Knowledge of western gorilla (WG) diet and habitat utilisation is of primary importance to their future conservation. This study aims to understand the relationship between habitat use of two neighbouring, simultaneously followed WG groups:

a) spatio-temporal variation in food availability;

b) encounters between gorilla groups relative to local changes in gorilla density;

c) potentially high forest elephant densities.

Bai Hokou, Central African Republic is one of few sites where WG habituation has been successful. Thoroughly understanding habitat use of this flagship species will both improve long-term efficiency of conservation management plans, including gorilla eco-tourism, and contribute to socio-ecological models.