Common chimpanzees, pan troglodytes, are a part of the ‘great ape’ family along with gorillas and orangutans. They stand 3.2 to 4.2 feet (1 to 1.3 meters) tall and weigh from 57 to 154 pounds (26 to 70 kilograms), with males being heavier than females. Common chimpanzees are known for their considerable arm length, but they have short legs by comparison. They are a fascinating primate in that they share around 97 percent of their genetic material with that of humans. Common chimpanzees are known to be social and intelligent as well.
Common chimpanzees can be found throughout the central part of Africa. They will inhabit rainforests, mountainous regions, and even the savannah. They spend most of their travel time on the ground, but can also move through the trees with minimal effort. Common chimpanzees build nests almost every night out of twigs, sticks and leaves where they go to rest and seek protection from the elements. Being such social creatures, they live together in groups that contain as few as 15 members, or as high as 150. When traveling or foraging however, they will split up into smaller groups that are more manageable. Male common chimpanzees have dominance over all the females within the group, but males have a hierarchy based upon strict linearity, allowing most conflicts to be settled without violence. They use complex communications in the form of postures, calling, and expressions. Grooming is also a vital part in maintaining bonds between individuals.
The diet of common chimpanzees consists mainly of fruit, but they will also eat leaves, seeds, flowers and insects when food is scarce. They may also capture and kill other monkeys for meat, and will even eat other chimpanzees. If meat has been captured, then the dominant troop members will eat first and everyone else waits for their turn. Common chimpanzees use a variety of tools in their pursuit of food, including nutcrackers, fly wisps, and rods used to probe for ants and termites to name a few.
Breeding for common chimpanzees can take place throughout the year. After a 205 day gestation period, females will give birth to 1 baby. The young ones will begin being weaned after about 4 years before learning the feeding techniques necessary for continued growth and development. The young will remain close to their mothers until they are around 7 years old, depending on them for protection, education, and even psychological support. Mothers will cradle their young as humans do, and carry them on their backs once they are old enough. If the little ones can survive long enough, then they can live to be up to 40 years old.
Common chimpanzees are an endangered species. Habitat loss, hunting, and human disease all play a part in their decline. They are protected by law throughout most of their range, but these laws are poorly enforced. Hopefully, something can be done to help common chimpanzees overcome their losses and begin to repopulate. After all, such a unique and fascinating creature deserves to live and prosper far into the future.
Works Cited
“Chimpanzee (Pan Troglodytes)” 6 March 2011
“Common Chimpanzee Facts and Information” 6 March 2011
