Bonobos: The Highly Social Primates of the Congo

The Bonobos of NatGeoWILD Africa

In 2008, a video of bonobos in a sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) garnered over 120 million views on NatGeoWILD Africa. The footage captured the heartwarming reunion of Bola and Owila, two bonobos who had endured significant trauma at the start of their lives.

Social Behavior of Bonobos

Bonobos are highly social animals that live in large communities of up to 120 individuals. They are known for their peaceful and cooperative nature, in contrast to their closely related counterparts, the chimpanzees.

The bonobo society is matriarchal, with females holding dominant roles. They use a variety of vocalizations and body language to communicate and maintain social cohesion.

Aggressive Behavior in Bonobos

While bonobos are generally peaceful, aggression can occur within their communities. Studies have suggested that this aggression may be linked to tumescence, or sexual arousal.

In the NatGeoWILD video, primatologist Craig Thompson witnessed a bout of aggression between two male bonobos. He deduced that the aggression could be a result of the high levels of testosterone present during tumescence.

Conservation of Bonobos

Bonobos are an endangered species, facing threats such as habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure their survival and protect their unique social behaviors.

Organizations like the Bonobo Conservation Initiative are working to raise awareness about bonobos, support research, and protect their habitats in the DRC.