Chimpanzees have been hurling rocks at the same trees for more than a decade
Some chimpanzees in West Africa repeatedly throw rocks at particular trees, creating piles of stones that can remain in use for more than a decade. Researchers think this unusual behavior may be cultural and could serve as a form of communication, territorial signaling, or something more symbolic. Camera traps and audio recordings are now being used to reveal who throws the stones and how nearby…
In Boé National Park, Guinea-Bissau, chimpanzees have been hurling rocks at specific trees for over a decade, a behavior known as accumulative stone throwing. This rare form of social communication involves adult males repeatedly throwing rocks at the same trees, accompanied by pant hoots and buttress drumming. The researchers set up camera traps and recording devices at five sites, gathering data on the social traits and communication of the chimpanzees.
The behavior, observed in only four chimpanzee groups in West Africa, may serve a symbolic purpose, marking important locations within the chimpanzees' territory.
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