Examination of Fe and Cu Isotope Variation in Great Apes Using an Optimized Protocol.

Rationale: Iron deficiency plagues reproductive-aged women across the world, and blood loss during menstruation is proposed as the driving force. To assess if other factors related to reproduction influence Fe and Cu isotope variation in females, we measured Fe and Cu isotope compositions in the bones of chimpanzees and bonobos.

Methods: To do this, we optimize the protocol for isolating Fe and Cu (and Zn) from phosphate-rich skeletal materials for further analysis via MC-ICP-MS.

Strontium isotopes track female dispersal in Taï chimpanzees.

Objectives: Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are patrilocal, with males remaining in their natal community and females dispersing when they reach sexual maturity. However, the details of female chimpanzee dispersal, such as their possible origin, are difficult to assess, even in habituated communities. This study investigates the utility of Sr/Sr analysis for (1) assessing Sr baseline differences between chimpanzee territories and (2) identifying the status (immigrant or natal) of females of unknown origin within the territories of five neighboring communities in Taï National Park (Côte d'Ivoire).