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Oct 7, 2024

"There is something quite magical in watching a family of elephants, gorillas or giant forest hogs emerge from the forest edge and bask in sunlight and social opportunities before slipping back into the cool shade of the forest interior." --Vicki Fishlock

The Hidden Playgrounds of Elephants and Gorillas

Drones and artificial intelligence are helping scientists discover a network of what Indigenous Ba’aka people call bais. They are clearings in the midst of forests where forest elephants, gorillas, buffalo, antelopes, and more gather to “soak up vital nutrition and maintain their intricate social networks.” Scientists thought there were only a few of them, but found over 2,000 in one park alone, accessible through a network of trails. “Congolese people had told them - that these natural clearings are critical gathering grounds for some of the world’s most endangered mammals.” They are social gatherings where some look for mates, children get introduced and play, others graze with their calves in safety. Scientists hope the ongoing data collection will lead to a better understanding of the bais to help assure survival.