Research at Lola has found that bonobos are considerate and empathetic, even to strangers. Lola ya Bonobo, a PASA wildlife center in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the only sanctuary for bonobos in the world, helping to rescue, care for, and release them. Studies of evolutionary differences between chimps and bonobos have been conducted at many PASA sanctuaries. In contrast, when presented with the same scenario, chimps secrete testosterone, which is related to aggression. In response to conflict, bonobos release a stress hormone that encourages social bonding for reassurance. They have never been known to kill their own kind, and they have evolved to avoid conflict. Peace is almost universal across bonobo communities. Bloodshed is a trait shared by chimp and human society, but rarely seen with bonobos. Male chimps live in a society ruled by competition exhibited through sexual aggression and conflict that is sometimes deadly. The females ensure peace within their community and between their neighbors, contrasting with the often hostile interactions between chimp groups. This is possible because female alliances work to prevent any male aggression, making up for size with numbers. One of the biggest differences between our evolutionary relatives is that in bonobo society females are in charge. While chimps age into a darker face, bonobos are born with a darker face and pink lips. This contrasts with the strong and sturdy chimpanzee. Their long legs, narrow shoulders, and small head add up to a slender build. So, what are the key differences between chimps and bonobos? These species not only differ in appearance, but also in their social structure, behavior, and emotions.īonobos are graceful apes. Both species are more closely related to humans than gorillas or orangutans, and we can gain many insights into human evolution by studying the abilities and behaviors of these animals. However, we now know that we share approximately 98.7% of our DNA with chimps and bonobos. Scientists believe the decline will continue for the next 45 to 55 years due to the bonobo’s low reproductive rate and growing threats.Many of us were raised with the belief that our closest genetic relatives are chimpanzees. Though the size of the bonobo population is largely unknown, it has likely been declining for the last 30 years. Efforts to survey the species over the past two decades have been hampered by the remote nature of its habitat, the patchiness of its distribution, and years of civil unrest within the DRC.Ĭivil unrest and communities facing economic barriers in the area around the bonobos’ forests have contributed to bonobo poaching and deforestation. As the last great ape to be scientifically described, much remains unknown about the bonobo-including the extent of its geographic range. They weren’t recognized as a separate species until 1929. Wild bonobos can only be found in forests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, bonobo life isn’t entirely violence-free if two groups of bonobos come together, they may engage in serious fighting. They also maintain relationships and settle conflicts through sex. Their society is also different-bonobo groups tend to be more peaceful and are led by females. Bonobos are usually a bit smaller, leaner, and darker than chimpanzees. Bonobos and chimpanzees look very similar and both share 98.7% of their DNA with humans-making the two species our closest living relatives.
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