Welcome to the new A to Z Eco-Explorer, a series where we explore one environmental subject corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. In today’s article, we take a look at the bonobos. Also known as the pygmy chimpanzees, bonobos are part of the family of great apes and are found exclusively in the forests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Previously, they were considered a subspecies of chimpanzees before being recognized as a separate species in 1929. Read on to learn more about this brilliant species.
—
1. Our closest relatives
When asked to name a species most genetically related to humans, you would probably think of the chimpanzees. You are right – but only partially! Chimpanzees share about 98.7% of their DNA with humans, but they are not the only ones to do so.
Bonobos also share approximately the same percentage of their DNA with humans, making them – along with the chimpanzees – one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. This genetic similarity enables scientists worldwide to study and gain further insights into the origins of human evolution, behavior, and language.
2. Fantastic female-led primates
Bonobos are widely known for living in a matriarchal community. This means females hold significant influence and power within a troop (a group of bonobos). Despite being physically smaller than males, the females form strong bonds with one another and often cooperate to maintain social order and resolve conflicts. This unique social structure sets bonobos apart from many other primate species, even their close cousins, the chimpanzees, which are aggressive and patriarchal – with an alpha male leading their group.
But did you know bonobos still have an alpha male within their troop? Unlike in other species of the animal kingdom, the alpha avoids attempting to dominate the females and steps in to make decisions and protect his group when necessary, much like a military general.
3. Playful yet clever!
Bonobos, both young and adults, are highly playful creatures. They love to wrestle and chase, and just like humans, they also tend to laugh and giggle when tickled. But despite their enthusiastic nature, they are one of the most remarkably intelligent primates alive. For example, Kanzi, a 43-year-old bonobo, made history as the smartest great ape in the world – apart from humans, of course!
As an infant, Kanzi accompanied his adoptive mother, Matata, for her training sessions with Dr. Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, a psychologist and primatologist (a person who studies primates) who taught Matata to use and communicate through a keyboard with lexigrams, a set of symbols used to represent specific words and objects. While Matata showed no interest in learning, Kanzi picked up the skills taught through observation. With continued training and assessments, Kanzi could understand the meaning of up to 3,000 words, making him the first great ape to develop an understanding of spoken English. How cool is that right?
4. Masters of empathy
Unlike chimps, which are cunning and competitive, bonobos are kind and generous when sharing their meals. Various studies also highlight the empathetic nature of bonobos. In one experiment, a bonobo was allowed to eat alone or share its plate of favourite fruits with its neighbour. Surprisingly, the bonobo decided to split its meal with its neighbour. To further investigate this behaviour, the same experiment was repeated but with the addition of another bonobo, which was a stranger to the bonobo with food. Again, the bonobo did not hesitate to share its portion with its neighbour and the stranger.
In another interesting study, scientists discovered that bonobos are also willing to help others obtain food even if they know they would not get to share it. Their innate ability to understand others is what makes bonobos one of the most peace-loving primates in the world.
5. Endangered marvels of Congo
Sadly, bonobos remain among the least studied and protected great ape species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed bonobos as “Endangered”. Their population is declining rapidly due to low reproduction rates and human-caused threats like hunting and deforestation. That is why organisations like Friends of Bonobos, The Bonobo Conservation Initiative and the Ape Initiative are actively taking steps to ensure the survival of bonobos and their habitats. For instance, the Friends of Bonobos initiative in the DRC has helped reintroduce groups of bonobos back into the wild and provide care and refuge for those orphaned by illegal poaching.
Bonus Fact: An Impressive Survival Trait
Bonobos possess an amazing trait to survive in the wild known as self-medication. Scientifically known as zoopharmacognosy, this behavior involves eating things, often with medicinal properties, to prevent diseases and help with digestion. Bonobos have been seen swallowing stems or leaves of a plant, which is not part of their usual diet, called Manniophyton fulvum. This practice was able to help them cure parasites in their system. Did you know scientists have also observed similar behaviour in other species like elephants, lizards, chimpanzees and more?
Check this out next: A for Amazon Pink River Dolphin: 6 Fascinating Facts About This Endangered Species
The post B for Bonobos: 5 Fun Facts About This Beautiful Species appeared first on Earth.Org Kids.