Table Of ContentTHE RANGING BEHAVIOR OF BONOBOS IN THE LOMAKO FOREST
by
MICHEL TYLER WALLER
A DISSERTATION
Presented to the Department of Anthropology
and the Graduate School of the University of Oregon
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
June 2011
DISSERTATION APPROVAL PAGE
Student: Michel Tyler Waller
Title: The Ranging Behavior of Bonobos in the Lomako Forest
This dissertation has been accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in the Department of Anthropology by:
Frances White Chairperson
Stephen Frost Member
Larry Sugiyama Member
James Schombert Outside Member
and
Richard Linton Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies/Dean of
the Graduate School
Original approval signatures are on file with the University of Oregon Graduate School.
Degree awarded June 2011
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© 2011 Michel Tyler Waller
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DISSERTATION ABSTRACT
Michel Tyler Waller
Doctor of Philosophy
Department of Anthropology
June 2011
Title: The Ranging Behavior of Bonobos in the Lomako Forest
Approved: _______________________________________________
Frances White
The ranging behavior of an animal can reveal much about the social and
ecological conditions it faces. Food availability, feeding competition, population
pressures, metabolic requirements and human influences can all influence the ranging
behavior of individuals. For modern humans, the manner in which we move about our
world is limited only by access to technology and other cultural factors. Of course, it has
not always been that way. Based on recent fossil discoveries, our earliest bipedal
ancestors more closely resembled the living great apes in morphology. Consequently,
studies of great ape behavior have been used to reconstruct scenarios of early hominin
behavior. And while much has been written about chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) ranging
in this regard, less is known about bonobos (Pan paniscus).
Along with chimpanzees, bonobos are our closest phylogenetic relative, existing
today as a descendant of a common ancestor the Homo and Pan genera shared sometime
around six million years ago. Despite their close taxonomic relationship, however, there
are a variety of behavioral differences between bonobos and chimpanzees. The aim of this
dissertation is to better understand these differences within the context of ranging and
social behavior and apply the results to models of early hominin behavior. More
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specifically, I used a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) approach to examine general
bonobo ranging data, the differences in ranging behavior between males and females, and
the manner in which neighboring groups interact. Compared with chimpanzees, bonobos at
Lomako range over a much smaller total area, are not territorial, and differ in the
composition of social parties. In general, female bonobos are more gregarious and
cohesive, moving in semi-stable groups I call ―cliques‖, while males are less aggressive
and more likely to move independently. These results likely reflect the high levels of food
availability for bonobos at Lomako, reducing the level of feeding competition, and
emphasizing social and mating strategies in group formation. Consequently, the spectrum
of potential early hominin ranging behavior must be expanded from the current chimp-
centric perspective.
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CURRICULUM VITAE
NAME OF AUTHOR: Michel Tyler Waller
GRADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE SCHOOLS ATTENDED:
University of Oregon, Eugene
Iowa State University, Ames
University of North Dakota, Grand Forks
DEGREES AWARDED:
Doctor of Philosophy, Anthropology, 2011, University of Oregon
Master of Arts, Anthropology, 2005, Iowa State University
Bachelor of Science, General Science, 2000, University of Oregon
Bachelor of Arts, Communication, 1995, University of North Dakota
AREAS OF SPECIAL INTEREST:
Human Evolution
Primate Socioecology
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Adjunct Professor, Central Oregon Community College
Staff Archaeologist, Oregon Department of State Lands
GRANTS, AWARDS, AND HONORS:
Research Award, Ranging Behavior of Bonobos, Leakey Foundation, 2009
Luther Cressman Award, Are Bonobos Territorial? UO Department of
Anthropology 2010
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PUBLICATIONS:
Pruetz, J.D., S. Fulton, L.F. Marchant, W.C. McGrew, M. Schiel, & M. Waller. (2008).
Arboreal nesting as anti-predator adaptation by savanna chimpanzees (Pan
troglodytes verus) in Southeastern Senegal, West Africa. American Journal of
Physical Anthropology, 70, (4).
Waller, M.T. (2005). Competition between chimpanzees and humans over fruit of Saba
senegalensis in southeastern Senegal. Master‘s Thesis, Iowa State University.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The creation of a dissertation is truly a collaborative effort. I would like to thank
Dr. Nick Malone for his camaraderie and insight into primate studies. He has taught me
much. Thanks also go to Amy Cobden for her assistance in collecting data. Perhaps we
will play Weo again sometime. The work of the African Wildlife Foundation and Jef
Dupain was especially appreciated. They made getting in and out of the field site easier.
To the people of Lomako-your patience, sense of humor, friendship, and hard work made
for a more rewarding experience. Special thanks to Mangé, Saio, Terrible, Pili-Pili,
Gideon, and Dupont.
I am equally indebted to my graduate student colleagues. You have all made my
experience in Eugene a valuable one and I will miss our Condon Hall shenanigans. Also,
thank you to Amy Harper at COCC for helping make me a better teacher. A special note
of gratitude to Jason and Juliana Cichy, who have not only provided me with a roof over
my head, but great friendship as well. I could not have completed this dissertation
without them.
I wish to also express my appreciation to the faculty in the Department of
Anthropology. I have had a well-rounded education here and I am constantly impressed
with the knowledge that you all share so graciously. Thanks to Josh Snodgrass, Larry
Sugiyama, and Stephen Frost for supporting me and the other biological anthropology
graduate students. Special mention to Stephen Frost for indulging my questions and
committing to several Condon Hall conversations revolving around all things
anthropology. I would be remiss if I didn't thank Dr. James Schombert. Not only has he
selflessly dedicated his time and consideration to the project, but he also allows me to say
that I have an astrophysicist on my committee. I think that is pretty cool. Naturally, I am
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eternally grateful to Dr. Frances White for her tutelage, time, support, advocacy, and
friendship. One could not ask for more in an adviser. I am proud to be associated with
her and the bonobos of Lomako.
Finally, thanks to my family. First, to my parents for your continuous support. I
can never thank you enough. And to Gwen and Silas. You have both sacrificed more
than you should have to allow me to accomplish this project. I love you all.
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To Gwen and Silas Waller and the Bonobos of the Lomako Forest
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Description:behavior. And while much has been written about chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)
social behavior and apply the results to models of early hominin behavior.
