**Chimpanzee War Leads to Population Boom for Victors, Study Reveals**

**UGANDA –** A comprehensive three-decade study conducted in Uganda has unveiled a remarkable link between inter-group conflict and demographic success among chimpanzees. Researchers found that a decade-long “war” between rival chimpanzee communities not only expanded the territory of the victorious group but also triggered a significant population boom, dramatically increasing their fertility and offspring survival rates.

The investigation, spanning 30 years, focused on the Ngogo chimpanzee community. Following a series of violent confrontations that resulted in the deaths of at least 21 neighboring chimpanzees, the Ngogo group successfully expanded its territory by an impressive 22 percent. This territorial gain had profound and immediate consequences for their population dynamics.

In the aftermath of the conflict, the Ngogo community experienced a noticeable “baby boom.” The study recorded a more than doubling of the birth rate, accompanied by a drastic increase in the survival probability of their offspring.

Scientists propose that the expanded territory provided enhanced access to food resources. This improved nutrition and overall health of the female chimpanzees, in turn, led to greater fertility and better conditions for raising their young, ultimately driving the population surge.

While the research sheds light on potential evolutionary advantages of warfare for victorious chimpanzee communities, the scientists caution against drawing direct justifications for human violence. They emphasize that while these findings might offer insights into the evolution of violence in humans, they should not be misinterpreted or used to legitimize it. Instead, the study underscores the critical importance of resource management and conflict resolution as foundations for human social progress.