Information on fieldwork
About The nimba field site
The Nimba chimpanzee study site is located in the Seringbara region of the Nimba Mountains in southeastern Guinea (West Africa). The Nimba Mountains range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Biosphere Reserve. Since 2003, we have been studying the Nimba chimpanzees together with our Guinean collaborators at the Institut de Recherche Environnementale de Bossou (IREB). The Nimba Chimpanzee Project is co-directed by Dr Kathelijne Koops and Dr Maegan Fitzgerald. The chimpanzees of Nimba have a unique behavioural repertoire, including the use of tools and the consumption of freshwater crabs. Long-term commitment is needed to preserve the chimpanzees and their unique culture for future generations.
Life in the field
The breathtaking Nimba Mountains range from rocky peaks and high altitude meadows to deep valleys and rounded hill tops. The steep hills are covered by dense primary tropical forest interspersed with richly forested valleys. We have two small and basic camps (Madeï and Dieyie) in the middle of the rainforest from which we do daily research trips to study the chimpanzees. We also use motion-triggered cameras to monitor chimpanzees and other wildlife.
We work with a fantastic team of local Guinean researchers. Nimba team members (past and present) are: Henry Didier Camara, Gouanou Zogbila, Gnan Mamy, Kassié Doré, Fromo Doré, Fokayé Zogbila, Nema Guêmy, Doro Zogbila, Yon Zogbila, Cé Samy, Nawa Gbouomy, Kui Gbouomy, and Elie Zogbila.
