Chimpanzees

There are two species of chimpanzees: the common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) and the bonobo or pygmy chimpanzee (Pan paniscus). The common chimpanzee occurs in forested West and Central Africa, from Senegal to Tanzania. Their habitat includes rain forest and deciduous woodland, from sea level to above 6,000 ft (1,830 m). Common chimpanzees are rarely found in open habitat, except temporarily when there is ready access to fruit-bearing trees. The pygmy chimpanzee is found in Central Africa, and is confined to Zaire between the Kasai and Zaire rivers. Its habitat is restricted to closed-canopy tropical rainforest below 5,000 ft (1,525 m).

Chimpanzees live within the borders of some 15 African countries. Both species are endangered by habitat destruction, a low rate of reproduction, and by hunting by humans as meat and for the live-animal trade.