IndexMethods used to estimate chimpanzee abundanceHabitat use in chimpanzeesChimpanzee nesting ecologyHuman impact on chimpanzee populations and distributionMethods used to estimate chimpanzee abundance chimpanzee abundanceIn the early days, estimates of species abundance were derived on a large geographic scale through the administration of questionnaires to the local population (Sugiyama and Soumah 1988). Scientists have unanimously agreed that reliable estimates of population size are essential for effective conservation of wild animals (van Schaik et al., 2005; Plumptre & Cox, 2006; McKechnie et al., 2007). The absence of reliable baseline data for wild animals, particularly forest mammals, makes it difficult to unfailingly predict changes in population trends over time (Teleki, 1989; Oates, 1996). Furthermore, it is impossible to detect species that occur at low densities and are very elusive, such as great apes and other large mammals, by total counts of individuals within a landscape (Reynolds & Reynolds, 1965). Aware of this, large forest mammals, including chimpanzees, are often detected using indirect signs (Kouakou et al., 2009) including dung (Barnes, 2001) and dormant nest (Ghiglieri, 1984; Sanz et al., 2007). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In the late 1960s, techniques for primate surveys were developed (Plumptre and Cox 2006), including ground and aerial survey techniques (Ancrenaz et al. 2004), relying on counts of sleeping nests to estimate l abundance and home range (Plumptre and Reynolds 1996). The elusive nature of apes, including chimpanzees, has forced researchers to rely heavily on indirect signs, particularly sleeping nests, for population estimates (Plumptre & Reynolds 1996). Sampling techniques such as remote sampling of linear transects (Buckland et al., 2001, 2010), reconnaissance surveys, e.g. reconnaissance (Walsh and White, 1999), dung sampling for genetic analysis (Arandjelovic et al., 2010 , 2011) and remote analysis of camera trapping (Head et al., 2013; Nakashima et al., 2013) is used basically depending on the objectives of the study and the available resources. Aerial surveys using helicopters (Ancrenaz et al., 2004) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now increasingly used to observe wildlife, including chimpanzees (Van Andel et al, 2015). Typically, estimates of chimpanzee population density and size are derived using Marked Nest Count (MNC) and Standing Crop Nest Count (SCNC) survey methods that apply distant sampling principles (Kouakou et al., 2009; Van Andel, 2015). SCNC is the most common approach used to estimate chimpanzee density because it requires a single visit to each transect to record all detected nests (Ghiglieri, 1984; Marchesi et al., 1995). However, this approach is limited by site-specific calculations of nest production rate and average nest duration to provide unbiased estimates. Nest factors are very difficult and problematic to calculate as this requires studying habituated chimpanzees over a period of time and considering geographic area and time-based heterogeneity in decay rates (Kuehl et al., 2007) . As a result, several studies normally adopt these factors from other sites where they were calculated, but unfortunately often do not incorporate sampling errors to themassociated, resulting in questionable population estimates with wide confidence limits that usually account for a large difference in average nest duration. (Plumptre, 2000, Tutin & Fernandez, 1984). The MNC approach was proposed to avoid problems associated with studies of nest decay (Hashimoto, 1995; Plumptre & Reynolds, 1996). This approach requires greater transect sampling effort as it involves repeated counts of only fresh nests on transects within a short period to help reduce the temporal bias of the density estimate (Furuichi et al., 2001; Kuehl et al., 2007) .Kouakou et al 2009 validated both nest counting methods as reliable for chimpanzee population estimation by comparing their estimates to a known population size of habituated chimpanzees in Tai National Park. Both SCNC and MNC methods usually use the distance formula (Dc = Dn/rt) to calculate the density of monkeys. Where; “Dc” is the estimated chimpanzee density, “Dn” is the estimated nest density, “r” is the nest production rate, and “t” is the average nest duration. Habitat use in chimpanzees Thorough knowledge of the habitat requirements and use of any species are very essential for effective conservation planning of the species. Multiple factors can influence habitat selection in animals; these may include the distribution of predators, competitors, food resources, and abiotic properties of the environment (Tews et al. 2004). Of all the great ape species found in Africa, chimpanzees are known to adapt rapidly to environmental changes and utilize a wide range of habitats with diverse ecological conditions (Hockings et al 2015). According to Balcomb et al., (2000), habitat composition and structure influence species abundance as they influence the presence of food and nesting resources for the species. Bryson_Morrison et al (2017) noted that chimpanzees preferentially used forest habitat types for travel and rest and highly disturbed habitat types for socialization. Generally, chimpanzees spend a lot of time in or near trees that provide them with a food source (Matsuzawa et al. 2011), protection from predators (Pruetz et al. 2008), places to sleep (Stewart et al. 2007), or shade . in drier climates (Pruetz & Bertolani 2009). Therefore, their residential use is strongly influenced by the presence of trees. In forest habitats where there is a greater density of trees, species use a smaller home range (about 20 km2) than in savanna woodlands (70-200 km2) (Suzuki, 1969; Baldwin et al., 1982). Several studies have established that changes in food availability over the seasons influence chimpanzee habitat use within a landscape. Lehmann and Dunbar (2009) argued that there is a very low probability that chimpanzees could persist in areas with low forest cover due to their dietary requirements and high body mass index. Therefore, woody habitats represent a very important ecological requirement for chimpanzees (McGrew et al. 1988; Lehmann & Dunbar, 2009; Pruetz & Bertolani, 2009). In comparison, relatively cooler, wetter, and more forested regions provide more comfort and food resources for chimpanzees than do chimpanzees. extreme savanna habitats (McGrew et al., 1981; Baldwin et al., 1982; Moore, 1996; Pruetz & Bertolani, 2009). For example, in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Terada et al., (2015) determined that chimpanzees rely heavily on small pockets of primary forest that provide them with more fruit than other habitat types. However, Basabose (2005) also documented that the.