Ugandan chimps exhibit rare violent factional split

Researchers have documented a rare instance of a large chimpanzee community in Uganda splitting into two rival factions, leading to unprecedented levels of violence. This event, observed over 24 years, saw the chimpanzees not only polarize into distinct groups but also engage in lethal attacks against former group members. The study challenges previous hypotheses about intergroup conflict, as the violence occurred despite abundant food resources. Several factors, including demographic changes, shifts in dominance hierarchy, and disease outbreaks, are suggested as catalysts for this dramatic social fracture and subsequent aggression.