Bonobo
Conservation efforts hampered by civil unrest
| Common Name |
Bonobo, dwarf chimpanzee, gracile chimpanzee, pygmy chimpanzee ; |
|
| Scientific Name | Pan paniscus | |
| Habitat | Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests | |
| Location | Central Africa | |
| Status | ||
| Population | Estimates range from 60,000 to fewer than 5,000 individuals |
Background
Bonobos, arguably our closest relatives, are found only in the Congo Basin rainforests of the central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they are under threat from bushmeat hunters and habitat loss. Populations have rapidly declined over the last 30 years.
Salonga National Park protects 36,000 km² of forest within the heart of Bonobo range, but is the only national park harbouring the species. The park has been invaded by heavily armed gangs of poachers, and conservation efforts have been hampered by the civil unrest prevailing in the region.
» Find out about the WWF African Great Apes Programme
Physical Description
The differences between the common chimpanzee and the Bonobo are slight. The Bonobo has longer legs, shorter arms, and a narrower trunk. It is generally smaller, with a rounder skull and flatter face. Another distinguishing feature is its black face and red lips, and a prominent tail tuft which is retained by adults - chimpanzees only have one at the juvenile stage.
Bonobos exhibit remarkably different social behavior than chimpanzees, with an emphasis on peacemaking.
Colour
Bonobos are covered by black fur, which may turn to a grayish color in aged individuals.
Habitat
Major habitat typeTropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Biogeographic realm
Afrotropical
Range States
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Geographical Location
Central Africa
Ecological Region
Central Congo Basin Moist Forests
