CICASP | Center for International Collaboration and Advanced Studies in Primatology

Research

Three main explanations have been proposed for why primates consume bark. Firstly, for nutrition, to acquire the important mineral sodium that may be lacking in other parts of their diet. Secondly, as a fallback food, consumed during times of scarcity. Thirdly, for its medicinal properties. Through use of camera trapping and tree surveys along line transects, I plan to determine which tree species are targeted for bark stripping by black and white colobuses and chimpanzees, and the properties of these preferred trees.

Both black and white colobuses and chimpanzees are known to enter eucalyptus plantations in East Africa to feed on bark. By identifying which trees these primates target and determining why they consume bark, strategies to prevent human-wildlife conflict can be formulated. Additionally, an improved understanding of the role of bark in the diet of primates will contribute to our knowledge of primate feeding ecology.

Background

February 2017 – July 2023: Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours, First Class), University of Queensland, Australia

October 2025 – Present:  Master of Science, Kyoto University, Japan

Selected Publications

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