But both species were relaxed around one another instead of alert to attack. Mixing with another group of your own or another species can be risky. In the new study, scientists found juveniles would often seek out particular members of the other species to play, sometimes travelling long distances (over 300 metres) alone to do so. Young adult male primates tend to be more outgoing and inquisitive than other members of their troop. These two look like they’re sharing a companionable silence. The fact that these species can live peacefully in one area for decades, and be dinner for the other in another region is fascinating. So, I was surprised to hear from the new study that the two ape species sometimes form lasting unions. And between 20, researchers found that group of chimpanzees in Gabon, Central Africa, had killed young gorillas and even saw a female chimpanzee eating an infant gorilla. Chimpanzees kill members of other chimp groups who stray into their territory.
Both species will defend their territories from other groups. We know many animals are fiercely territorial, including chimpanzees and gorillas. A team of scientists led by Crickette Sanz from Washington University, US, made this discovery using over 20 years of data from the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo. It is the first study of its kind to see such long-term, peaceful associations between apes.
But a ground breaking recent study shows chimpanzees and gorillas form friendships, some lasting at least 20 years.
To survive, animals compete for resources, be it food, mating partners or territory.
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