Threatened species of Pan

The principal threats to chimpanzees are caused by humans who are increasingly destroying the forest habitat. Historically, capture for medical research had decimated some populations of chimpanzees. Targeting adult females in order to capture their infants has devastated some groups, this is now relatively rare. Chimpanzees are hunted for 'bush meat'.

Bonobos and chimps are our closest cousins among the apes. The uncommon social structure, sexual behaviour and intellectual capacity of bonobos give us a unique glimpse of the roots of human nature. Chimpanzees and bonobos belong to the Pongidae family, and are found only in Africa.

The USA has banned the importation of chimpanzees for biomedical research purposes and it is to be hoped that other countries will soon follow.