The survival of our nearest relative Bonobos and Chimpanzees is at stake. For example, Bonobos are confined to a 200,000 km2 area in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a estimated total population of between 20,000 and 50,000. Chimpanzees, have a larger geographic range and their numbers are estimated to be between 150.000 and 250.000.

During a field assessment conducted between August and October 2008 in Congo and DRC, ESI scientists looked at some ways to improve the fate of great Apes. It became obvious that a lot funds where spent in centers that care for confiscated bonobos and chimpanzees, however, much more less effort was directed to protecting essential habitat, reducing significantly illegal hunting, and working closely with local communities to provide long-term alternatives to illegal hunting. Further, various local communities in Congo have also expressed their miss-content with projects to rescue few chimpanzees whereas funds should benefit locals who could become the solutions to habitat degradation and illegal bushmeat hunting.

Funds allocated to Bonobos and Chimpanzees have been mostly used for their care at sanctuaries and sometimes for the reintroduction of few individuals into the wild, which represent less than couple hundred individuals. "When you see how much money is spent to care for few hundred animals in sanctuaries and how much money we spend to save wild populations composed of thousands of individuals, it is clear that we have lost a lot of ground in saving the chimps in the wild" said one of the ESI biologist.

For further information please contact us at info@endangeredspeicesinternational.org or visit us at www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org

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Extinction threat growing for mankind's closest relatives