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Bonobo
Conservation efforts hampered by civil unrest
Common Name: Bonobo, dwarf chimpanzee, gracile chimpanzee, pygmy chimpanzee; Chimpanzé nain, chimpanzé pygmé (Fr); Chimpancé pigmeo (Sp)
Scientific Name: Pan paniscus
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location: Central Africa
Population: Estimates range from 60,000 to fewer than 5,000 individual
Background
© WWF - Canon / Russell A. MITTERMEIR
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 harboring 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.
Physical Description
© WWF - Canon / Russell A. MITTERMEIR
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.
Color
Bonobos are covered by black fur, which may turn to a grayish color in aged individuals.
Habitat
Major habitat type
Tropical 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
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
Related Information
Species News and Updates
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Managing Director
Congo Basin
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