Common Name: Bonobo Scientific Name: Pan paniscus
ENDANGERED Bonobo Distribution: Democratic Republic of Congo Habitat: Tropical Forest Height: Approx. 120cm Weight: 30kg - 40kg Diet: Omnivorous Fruit, leaves, insects.
The Bonobo is also sometimes known as the ‘Pygmy Chimpanzee’ as they look like small versions of chimpanzees. However, they are a completely different species. They have black hair all over their bodies except their hands, feet and faces, which are bare, black skin. Unlike chimpanzees, Bonobos are often seen walking upright as we do. They live in a female dominated society with an Alpha female being head of the family. Families are usually large with anywhere between 50 and 200 individuals, although they usually split into smaller groups. They spend much of their time is spent foraging and interacting. Bonobos are omnivores (they eat vegetable and meat). The main part of their diet consists of fruit and leaves. They supplement this with insects, such as termites and meat. They will also eat small vertebrates such as rodents, frogs and birds. Females breed about every five years. After mating the female will be pregnant for about 8 months before giving birth to 1 baby. She carries the baby until it can walk at the age of four but it will not be independent until the age of six. Bonobos give a great amount of parental care and youngsters cause fascination in the group with younger members wanting to ‘baby-sit’ These apes have been classed as endangered although their numbers in the wild are not known. They are at risk due to disappearing habitat and hunting for the bushmeat trade. There is also a worldwide breeding programme to help increase numbers. Twycross Zoo is a member of the programme and has produced four babies in recent years.