Although the lush vegetation of the rainforest creates the impression of mineral-rich soils, the success of the ecosystem relies on the efficient recycling of minerals close to the soil's surface. There is no need for the forest tree to build deep root systems, because the nutrients could be found only close to the surface of the forest ground. The forest giants need their buttress roots for stabilising.
Chimps drum on tree buttresses to advertise a food source or to show their power (males). During rainstorms they break often into frenzied drumming and hooting.
