Chimpanzee Facts: Size, Lifespan, Diet, Habitat and Photos.
Are you curious about the sound achimpanzee makes? Wondering to which family of primates chimpanzees belong? A Chimpanzee (chimp) is a primate species belonging to the hominidae family also known as the great apes. It is a native to the tropical rainforests of Africa.
Quick facts about Chimpanzees;
Chimpanzees were first scientifically described in the 18th century and have been extensively studied since the 20th century by different primatologists such as Jane Goodall, who first studied them in one of their natural habitats in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National park in the 1960s.
Chimpanzees are human’s closest relatives in the animal kingdom, sharing approximately 98% of human DNA. This is witnessed by their ability to use tools, problem-solving abilities and behaviors.
They are classified into two subspecies and that’s the common chimpanzees which are scientifically called Pan troglodytes and the bonobos also known as Pan paniscus.
The common chimpanzees are further divided into four recognized subspecies which include the central chimpanzees which are the widest spread chimp species and are found in the central African countries namely Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo.
The western chimpanzees found in west Africa occupying countries such as Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. These are critically endangered species with drastic reduction in numbers caused to poaching and habitat loss to human settlement and cultivation.
The Eastern chimpanzees occupying habitats of East Africa and are found in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of Congo. These have been extensively studied and are known for their tool use particularly in nut cracking and termite fishing.
The Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees which are the smallest in numbers and less studied compared to other chimp species.
There is also the Bonobos chimp species which are found in the democratic republic of Congo, south of the Congo river. These are known to be peaceful compared to the aggressive common chimps.
Physical Characteristic of a Chimpanzee;
Chimpanzees have a variety of distinctive physical characteristics that differentiates them from other primate species like the monkeys and gorillas.
Chimpanzees have black or dark brown fur covering most of its body parts apart from their faces, fingers, toes, palms and the soles of their feet. Newly born chimp have pink faces which become brown with aging.
Chimps have hairless faces with a pronounced brow bridge, flat nose, prominent mouth, expressive eyes and larger ears.
They have a medium strong body featured with long arms that are adapted for swinging from tree branches. Their arms are typically much longer than the legs which is a common characteristic found among different primate species.
Although their legs are shorter than the arms, they are generally stronger enabling them to walk with them although for a shorter distance. Their toes are feet and strong as well to help them grip branches. The long arms as well help them to knuckle walk, climb and swing through trees efficiently.
Chimpanzee Size;
Adult male chimpanzees are generally larger than females weighing about 40 to 60 kilograms (88 to 132 pounds) and the females about 32 to 45 kilograms (70 to 100 pounds). Chimps stand about 1 to 1.3 meters tall when upright.
Social Behaviors of Chimpanzees;
Chimpanzees live in groups which are also called troops or communities which are usually ranging from a few individuals to over 100 members.
These troops are characterized with complex social structures with members forming smaller temporary subgroups that they change frequently throughout the day depending on various factors like mating, food availability and socializing with other members from different troops.
Chimpanzee groups are typically head by a dominant male also known as the alpha male, holding the highest rank and is responsible over that specific group activities is leading. He gets the position through making alliance with different members of the group, physical strength and intelligence.
Chimpanzee Sounds;
They use a variety of vocalizations to communicate inclusive of screams, hoots, grunt and barks. These sounds convey different messages such as warnings, excitement, aggression, among others.
They also use a variety of gestures which include embraces, hand claps, pointing, among others to express emotions and intentions.
Chimpanzees groom to strengthen their social bonds, reduce tensions and maintain peace among themselves. They love playing most especially the infants. It helps them develop motor skills and social connections.
Food sharing is common most especially among the mothers and the infants and between friends. This helps them to build and strengthen their social bonds.
Conflicts with in a troop may arise as result of fighting for resources, mating opportunities and social dominance. These are witnessed by different aggressive vocalizations and physical confrontations.
Chimps are known for engaging in aggressive encounters with their neighboring troops. These are often violent may result to serious harm and death. These are often driven by competition for resources and territorial ownerships.
Mothers are typically the major caregivers for their offspring, providing them with breast milk and other nourishing foods, protection and socialization skills. Infants keep a close distance with their mothers up to when they are well matured.
Other group members most especially the older closer relatives also assist in caring for the young ones.
Chimpanzees are good at using tools compared to other primate species. They are seen using sticks to extract termites from their mounds, stones to crack open nuts, leaves to fetch water, among others.
Diet of Chimpanzees;
Chimpanzees are typically omnivorous, consuming a variety of plants and animals, mainly specific insects for nutrition. So, What do chimps eat?
Fruits is the primary component of their diet and prefer ripe juicy sweet fruits like mangoes, different berries, bananas, among others. They consume young, tender nutritious leaves from a variety of plant species, they eat seeds and nuts which offer them a rich source of fats and proteins.
Chimps on occasions forage on flowers which are rich in nectar. During dry seasons, when food is scarce, chimps resort to eating tree barks and pith which less nutritious but only helping them to survive as they wait for better days.
Chimpanzees consume a variety of insects depending on their seasons and the most loved include the termites, ants, bee larva. They use various tools such as sticks to extract them from their nests.
They also love eating honey and they extract it from the beehives using sticks. Although on occasions, chimpanzees also hunt and eat small mammals such as birds, small antelopes, among others.
Chimpanzee diet varies seasonally, majorly depending on the availability of different foods. For example, during the wet seasons when fruits are seen everywhere in their natural habitats, they will consume much of them compared to other foods.
And during the dry seasons, they will rely more on the leaves, tree barks and other food sources which are less preferred.
Chimpanzee Breeding;
Chimpanzees reach sex maturity at around 8 to 10 years of age and females tend to mature slightly earlier than males. The ovulation period in females lasts about 36 days and this is witnessed by the swelling of the the anogenital area, which swells and becomes dark pink.
This sends a signal to the males that they are ready for mating. Females tend to be selective about their mating partners and most times prefer mating with the dominant males.
When females are very horny, they mate multiple times with different males in one day and prefer mating with the low ranking males to avoid inbreeding.
The gestation period of a chimp lasts for about 8 months and usually give birth to one infant. They reproduce after a period of about 3 to 5 years which allows them to give enough time of care for their current offspring before conceiving another.
The infants are highly dependent on their mothers for the first 3 to 5 years. This way, they learn the essential surviving skills, socializing and feeding in the jungles. Females chimpanzees continue to reproduce up to when they are about 40 years of age. Males reproductively extends throughout their adult life although they become less greedy about the mates compared the young ones.
Relationship of Chimpanzees with Humans;
Chimpanzees share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans which makes them our closest relatives. This genetic closeness is proven by their intelligence which enables them to use different tools and exhibit different complex social behaviors.
The close genetics with humans has made chimps to be used in different medical researches to study different human diseases and test treatments.
Chimps population is threatened by human encroachments, deforestation, poaching, cultivation, among others.
Wildlife organizations in different countries have opened up sanctuaries for rescued chimpanzees to provide them care and rehabilitation for individuals which are orphaned because of poaching and habitat losses.
The close genetics also makes them vulnerable to human diseases and vice versa such as the respiratory infections. However, the Conservationists have emphasized the importance of minimizing contact to reduce the potential risks.
Chimpanzee Distribution and Habitat;
In Uganda, chimpanzees are best seen at Kibale National Park located in western regions which is a home to over 1,500 individual chimps.
They are also tracked in Budongo Forest Reserve close to Murchison Falls National Park and at Queen Elizabeth National Park at Kyambura George.
In Rwanda, chimps re tracked at Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of Africa’s oldest natural tropical forest.
In Tanzania, chimpanzees are tracked at Gombe Stream National Park and at Mahale Mountains National Park. You may also like; Chimpanzee Tracking Parks?
Habitat Preferences for Chimpanzees;
Chimpanzees are highly adaptable primate species which enables them to thrive in various habitats but the most preferred include the tropical rainforests which are characterized with dense, evergreen forests which are a source for a variety of fruits which is a major part of their diet.
They also like inhabiting montane forests because of their cooler temperatures as they are found in mountainous regions. They also offer them a variety of food resources and keep them away from human disturbances.
Chimps as well inhabit savannahs and woodlands which are characterized with mixed habitats which include open grasslands, shrubs and trees.
However, these areas some with a low food availability and chimps living here have to adapt to a more varied diet and sometimes travel longer distances to different forests in search of nutritious foods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chimpanzees;
Does a chimpanzee eat meat?
Yes, chimpanzees are omnivorous and have a varied diet that includes both plants and animals. While fruits, leaves, and nuts make up the majority of their diet, chimpanzees also hunt and consume small mammals, insects, and birds.
They are known to use tools like sticks to extract insects from their nests.
Is a chimpanzee a monkey or an ape?
Chimpanzees are not monkeys; they belong to the ape family, specifically the hominidae family, also known as the great apes. They share this family with gorillas, orangutans, and humans.
Unlike monkeys, chimpanzees do not have tails and possess more complex brain functions, which are evident in their behaviors and abilities.
Why are chimpanzees endangered?
Chimpanzees are endangered primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Deforestation for agriculture and human settlement has significantly reduced their natural habitats.
Poaching for bushmeat and illegal pet trade also threatens their populations. Additionally, diseases, some of which can be transmitted from humans, further endanger their survival.
Is a strongman stronger than a chimp?
Chimpanzees are incredibly strong for their size, with some estimates suggesting they can be up to five times stronger than an average human.
Their muscular strength, particularly in their arms, allows them to swing through trees and perform tasks that would be difficult for even the strongest humans.
How intelligent are chimps?
Chimpanzees are highly intelligent and share approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. This close genetic relationship is reflected in their complex behaviors, such as tool use, problem-solving, and social interactions.
They can learn sign language, recognize themselves in mirrors, and exhibit behaviors that indicate a high level of cognitive function, making them one of the most intelligent non-human species.
Best Chimpanzee Trekking Safaris;
This 3 Day Kibale Primate Safari will give you an exposure to the various primates in Kibale forest national park a home to over 1450 chimpanzees cosseted within the park and around 13 different species of primates that u may encounter as you carry out
4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Chimpanzee Tour is short Rwanda safari taking you to Volcanoes for mountain gorilla trekking & Nyungwe forest for chimpanzees and canopy walk. This Africa wildlife safari to the “Land of a Thousand Hills” also
Our 5 Days Uganda Safari is a primates watching Africa holiday that involves Gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Chimpanzee trek in Kibale. The safari also takes you through Queen Elizabeth national park where you are legible of viewing tree-climbing lions…