A bonobo, rare as its name, is an ape species and part of the genus Pan. The genus Pan is made up of two families, bonobo and common chimpanzee. Therefore, these two species have common similarities and because of this, the bonobo is alternatively known as “Pygmy Chimpanzee.” Because of the many similarities, primatologists formerly thought of bonobos as subspecies of chimpanzees.

However, that changed after further research was done which established that bonobos were reservedly distinct.  The bonobo name is believed to have been derived from the misspelling of a town known as Bolobo located along the River Congo, whose name had been written on shipping crates. In the town of Bolobo, the first specimens of the bonobo species were first collected.

Scientific classification.

The bonobos are from the Animalia Kingdom; Phylum ‘Chordata’; and Class ‘Mammalia’. They originate from the order ‘Primates’; Suborder ‘Haplorhini’; Family ‘Hominidae’; Subfamily ‘Homininae’; Tribe ‘Hominini’; Genus ‘Pan’; and lastly Species ‘Pan paniscus”.

Conservation status.

The bonobo is an endangered species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. This is owed to dangerous human activity such as wars, rapid encroachment on the forests in which they live, and finally poaching.

Location.

The bonobos are located in the Congo basin, of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Eastern Africa. They live in an area of about 190,000 square miles.

Population.

There’s no properly established data about their actual population, but it is estimated at about 29,000 to 50,000 bonobos.

Lifespan.

These species can live for over 40 years, when in captivity. This basically translates to proper healthcare and rehabilitation. However, their lifespan while in the wilderness is unknown, and is therefore yet to be determined.

Habitat.

The Congo basin Equatorial rainforests along the great Congo River. They are located south of the Congo River. They also sustain well in swamp forests.

Physical appearance.

The bonobos are known for their dark faces, long hair on their heads (parted hairs), they grow tail-tuft as they ascend to adulthood, pink lips, and long legs. They also have wide nostrils and small ears. Their shoulders are narrow, and their upper body is slim.

Weight and height.

The average weight of bonobos is averagely 30 to 60 kilograms. Females weigh less than the male bonobos. While standing upright, a male bonobo can average about 3 to 4 feet, whereas a female about 3.7 feet.

Genetic composition.

Just like the chimpanzee, bonobos have close to 98% DNA similarity with humans.

Comparison with other species of chimpanzees.

Bonobos, just like chimpanzees, have features close to those of humans. The greatest factor that led to the budding of the bonobos was the formation of the River Congo, about 1.5 million years ago. This led to the separation of the common chimpanzee. The common chimpanzee species stayed north of the river (it still is today), while the bonobos bred in the South of the river. With the dynamics of evolution, many changes abound genetically, and physically. Whereas they were formerly classified as chimpanzees too, the declassification was done in 1929 by Ernst Schwartz, a German zoologist, who named them “bonobos.” This was after further studies of their physical attributes, and finding out that their skulls were diminutive in size compared to those of the Chimpanzee.

Bonobos have well-structured canine teeth compared to the chimpanzee. They are also more compassionate than the chimpanzees which have been primarily established as potentially aggressive. The female bonobos also have more protruding breasts compared to the female chimpanzees.

Behavior.

The bonobos are social creatures. However, there’s a great distinction in the leadership scheme when compared to other apes. They are largely a matriarchal society. They also don’t define their territorial boundaries and therefore always keep shifting. This character renders constant movements that don’t favor the formation of unity among males in order to assert superiority over the females. The bonobos are also known for their high sexual urges.

Their libido ranks higher than other primates. They are therefore often seen having sex. The females assert their dominance sometimes to compel the dormant males to mate. The aged female bonobos usually get the rights of leadership and this comes with a scent of experience.

Diet.

Bonobos are primarily omnivores. They mainly feed on fruits, honey, succulent leaves, and meat from small animals like duikers, and flying squirrels.

Touring the bonobos.

Bonobos can be toured in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are found in the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary. They can also be tracked at the Iyondji Reserve.

Cost of tracking permits.

The cost of entrance into the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary is $5 for the D.R. Congo residents and $10 for the Non-Residents. Children under the age of 12 years get free entrance into the sanctuary. There’s also a lunch package which includes 2 drinks, a meal, and an entrance fee, all for $50.