```html Female Gorillas Maintain Lifelong Social Bonds, Rwanda Research Reveals

Female mountain gorillas form lasting social connections, actively seeking out familiar individuals even after years of separation, a new study conducted in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park has revealed. The research, spanning two decades, challenges previous understandings of gorilla social dynamics and highlights the importance of female relationships within their complex societies.

The findings, published in the Royal Society Journal Proceedings B, demonstrate that when a female gorilla joins a new group, she prioritizes reconnecting with females she already knows, even if they have been apart for extended periods. This behaviour suggests a deeper level of social bonding than previously recognised in gorillas.

Understanding Gorilla Social Structures

Mountain gorillas are critically endangered, with their remaining populations confined to the Virunga Mountains shared by Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as a smaller population in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Understanding their social behaviour is crucial for effective conservation efforts.

The study focused on female dispersal, a common behaviour where female gorillas move between different groups. This dispersal is vital for avoiding inbreeding, promoting genetic diversity, and shaping social interactions within the gorilla population.

The Importance of Female Bonds

"Scientifically, we can't definitively label it as 'friendship'," explained Victoire Martignac, a PhD researcher from the University of Zurich and lead author of the study. "However, our research clearly demonstrates that these same-sex relationships are incredibly significant for female gorillas."

Researchers at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, who have been monitoring the gorillas in Volcanoes National Park since 1967, meticulously tracked the movements of 56 female gorillas. They analysed the factors influencing their choice of new groups, finding that the presence of familiar females was a major determinant.

The gorillas tended to avoid groups with males they were likely related to, but the presence of known females significantly increased the attractiveness of a group. These "friends," even after years of separation, offered crucial social support in a new and potentially hostile environment.

Benefits of Established Connections

Ms. Martignac explained that new arrivals often face aggression and challenges as they navigate the social hierarchy of a new group. "Resident females can be quite aggressive towards newcomers, viewing them as potential competitors. Having an established connection can provide crucial social buffering and support."

Dr. Amy Porter, a primatologist at the University of Oxford not involved in the study, commented on the findings: "This research provides compelling evidence for the importance of long-term social bonds in female gorillas. It highlights the complex social intelligence of these animals and underscores the need to consider these relationships in conservation strategies. Understanding these social dynamics can help us better manage and protect gorilla populations."

Implications for Conservation

The findings have important implications for gorilla conservation efforts. By understanding the significance of female social bonds, conservationists can better predict how gorillas will adapt to changing environments and manage populations more effectively.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund's long-term monitoring efforts have been instrumental in providing the data necessary for this type of research. Continued investment in these long-term studies is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of gorilla behaviour and ecology.

A Broader Perspective on Social Evolution

The study also sheds light on the evolution of social behaviour in primates, including humans. "Movement is fundamental to human societies, but these decisions often leave little trace in the fossil record," Ms. Martignac explained. "By studying dispersal patterns in our closest evolutionary relatives, like gorillas, we can gain insights into the evolutionary drivers of social behaviour."

The research reinforces the idea that female-female relationships are far more important in gorilla societies than previously assumed. This understanding challenges traditional perspectives and opens new avenues for research into the complex social lives of these magnificent creatures. ```