Bonobos

Bonobos are perhaps most closely related to humans, and yet the least well known of the African great apes.  Found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bonobos inhabit the low altitude forests south of the Congo river and have remained relatively isolated in these inaccessible forests. Although only discovered in 1935, bonobos quickly became notable for their unique social behavior which is characterized by peaceful, and often highly sexual interactions. Since 2003, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been working to identify and protect the remaining populations of bonobos in the Salonga National Park-Africa’s largest protected area.

The Human Aspect
Villagers surrounding bonobo habitat have traditionally ventured into the forest to establish seasonal hunting and fishing camps. Although bonobos are not often targeted by traditional hunters, they nonetheless suffer as an indirect consequence of snares and traps set in the forest. There is concern that the fishing camps may also have an indirect effect in opening access to the forest and enabling illegal activities. Recent work by WCS and the Congolese Park Service (ICCN) has shown that the villagers are equally concerned about possible abuses to this traditional system and are willing to cooperate to establish a system of regulations to protect their own livelihood as well as the forest.

Threats
Despite the inaccessible nature of their habitat, bonobos are still vulnerable to hunting for the bushmeat and live animal trade primarily due to the access to much of their range by navigable rivers. Protection was made more difficult during the recent years of civil unrest in DRC when effective law enforcement and patrolling was compromised. While stability has returned to the country, it will be important to actively work with the authorities in order to reinstall management systems and mitigate the effects of the inevitable increase in logging pressure.

WCS Activities
WCS is working to identify key bonobo populations and assess population status and threats with the goal of initiating site-specific conservation projects in order to ensure protection of this endangered species. In addition, WCS is working with regional authorities, and other NGOs to promote greater cohesion and collaboration among bonobo projects. Activities initiated include:

• Conducting large scale exploratory surveys.  These have already revealed that bonobos are more widely distributed in their range than previously expected.

• Identifying Bonobo Conservation Blocks (areas of greatest potential for bonobo conservation) to be targeted with intensive inventories. Coupled with socio-economic surveys of the surrounding areas, this work indicated that hunting is still a predominant threat to many populations.

• Completing a survey of the legal and semi-legal wildlife markets in order to determine the prevalence of trade in bonobos.

• Conducting workshops with authorities and local stakeholders to promote awareness, and identify and undertake site-based activities that will improve protection of key bonobo populations.

Important Next Steps
• Continue exploratory surveys and inventories of identified Bonobo Conservation Blocks throughout important portions of bonobo range.

• Assess the impact of traditional human use of bonobo habitat and work with villagers to develop associations to ensure responsible practices.

• Work with the ICCN to build infrastructure and regain control of the Salonga National Park, the only ICCN-managed protected area containing bonobos.

• Work with the ICCN to engage local communities in conservation efforts associated with national parks.