Chimpanzee Species Overview

Chimpanzee Species

There are only two Chimpanzee Species found in the world. The Common Chimpanzee is the one that most people are very familiar with. The other is the Bonobo and it is believed that these two split from each other approximately 1 million years ago. The diversification is due to their evolutionary needs and brain development.

Both of these animals are approximately the same size. The Common Chimpanzee is well known with the Bonobo being less understood in society. In fact, many people assume that there is just one species of Chimpanzee due to them being so similar to each other when it comes to the physical aspect of it.

However, there are some differences when it comes to their behaviors. The Common Chimpanzee is believed to be far more aggressive. It is common for them to develop strong bonds with each other but also for fighting to take place on a regular basis. The males are also the dominant over each other and the females in regards to the Common Chimpanzee.

For the Bonobo there are more females that hold dominant positions in the group. Yet they are held out of respect for them from the other members that due to fear or aggressive behaviors. The females have a more difficult life since they are the primary caregivers. With the Common Chimpanzee the males will play with the young and that does give the mother a break now and then.

With the Bonobo they are more apt to be able to enjoy each others company without a quest of being dominant over each other. Their groups are more chaotic though due to the loose confines of it. They also seem to be more dependent on their social interactions with each other than the Common Chimpanzee.

Both of these species are avid hunters and they will eat a variety of items including insects, small animals, fruit, leaves, and plants. However, the Common Chimpanzee is more likely to work with other members of its society as a team when it comes to hunting efforts. They are able to develop complex hunting rituals that increase the likelihood of them getting their prey.

The Common Chimpanzee lives in areas where there are Gorillas and they often have territory that overlaps. The Bonobo though is more isolated and they don’t share that similar area with the Gorilla. They are mainly found South of the Congo River.

Both the Common Chimpanzee and the Bonobo have a delicate balance of hierarchy that is followed. They are also very effective communicators on both a verbal and non verbal level. They are extremely intelligent animals and they have excellent memories. The fact that they use tools in their natural environment sets them apart from other animals and ranks them very high up there with human behaviors.

Mating differences have been identified as well. Sometimes for the Common Chimpanzee there will be lots of touching and the male may even hold the female afterwards. With the Bonobo it is noted that they mate facing each other which is a characteristic that only humans engage in.

Both species are exceptional when it comes to the attention and care they give their offspring. The mothers are devoted to protecting them in every way possible. Even after she has another young one a few years later she will continue to care for the older sibling.

Due to the diversification of the Chimpanzee there are many habitats in more than 20 countries around Africa where they are distributed. As a result of this different behaviors and feeding habits have been documented. Experts have identified several sub species of both the Common Chimpanzee and the Bonobo.