Chimpanzee Conservation

• 15 Jan 2025

Source: TH 

NGO Papaye International in Cameroon has been in the news, which operates a sanctuary for orphaned chimpanzees in the Douala-Edea National Park. 

• About Chimpanzee: Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes ssp.) are one of our nearest living relatives, sharing a common ancestor with humans that lived approximately 7-8 million years ago. 
  • Subspecies: Four recognized subspecies: Central chimpanzee, Western chimpanzee, Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee, and Eastern chimpanzee. 
• IUCN Status: Chimpanzees listed as endangered, with Western chimpanzees classified as Critically Endangered. 
• Cultural Diversity: Chimpanzees exhibit culturally learned behaviors, including tool use, vocal dialects, and feeding techniques, varying by subspecies. 
  • They live in highly structured social groups, often consisting of 20 to 150 members, showcasing complex communication and behaviors. 
  • Examples of tool use by Chimpanzees include termite fishing, harvest honey and nut cracking, with variations in tools and techniques across populations. 
• Feeding Habits: Chimpanzees have diverse diets, such as mangrove leaves and cave use, particularly in dry environments. 

 

• Habitat destruction and hunting threaten genetic and cultural diversity, making conservation efforts crucial. 

• About Cameroon: 
  • It is located in Central Africa, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.  
    • It features diverse geography, including coastal plains, mountains, and rainforests. 

Read more: Mining Threatens African Great Apes