Reconstructing Temporal Variation in Great Ape and Other Primate Diets: A Methodological Framework for Isotope Analyses in Hair

The document discussed the use of stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen in hair as a method to study the feeding behavior of primates, particularly great apes, in a non-invasive manner. By analyzing hair, researchers could reconstruct dietary patterns over time, including seasonal changes, which was especially useful for species that were difficult to observe directly. The study highlighted the importance of understanding the biochemical properties of hair keratin, its growth cycle, and isotope turnover rates for accurate data interpretation. It also introduced new isotopic data from infant bonobo hair to provide methodological recommendations for sample collection and preparation. The article aimed to encourage the use of this technique to better understand primate feeding ecology.