Meet The Bonobo

Pan paniscus

Physical Characteristics

Bonobos were once believed to be a pygmy race of chimpanzees, until they were identified as a distinct species in 1928. They can be distinguished by their smaller size, darker faces, and longer limbs. Bonobos average only a few inches shorter than chimpanzees, but tend to be 20-30lbs lighter, giving them the leanest physique of all the great apes.

Home Range

Bonobos are the only great ape endemic to a single country- Democratic Republic of Congo. They live in the central and western parts of the country, in the heart of the Congo Basin rainforest. Unlike the other great apes - gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans - bonobos are dependent upon the management and protection of a single government, making them particularly at risk.

Behavior & Culture

Bonobos are a matriarchal species, meaning their family groups are organized around strong female leaders. Female bonobos form coalitions, working together to maintain peace and order. Male bonobos inherit the social status of their mother and play an active role in rearing young. Bonobos are a peace-loving species, sharing food and resources with strangers. Physical affection is a centerpiece of maintaining strong bonds in bonobo culture. Copulation or touching of genitals is such a common practice that it has been called the “bonobo handshake.”

Conservation Status & Threats

Bonobos are recognized as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. Their official population is estimated at 29,500-50,000, though it has been estimated as low as 5,000 remaining in the wild. Their remote location and decades of civil unrest have made it nearly impossible to maintain an accurate population estimate. Bonobos face multiple threats to survival. Hunting for bushmeat is prevalent and habitat loss is rapidly increasing. Climate change is also bringing drastic changes to the rainforest microclimate on which bonobos depend. Logging and resource extraction pose looming threats.

YOU Can Make A Difference

Bonobos need our help. Without intervention bonobos are on a crash course with catastrophic habitat loss and extinction. And without bonobos, the second lung of the planet - the Congo Basin - is at risk.

Bonobos play a vital role in “farming” the jungle. They eat fruits and seeds and help distribute these around the jungle, where they grow into new foliage. As much as 45% of rainforest trees in their habitat were “planted” by a bonobo.

Support Bonobo Conservation

Where Can I See A Bonobo?

Africa

Lonely Planet’s number 1 recommendation for seeing our closest living relatives up close!
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Africa’s largest rainforest reserve! Salonga National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore the second lung of the planet where you can encounter diverse species, including the bonobo.
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