Pan paniscus

Pan Paniscus also known as the Bonobo, is a species of great ape and one of the two species making up the genus Pan, the other being Pan troglodytes, or the chimpanzee.

Taxonomy

The Pan Paniscus was first described by the German zoologist Ernst Schwarz in 1929. The species is distinguished from the common chimpanzee by its slighter build, longer limbs, and less aggressive behavior.

Habitat and Distribution

Pan Paniscus is found in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The species is confined to the area south of the Congo River, as the river forms a natural barrier to their range.

Behavior and Ecology

Bonobos are known for their peaceful and cooperative social structure. Unlike other great apes, they resolve conflicts through sexual behavior rather than aggression. They are also unique in their matriarchal society, where females have a higher social status than males.

Conservation Status

The Pan Paniscus is currently listed as an endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The main threats to the species are habitat loss due to deforestation and hunting for bushmeat.

See Also

• Great Apes
• Endangered Species
• Democratic Republic of Congo