What it is
The bonobo (Pan paniscus) is a great ape with a black face, long fine black hair and long legs, slimmer in build than the common chimpanzee. Together with the chimpanzee it is the closest living relative of humans. The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists it as Endangered.
Range
Lowland rainforests south of the Congo River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and nowhere else.
What happened
Bonobos live in large groups in which females hold much of the power, and they often ease tension with friendly contact. Researchers have seen them eat certain leaves that help them against gut parasites.
When / status
Endangered now and still declining.
Human role
Hunting for bushmeat, forest clearing and war in its range threaten it.