Flu epidemic killing bonobos in Congo sanctuary
Jeremy Hancemongabay.com
March 29, 2009
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“There is no fever. Antibiotics don’t do anything. The bonobos have severe respiratory infections and then they can’t breath for 3 days then they die,” writes a staff member on the sanctuary's blog through the conservation organization WildlifeDirect. The staff of Lola Ya Bonobo have sent out a plea for help and donations, as the flu continues to sweep through their center.
 Infant bonodo Kindu died of the flu. Photo courtesy of WildlifeDirect and Lola Ya Bonobo. |
Bonobos are smaller than Common chimpanzees. They also sport pink lips and a black face. Behaviorally, bonobos are quite different from common chimpanzees. Whereas common chimpanzees live in patriarchal groups, bonobo groups are dominated by females. They are less violent than chimpanzees and do not engage in warfare like common chimpanzees. In addition, bonobos are famous for their sexual openness, including using sexual activity as a greeting and a way of mitigating conflict.
Bonobos are listed as endangered by IUCN's Red List. Only found in the DRC estimates of their population vary widely, from 5,000 to 50,000 individuals. Bonobos are threatened by habitat loss, deforestation, the pet trade, the bushmeat market, and even for use in witchcraft.
For WildlifeDirect Conservation Organization: http://wildlifedirect.org/
Lola Ya Bonobo blog: http://lolayabonobo.wildlifedirect.org/
For Lola Ya Bonobo sanctuary website: http://www.friendsofbonobos.org
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