Photo from open sources
The hominids are the most progressive and at the same time warlike primates. This family, for example, includes humans and chimpanzees are our closest genetic relative among monkeys. The behavior pattern of chimpanzees is very similar to human. In particular, these animals are able to lead long wars over territory, stretching over several years.
Start of war
So, the most famous conflict among chimpanzees is the one what happened in the seventies in Tanzania. British zoologist Jane Goodall discovered that the monkey family living in Gombe Stream National Park unexpectedly split into two groups.
The first group, named scientist Casakela, settled in the north parts of the park. She numbered eight males, twelve females and their cubs. The second group, which received the name Kagama, occupied the southern territory. She was not so numerous and consisted of only six males, three females and young.
According to Jane Goodall, the family split in 1971, and On the seventh of January 1974, the primates launched a war when several Kasakel males attacked one of Kagam’s males. Exactly from this moment between the chimpanzees began a four-year confrontation with the real bloody fighting actions.
A photo from open sources
The skirmishes of the two warring groups were not limited to throwing stones and fights on sticks. Monkeys showed themselves cunning and calculating. strategists. For example, they lurked enemies one by one, stopped his attempts to escape and killed in cold blood. Moreover, killing the enemy, the victors tore his corpse to pieces and ate right on the battlefield.
Another war
Three years passed, and Casakela destroyed all the males from the group. Kagama, after which they set about the females. One female was defeated and killed, the other two disappeared without a trace. Three young females from among growing up young lucky more: they were beaten, but did not take their life, instead they took to their group. Defeating enemies on southern territory, Kasakela rightfully took possession of their land. Not less, the winners did not celebrate their triumph for long.
Settling in the south, Kasakela became the neighbors of another group – Kalande. Surprisingly, Kalande and the Kagama disappeared community coexisted peacefully and did not pretend on each other’s territory, however, the bloodthirsty conquerors from Casakel were received with hostility. Kalande, who were much more numerous and stronger, began actively attack new neighbors, and yesterday’s triumphs fled with with back tails back to the north, leaving the newly captured the ground.
Jane Goodall was extremely amazed at the behavior of chimpanzees whose skirmishes very reminded her of human wars over the territory. By posting this sensational information, the british was met undisguised skepticism of their colleagues. Even in the scientific world, no one believed in long and inventive monkey wars. Zoologist, by the way, I didn’t give up and, continuing to closely monitor the hominids, soon proved to the world her innocence.
War
