Bonobo -Threats

Extremely vulnerable

Civil unrest and increasing poverty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) pose immediate threats to the survival of the Bonobo. The species' low and fragmented population, combined with their slow reproductive rate, means that they are extremely vulnerable to increasing habitat loss and hunting.

Poaching
Bonobos are 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 DRC, suggesting that large numbers of Bonobos may be killed annually.
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Habitat loss
Only part of the species' range is under protection, and because of war, illegal hunting and deforestation continue to jeopardize their suvival. Both traditional slash-and-burn agriculture and commercial logging operations occur in their habitat.
Find out more about habitat loss