Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), are a captivating species that intrigues scientists and society. These great apes are predominantly found in central and West Africa and are our closest living relatives, sharing 98.7% of our genetic blueprint. It is believed that humans and chimpanzees shared a common ancestor who lived some seven to 13 million years ago. Due to this close relationship, Chimpanzees exhibit incredible similarities to humans, including advanced cognitive abilities, intricate social structures, and diverse behaviours.

Physical Characteristics:

Chimpanzees can grow to be 1 to 1.6 metres (3 to 5.5 feet) tall and weigh between 30 and 60 kg (70 to 130 pounds). They have coarse black hair that covers their bodies, but their faces, palms, and soles are bare. What’s fascinating is that chimpanzees have opposable thumbs and toes, which allows them to handle objects with impressive dexterity.

Chimpanzees are also agile climbers thanks to their long arms, shorter legs, and arboreal adaptation, which enables them to swing from branch to branch easily. Though they primarily move on all fours, chimpanzees can also stand and walk upright. Their long arms, hands, and fingers are perfectly adapted for climbing and swinging from branch to branch.

Social Organisation:

Chimpanzees are social animals typically residing in groups of up to 150 individuals. A dominant alpha male holds authority through power and aggression within these groups. Research has shown that male and female chimps have individual personalities, with females being more trusting and timid. Grooming is essential to their social life, helping chimpanzees bond as they remove ticks and dirt from one another’s bodies. Communication is vital for the well-being of chimpanzees. They employ a range of vocalisations, gestures, and facial expressions to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and convey emotions.

Intellectual Capabilities:

Chimpanzees are truly remarkable creatures, mainly due to their extraordinary intelligence. Research has shown that they can solve complex problems, engage in intricate social interactions, and use tools for various purposes. For instance, chimpanzees have been observed fashioning tools to extract termites, cracking nuts with stones, and modifying tools to suit their needs. Furthermore, they display an impressive level of self-awareness, as evidenced by their ability to recognise themselves in mirrors – a trait only found in a select few species.

Behaviours and Culture:

Chimpanzees exhibit an extensive range of unique behaviours in their communities and can be viewed as a form of cultural expression. These behaviours include tool use, hunting, grooming routines, and elaborate displays during territorial conflicts. Moreover, chimpanzees engage in playful activities, communicate their intentions through body language, and demonstrate empathy and consolation.

Habitat and Diet

Chimpanzees have the broadest range of any great ape. Though many populations live in tropical rainforests, they can also be found in woodlands and grasslands spanning central to western Africa. They usually sleep in trees—typically the sturdy Ugandan ironwood tree, which offers the firmest and most stable place to sleep. Chimps also do most of their eating in trees. They are omnivores, and though they generally prefer fruits and plants, they have a varied diet that includes insects, eggs, and nuts. They relish meat and have been known to kill and eat monkeys, small antelope, and even tortoises, slamming them against trees to break open their shells.

Threats to survival

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has declared the chimpanzee an endangered species. As people encroach upon the chimp’s natural habitat, forests are cleared for agriculture and resources like logging, mining, and oil extraction. The construction of new roads and highways also fragments the chimp’s habitat and threatens its survival.

In Western Uganda, there is a growing conflict between humans and chimpanzees because of habitat loss. Due to deforestation, these primates are struggling to find a suitable place to live. Additionally, their natural food sources have been depleted. Consequently, many chimps are now foraging in nearby human settlements, and sometimes, they steal fruit and other food. However, there have been instances where chimpanzees have attacked small children. This has led to humans taking revenge by killing the primates to safeguard their families.

Bushmeat hunters usually target chimpanzees because they can provide more meat than smaller animals. However, some hunters also capture baby chimpanzees to keep as pets or sell them illegally. Sadly, chimpanzees are susceptible to getting sick from infectious diseases. The Ebola virus has been a major threat to their population since the 1980s.

Conservation Status:

The chimpanzee population is in decline due to deforestation, loss of their natural habitat, and illegal trading. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered, indicating the urgent need to take conservation measures. Numerous organisations are actively working to protect their habitats, increase awareness, and combat wildlife trafficking. Governments, communities, and individuals must unite to safeguard these remarkable creatures and ensure their continued existence.