THE MANDRILLUS PROJECT

It all started in 2012 with a scientific study of 200 mandrills in captivity conducted by the Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF). The aim was to explain certain human characteristics by studying those present in certain apes (chimpanzees and mandrills). The mandrill population, a protected species in Gabon, has been reintroduced and is now thriving in the Lékédi Natural Park.

This large population of wild mandrills is now under observation as part of the Mandrillus Project, which aims to better understand the social behaviour of this great ape. What links does it have with its family members? Of his tribe? How do certain males impose themselves as dominant, and how do they assert their dominance? This is an animal where sexual dimorphism is most striking: the male weighs three times more than the female!

Marie Charpentier, project leader, wrote her thesis in primatology on the reproductive system of this species and on the effects of inbreeding. You may have the chance to meet her during your stay, as she visits several times a year. Very pleasant, she will be able to reveal the secrets of this intriguing species.

Watching mandrills in the wild is a rare and incredible experience. You will be able to venture a few meters away from these beautiful monkeys, on foot, in the middle of the wild forest. It only takes about 20 minutes, so as not to disturb them.