Description:
The chimpanzee is a highly intelligent and social great ape native to the tropical forests and savannahs of central and West Africa. Chimpanzees are known for their complex social structures and behaviours, and are recognisable by their robust bodies, long arms, and expressive faces. There are four subspecies: western, Nigeria-Cameroon, central and eastern chimpanzee.
© Getty Images
Key facts
Population:
The population size varies extensively between subspecies and subpopulations across Africa.
Diet:
Habitat:
Chimpanzees are found in forests and savannah woodlands.
Range:
Chimpanzees have by far the widest geographic distribution of any great ape, with a range of over 2.6 million km².
© Stephane Origine
© Elena Morineaux
© Stephanie Origine
Threats
The four chimpanzee subspecies face similar threats, but to different extents. Agriculture, logging, mining and oil extraction are altering chimpanzees’ habitats, as well as bringing them into closer contact with humans, which can lead to disease outbreaks. Some Chimpanzees are also targeted for bushmeat and their infants become pets, with some being trafficked.
Conservation
Chimpanzees are protected by national and international laws throughout their range, but enforcement is needed to sustain their laws. Tusk is supporting efforts to return confiscated, illegally caught chimps to the wild, as well as anti-poaching measures.
Learn more about the projects
The four chimpanzee subspecies face similar threats, but to different extents. Agriculture, logging, mining and oil extraction are altering chimpanzees’ habitats, as well as bringing them into closer contact with humans, which can lead to disease outbreaks. Some Chimpanzees are also targeted for bushmeat and their infants become pets, with some being trafficked.
Conservation
Chimpanzees are protected by national and international laws throughout their range, but enforcement is needed to sustain their laws. Tusk is supporting efforts to return confiscated, illegally caught chimps to the wild, as well as anti-poaching measures.