Nov. 8 Connections forum highlights research on human/chimpanzee encounters
For generation upon generation, the chimpanzees of Senegal have lived in harmony along side humans. However, today as human populations increase, climate changes and resources become scarce, competition and conflict ensue.
That is the central theme of a public forum set for Kirkwood Community College on Monday, November 8, at 7 p.m. in Ballantyne Auditorium. Kirkwood and several other colleges and community groups are hosting this biannual “Connections” program.
This free forum will feature Kelly Boyer of Iowa State University, speaking on the Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Project. The project is facing the diverse challenges of chimpanzee conservation, from goat-stealing chimpanzees in the west to those displaced by international metal mining concessions in the east. This presentation will discuss behavioral research from the acclaimed Fongoli field site, the chimpanzee/mining project, the human/chimpanzee conflict reduction study and an education program across the region.
Kelly Boyer is a graduate student at Iowa State University working with Jill D. Pruetz, Ph.D., and the Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Research Project. Her current research focuses on chimpanzee conservation in southeastern Senegal, in western Africa, where the chimpanzee populations and their habitat face a future of large-scale gold and iron mining.
Working together with local communities, educators, and the mining companies themselves, Boyer hopes to find a balance where both humans and chimpanzees can share the resources of the forest through appropriate land use planning and respect for all parties involved.
Prior to the onset of this project, Boyer worked as Dr. Pruetz’ project manager following chimpanzees from dawn to dusk collecting behavioral data in Fongoli, Senegal. The Fongoli Savanna Chimpanzee Research Project today includes not only behavioral data from the acclaimed Fongoli field site and the chimpanzee/mining project, but also a program to resolve human/chimpanzee conflict in Bandafassi, Senegal and a large scale education program across the region.
Boyer’s work in primate conservation began as a primate keeper at the Houston Zoo, continued as she cared for orphaned chimpanzees at Guinea’s Chimpanzee Conservation Center, and continues to develop in her current work with Senegal’s chimpanzee population.
The Connections Natural History Speaker Series is a cooperative project since 1993, bringing noted science professionals to the Cedar Rapids metro area for free, public discussions in the natural sciences. All fees for the program are provided by grants and private donations.
Participating partners include Kirkwood Community College, the Linn County Conservation Department, Cedar Rapids Washington High School, Coe College, Cornell College, Mt. Mercy University, Cedar Valley Rocks and Minerals Society, and other organizations.
More information on the Connections series is available from Dennis Goemaat at Linn County Conservation Department. Phone: 319-892-6454, dennis.goemaat@linncounty.org