header: Bonobo
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line Pan paniscus Schwarz, 1929


THREATS

The Bonobo is threatened by both habitat loss and hunting. Since the 1970s, increasing human populations have forced the Bonobo to retreat into remote forest areas. Traditional slash-and-burn agriculture and commercial forestry operations are continuing to expand in central Zaïre, eliminating suitable Bonobo habitat, especially near villages and roads. When the habitat is disturbed, Bonobos will tend to leave the region.3 Few domestic animals are kept by resident people; many are dependent on wildlife for a large proportion of the protein in their diet. Subsistence hunting, and commercial hunting of 'bushmeat' to supply large labour forces employed by companies in the area, are widespread in central Zaïre.3 In addition, the Bonobo is occasionally hunted for traditional medicinal or magical purposes; specific body parts are thought to enhance strength and sexual vigour. Such charms are widely available in some parts of Zaïre, suggesting that large numbers of Bonobos may be killed annually. Hunting may therefore be an important factor underlying the species' fragmented distribution.3 Bonobos are especially vulnerable to the increasing use of firearms, since they flee into trees which can be easily surrounded.3

Infant Bonobos are captured for the local wildlife trade after killing the mother, and are kept as pets. Small numbers are illegally traded with European countries (particularly Belgium) and the Far East.3 Infants and juveniles are currently sold to zoological gardens, laboratories in Europe and Asia, and for the pet trade.3


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