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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th September 2014
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Fatal aggression in chimps is "natural"
chimps
Primatologists have long been divided over the root of intergroup aggression.
Major study finds chimp killings are not the result of human intervention

Lethal aggression among chimpanzees is not due to human interference, but a result of natural competition, according to a major new study.

Primatologists have long been divided over the root of this behaviour. Some have argued it is down to intervention by humans, for example artificial feeding or habitat destruction.

According to new findings published in the journal Nature, however, it appears these killings are part of the chimp's natural behavioural repertoire and occur regardless of human intervention.

Co-author Ian Gilby from the Arizona State University (ASU), said: "This study debunks the idea that lethal aggression among wild chimpanzees is an aberrant behaviour caused by human disturbances, like artificial feeding or habitat loss."

More than 30 scientists collaborated on the research, which involved compiling data from 18 chimps and four bonobo communities spanning five decades. The study is the first ever attempt to determine whether killing is a result of human impact or an evolved strategy to improve access to territory, food and mates.

After studying 152 killings, scientists concluded the behaviour is natural, occurring regardless of humans.

Bonobo monkeys, however, were not observed killing other bonobos, whatever the level of human intervention.

ASU scientist Joan Silk wrote a companion piece for the research in Nature. In it she says perceptions of primate behaviour, particularly chimps, is distorted, so that “morally desirable features, such as empathy and altruism, have deep evolutionary roots, whereas undesirable features, such as group-level violence and sexual coercion, do not.”

However the data shows "there are some circumstances in which the benefits of lethal aggression exceed the costs for chimpanzees, nothing more."

Find the full research on Nature: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v513/n7518/full/nature13727.html

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.