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June Feature: Chimpanzees
Chimpanzees belong to the Pongidae family, and
are found only in Africa.
These primates use their hands and feet for climbing trees and
gathering the fruits and leaves which form the major part of their
diet. Only occasionally have they been known to eat small mammals
and invertebrates. Chimpanzees are themselves sometimes captured
and eaten by large carnivores such as leopards and lions.
However, the principal threats to primates are caused by humans
who increasingly destroy their forest habitat.
Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) are found in various regions
of Tropical Africa. They live in a variety of habitats, ranging
from humid forests to dry savannah woodlands. They are highly
social, living in communities of between 20 and 100 individuals
with stable subgroups. Chimpanzees become sexually mature
when they are between 10 and 13 years old. Females usually produce
babies every six years, and often do not have more than about
three offspring during their lifetime. Learn MORE About Chimpanzees...
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