Looking into Bonobos

INTRODUCTION

With bonobos having a very similar look to chimpanzees, with both species equally sharing almost 99% of their DNA with human beings, they possess many human-like qualities. Bonobos also possess different physical qualities than chimpanzees, generally being darker and leaner. The bonobo society is usually led by females having a peaceful tendency, making them different than most of their relative species. Their etymology tells us that their scientific name is Pan paniscus, of the Pan genus (Balcombe 2011). Though bonobos were formerly known as pygmy chimpanzees, there is speculation as to where the name had originated. Some believe that the name describes their unusual small size compared to chimpanzees while others derive it from the area of which they live in which is also populated by the pygmy peoples (Groves 2005).

BEHAVIOR

Being small isn’t the only attribute that makes the bonobo unique. They are popularly known for their behavior as a society: social, sexual-social, diet, peacefulness, and similarity to humans (Groves 2005). According to Frans de Waal, a Dutch primatologist and ethologist, bonobos can comprehend and experience a range of emotions including patience, kindness, sensitivity, compassion, and selflessness. On top of their ability to experience these emotions, the bonobo society is known to be a “gynecocracy “, or being primarily run by female leadership (de Waal 2013).

In this primate society, female bonobos tend to hold higher social ranks than males. It does not happen to often when there is an aggressive encounter between both sexes. Social hierarchies within the bonobo society exist but do not play a prominent role as compared to other related primate societies. Males within the society tend to...

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...bitats have contributed to poaching of the bonobo as well as deforestation. Though the true size of the bonobo populace is relatively unidentified, it has been declining for the last thirty years. Researchers infer that the decline will continue to happen for the next forty-five to fifty years. This is especially true due to the low reproductive rate and growing threats of the bonobo (Palagi 2013).

CONCLUSION

There are many things that are being done to help conserve the bonobo population. Many organizations are creating communities to promote protecting their habitat, support law enforcement, and monitor the slow growing populations of the bonobo. Given that the bonobo is the second closest species related to humans, organizations like the World Wildlife Fund are leading multiple efforts to spread awareness and promote the conservation of this endangered species.