The Bonobos

Among all great ape species, the bonobo is still the least studied in both captivity and the wild. Nevertheless we have observed a considerable increase in knowledge across various fields of bonobo research in recent years. In part due to the ongoing peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, research and conservation activities on the bonobo have resumed and multiplied since 2001.

Part One of The Bonobos: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation focuses on scientific research. Behavioral studies in captivity propose to answer why bonobos have some unique characteristics such as high social status of females and flexible social relationships. The outcomes present important aspects to be investigated in running field studies. In the wild, analysis of population genetics across the bonobo's distribution range illuminates the species' evolutionary path and contributes to a global management plan. Site specific analysis reveals how genetics are used to re-identify individuals after an extended interruption of long-term research. Ecological studies at three independent sites, two in Salonga National Park, as well as one in the Luo Scientific Reserve, provide valuable information for the comprehension of ecological adaptation of bonobos. With the application of recent methods of mammalian feeding ecology as well as comparative approaches in other great ape species, these studies allow us to draw conclusions on ape ecological adaptation and evolution.

Part Two of The Bonobos: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation focuses on conservation. In overview, local and global aspects of the factors threatening the wild bonobo population are reviewed. Here the outcomes of large-scale efforts within the functioning ecosystem conservation paradigm focus on three landscapes within the range of the bonobo: the Salonga-Lukenie-Sankuru Landscape, the Maringa-Lopori-Wamba Landscape, and the Lac Télé-Lac Tumba Swamp Forest Landscape, are presented. Papers in thispart include the different aspects of various stakeholders and discuss the unique threats and actions taken to ensure bonobo survival. Pioneering the way, details from the first comprehensive assessment of bonobos in the Salonga National Park reveal a baseline from which to monitor future trends. Concerned about the indigenous' peoples aspects of conservation, an ethnographic study documents cultural, social, and economic practices for the purpose of reviving the local traditional knowledge to exemplify possible applications at the national level. To be inclusive of all aspects of range country concerns, the contributions of Kinshasa's bonobo sanctuary to national conservation efforts are presented. The outcome of these contributions taken together not only illuminate the current status of the bonobo but allow for critically designing the next steps for the continuation of its future.

The Bonobos: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation provides a succinct yet comprehensive review of the current state of research and conservation efforts regarding the bonobos. The bonobos are one of the least known of the great apes although they are one of our closest living relatives, sharing 98.8% of DNA sequences. This text summarizes and analyses scientific research on the bonobos, as well as presents the most up-to-date findings from the field and captive studies. Further, the text presents compelling findings and solid population assessments for estimating wild population density and distribution.

The first section of the book presents research progress in the study of behavior of captive bonobos. These behavioral studies make important strides in our understanding of bonobo social relationships, agonistic dominance, social play, and signaling. The outcomes concerning high social status of females and flexible and complicated social communication may shed light on the study of evolution of both bonobos and humans.

The second section deals with ecological studies that have been carried out since the post- conflict resumption of field research in Democratic Republic of Congo. Methodologies that have been improved over recent years in the study of the other great apes have now been applied to the study of bonobos, which enables comprehensive comparison for understanding hominids'’ adaptation to the African tropical forest. Furthermore, differing and newly -developed census methods have been employed to reveal the current status of bonobos in Africa’s largest forested protected area, the Salonga National Park.

The text's final section centers on the most urgent conservation priorities and reviews local and global aspects of the factors threatening the wild bonobo population. The role of humans in the future of bonobo conservation is examined. Further, the first ever large-scale and small-scale regionalsurveys are presented, as well as how the world’s only sanctuary for orphaned bonobos can respond to offer estimatesthe consequences of population density and distribution through reliable quantitative data. These studies provide compelling results and a solid population assessment.the live animal trade. Encouraging reports detail the presence and abundance of bonobos existing across their historic range. These contributions not only illuminate the current status of the bonobobonobos but allow for critically designing the next steps for the continuation of their future.

About the Editors:

Dr. Takeshi Furuichi is Professor in the Faculty of International Studies of Meiji-Gakuin University, Japan. He has carried out ecological and behavioral studies of bonobos, chimpanzees, and gorillas all across Africa for more than 20 years, in order to reveal the evolutionary process of hominids.

Dr. Jo Thompson is the Director of the Lukuru Wildlife Research Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She has maintained her field work for more than 16 years focused on bonobo ecology and conservation in alliance with the local people.