In the 1990s, bonobos, also known as pygmy chimpanzees (Pan paniscus), were seen as a peaceful and agreeable monkey species. They were known to settle disputes through kissing, caressing, and sex, with the pack being led by females. However, recent research has challenged these ideas, suggesting that bonobos also exhibit aggression and competition within their communities.
Bonobos have been studied extensively by primate researcher Maud Mouginot in their natural habitats. Through her observations, she uncovered new insights into their behavior. Mouginot observed that male bonobos display aggression towards each other, although it is more common for males to target other males rather than females. This is in contrast to chimpanzees who often form gangs and engage in violent behavior to protect their territory.
Females play a significant role in leadership and mating in bonobo societies, which may contribute to lower levels of aggression overall. Bonobos also have a unique social structure where they exhibit more cooperation than competition within their communities. These traits are what make bonobos different from chimpanzees who are viewed as more aggressive and competitive with males competing for leadership roles and engaging in violent behavior.
Mouginot hopes that her research will help us better understand the behavior of these closely related monkey species and how they have evolved to survive in different environments. By studying bonobos and chimpanzees researchers can gain valuable insights into primate behavior and potentially help conserve these species from extinction.
While there are still clear differences between the two species such as the absence of killing in bonobos compared to chimpanzees, there is much to learn from studying their behavior in the wild.