The western chimpanzees of Taï National Park have communicated through unique gestures for centuries. Among these, 'knuckle knock,' used by males to attract females, became obsolete in the North group due to a declining male population. Over the years, as competition declined and no young males learned the gesture, its use disappeared entirely. The recent findings show that after a two-decade absence, this cultural practice has been lost, highlighting the fragile nature of animal communication and culture in response to ecological changes.
Knuckle knock, a previously pivotal mating gesture among male chimps in Taï National Park, has been lost from the North group due to declining male populations.
The loss of the knuckle knock suggests a cultural shift within the North chimp group, as gestures passed down through generations vanish when not practiced.
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