Which member of the great ape family is led by females?

Bonobos, like chimpanzees, are humankind’s closest living relatives, sharing 98.7% of human DNA. They live in complex communities that, unlike the other great apes, are female-led. They often divide into subgroups for certain jobs, such as searching for fruit during the dry season.  They form sophisticated social structures and alliances to produce peace and cooperation.

They look quite similar to chimpanzees but are usually leaner and darker. They weren’t identified as a separate species until 1929. 

Found only in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, bonobos are threatened by habitat loss and degradation.

Find out how sustainable wildlife tourism can help protect bonobos and their habitats for the long term.