Bonobo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bonobo |
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| Bonobos at the Cincinnati Zoo | |
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| Pan paniscus Schwarz, 1929
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| Bonobo distribution | |
The bonobo, also known as Pan paniscus, is a fascinating great ape. It is one of two species in the Pan genus, the other being the common chimpanzee. Bonobos are sometimes called "dwarf" or "pygmy chimpanzees" because they are a bit smaller. While "chimpanzee" often refers to the common chimpanzee, "bonobo" always means Pan paniscus.
Bonobos live in the warm, wet rain forests of Central Africa. Their home is a large area of about 500,000 km2 (190,000 sq mi) south of the mighty Congo River. This region is found in the country known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Bonobo groups are often led by females, which is called a matriarchy. A male bonobo's place in the group is often decided by how important his mother is. The Congo River acts like a natural barrier, keeping bonobos and common chimpanzees apart. Scientists believe the river's formation 1.5 to 2 million years ago helped create the bonobo as a separate species.
Today, there are between 29,000 and 50,000 bonobos left in the wild. Sadly, they are listed as an Endangered animal on the IUCN Red List. Their biggest threats include losing their forest homes, the growth of human populations, and illegal hunting. In zoos, bonobos can live for about 40 years. However, we don't know how long they live in the wild.
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What Makes Bonobos Special?
Bonobos are known for their peaceful nature and strong social bonds. They often use friendly behaviors to solve problems and keep peace within their groups.
Bonobo Social Life
Bonobos live in large groups that can have many members. These groups are usually led by females. Females often form strong friendships with each other, which helps them stay in charge. Males often stay close to their mothers throughout their lives.
Where Do Bonobos Live?
Bonobos are found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. They prefer to live in dense rainforests. These forests provide them with plenty of food and shelter. The Congo River forms a natural northern border for their habitat.
Why Are Bonobos Endangered?
Bonobos face many dangers that threaten their survival. One major problem is habitat destruction, where their forest homes are cut down for farming or logging. The growing human population in the area also puts pressure on their land. Sadly, illegal hunting, called poaching, is another big threat. People hunt bonobos for their meat, which is illegal.
Images for kids
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Bonobos Kanzi (C) and Panbanisha (R) with Sue Savage-Rumbaugh and the outdoor symbols "keyboard"
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Bonobos are very social.
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Bonobo searching for termites
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Group of bonobos
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Bonobo (Pan paniscus) mother and infant at Lola ya Bonobo
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Grooming: reinforcement of social links
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Folivory: bonobos use certain species for self-medication
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A male chimpanzee and bonobo
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A comparison of chimpanzees' and bonobos' performance on various cognitive tests
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A year-old bonobo (Ulrik)
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Bonobo disperse the seeds of more than 91 species of plants across distances of several kilometers
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See also
In Spanish: Bonobo para niños
