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... Chimpanzee Fact Sheet Chimpanzee Endangered Habitat Destruction, Trade and Civil War Threaten Long-Term Survival of Great Apes, Says WWF

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