Western chimpanzee - Threats

What are the plights of the western chimpanzee?

This subspecies is most threatened by loss and fragmentation of its habitat, with hunting for the bushmeat trade still representing a serious threat.

Habitat loss and degradation
Degradation of forests through logging, mining, farming, and other forms of land development is contributing to the decline of primate species throughout tropical Africa. Remaining habitat patches are often small and unconnected, leaving chimpanzee populations isolated. Deforestation is most advanced in West Africa, where only remnant tracts of primary rainforest remain.

The small populations of western, as well as Nigerian and eastern, chimpanzees are primarily located in remnant forest reserves and national parks. In many such "protected areas", poaching for meat and live infants is common, as is unauthorized logging, mining, and farming. Logging activities improve access to formerly remote forest areas, leading to increased hunting pressure.
Find out more about habitat loss

Bushmeat
'Bushmeat' has always been a primary source of dietary protein in Central and West African countries. In recent years, hunting for bushmeat, once a subsistence activity, has become heavily commercialized and much of the meat goes to urban residents who can afford to pay premium prices for it.

The effect of the bushmeat trade on chimp populations has yet to be evaluated, but a study in Congo showed that offtake was 5 to 7%, surpassing annual population increase. In addition, apes are often injured or killed in snares set for other animals. Infant chimpanzees are frequently taken alive and sold in the cities as pets.