CHAPTER Vin 

 MAMMALS AS NEST BUILDERS 



WE are all of us familiar with the fact that 

 most birds build nests, but it is not so 

 generally known that quite a number of mammals 

 indulge also in a similar practice. It is true that 

 the majority of the latter do not erect such elaborate 

 structures as those of the feathered folk, but some 

 of them prove exceptions to the general rule and 

 build most wonderful homes. 



One does not usually associate monkeys with 

 nest building, yet certain species make a practice 

 of constructing arboreal domiciles, some of which 

 are very rude affairs, although, on the other hand, 

 others are beautifully made. With the exception 

 of the gibbons, all the anthropoid or man-like apes 

 build nests or sleeping platforms. The chimpanzee 

 makes its nest high up amidst the branches of the 

 trees, beneath the shelter of which the male takes 

 up his position during the night, while the rest of 

 the family repose upon the top. The gorilla and 

 orang-utan also erect similar structures ; those 

 of the former being situated but a few yards above 

 the ground, and those of the latter being placed 



121 



