Bonobo

Discover more about our Closest Relatives...

Description - Sharing 98.4% of the genes of a human bonobos are our closest living relatives. Bonobos (and their cousins the chimpanzees) are more closely genetically linked to humans than they are to gorillas. Differentiated from the common chimpanzee by its rounded head, lighter build and longer legs the bonobo is also socially more varied being more acrobatic with frequent sex characterizing their society. Living in large communities of up to 120 individuals their "make love not war" attitude helps to manage and diffuse tension within the group. Diet consists mainly of leaves, flowers and seeds; unlike their cousins they have rarely been observed hunting for meat.

Distribution - Found only in the Congo Basin rainforests (Salonga National Park).

Level of Protection - Endangered. Although under protection little can be done to follow through on this as access to their habitats is extremely limited due to civil unrest in DRC.

Best Time to visit - Year round.

Safaris Available - World Primate Safaris advises against safaris to the DRC at present due to issues of security. Please contact us for further information.