Details
Pan paniscus
The bonobo is a highly social great ape of central African forests. It is active by day and moves between trees and the ground in flexible groups.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It is centered on humid lowland forest, using both fruiting canopy and accessible forest floor. Its range is concentrated in limited forest areas.
Body length is about 70-83 cm and weight about 30-60 kg. Long arms, a dark face, and a relatively slender build suit both climbing and walking.
Diurnal and social, it lives in complex communities. Party size changes with food, movement, and social context, while relationships remain important.
It is omnivorous, with fruit as a major food along with leaves, seeds, and small animals. Movements follow seasonal patterns of forest foods.
Young remain dependent on their mothers for many years and learn social behavior within the group. Long intervals between births make recovery slow.
Its status is listed as Endangered. Forest loss and hunting pressure are major concerns, so connected forest habitat is critical.
