between groups have been published, and this has increased our knowledge of the complexities of great ape. It also helps us develop conservation strategies in the future.
In addition to gorillas, Mbeli bai is visited by other large mammals, such as forest elephants, sitatungas, buffaloes, black-and-white colobus monkeys, Congo clawless and spot-necked otters. Every animal visiting the clearing is individually known to the researchers, providing life histories of up to 12 years for certain individuals. The Mbeli Bai Study is currently providing the only long-term demographic study on sitatunga, as well as collecting important demographic data on forest elephants.