Conservation

Assessments carried out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2016 justify the assignment of Pan paniscus to the status of "Endangered." Previous assessments stretch as far back as 1986, with conservation status being upgraded from "vulnerable" to endangered in 1996. Thus, it becomes unambiguous, that the exacerbation of negative conservation trends occurred over a 10-year period, with the conservation status, as current, reflecting previous assessments conducted through the early 2000s.

The total bonobo population size is not accurately known, though some estimates range between 15,000-20,000 individuals globally (Fruth et al., 2016) and others up 50,000 (Sop et al. 2015). As pointed out by Fruth et al. (2016), this uncertainty can be attributed to a lack of surveys related to distribution range, as only 30% of the historical range of bonobos have been investigated thoroughly enough to derive accurate data. Currently, existing data indicates population declines occurring at a rate of nearly 6% annually between 2003 and 2015 (Fruth et al., 2016). This lack of data regarding accurate population and distribution reinforces a need for continued assessments and geographical surveys. Currently, population density is often assessed by quantitative analysis of nest distribution (Serckz et al., 2014), something that is correlated with the availability of fruits, as nesting locations are generally found in close proximity to nutritional resources (Fruth & Hogmann, 2010). Thus, monitoring nesting areas is an essential component of determining density, distribution, and, ultimately, total population size.

Justifications for the assignment of bonobos to the status of endangerment by the IUCN include excessive levels of illegal hunting, habitat destruction (Fruth et al., 2016). Though taboos against the hunting of bonobos once existed among the people of Wamba, regional biodiversity loss concerning deforestation and other factors have driven bushmeat seekers to expand hunting practices to include bonobos (Idani ey al., 2008). The IUCN estimates that bushmeat extractions from conservation zones exceeding 50,000 km2 (noting that bonobo habitats are within this range) can reach up to 9-MT daily (Fruth et al., 2016).

In addition, environmental disturbances brought about by war and deforestation have also been cited by the IUCN as contributing to the status of endangerment. Though industrial-scale mining and logging are not current threats, the IUCN predicts that future expansion of industrial agriculture will likely exacerbate the issue of bonobo population stability (Fruth et al., 2016). As of the completion of the 2016 IUCN assessment, slash and burn subsistence agriculture is known to play a major role in current deforestation threats, something that is most prevalent in areas of high human population density (Fruth et al., 2016). Thus, as local human population size continues to grow in overlapping geographic ranges between bonobo and humans, and as global human population continues its trend of exponential growth, the necessity of expanded agricultural operations will likely exacerbate the deforestation damage that has already impacted bonobo habitats.

Because of the geographical landscape, threats are often localized. As outlined by the IUCN Bonobo Conservation Strategy 2012-2022, direct threats include poaching, habitat loss, and disease, with poaching being the dominating threat in Salonga, Sankuru, and Maringa-Lopori-Wamba. Habitat loss comes in second at these locations, with disease playing a significant factor in multiple locations. Unsurprisingly, a shared indirect threat among these regions is a lack of law enforcement and the bushmeat trade. Thus, the most serious direct threat to bonobos, as addressed by the IUCN, is that of poaching, followed by habitat loss. Currently, disease is of a lesser concern, with a weak geographic scope and a minimal level of impact (Fruth et al., 2016). Taking into account the multifaceted landscape of the issue of bonobo conservation, it becomes apparent that successful efforts will likely have to implement multiple strategies. In response to this conservation issue, the IUCN Bonobo Conservation Strategy 2012-2022 highlights the importance of strengthening institutional capacity, consultation and collaboration with local actors, awareness building and lobbying, expanding research and monitoring programs, and funding.

Strengthening institutional capacity addresses the weakness of law-enforcement efforts and abilities. Thus, as outlined in the IUCN Bonobo Conservation Strategy 2012-2022, priority actions shall include strengthening law enforcement by providing training, equipment, provision, providing good working conditions, and auditing of enforcement implementation to ensure staff compliance concerning anti-poaching efforts. This strategy also intends to establish a system to ensure poachers, wildlife traffickers, and munitions suppliers are properly sanctioned. Consultation and collaboration with local actors address the people and authoritative representatives (governmental abs/or traditional) existing in close proximity to bonobos—this strategy is intended to encourage locals to support bonobo conservation through sustainable development initiatives. Public awareness and lobbying efforts, as outlined in the IUCN Bonobo Conservation Strategy 2012-2022, include establishing local partnerships to implement environmental programs, identifying target audiences, development of media materials, establishing partnerships on the governmental level, while monitoring trends in public opinion concerning bonobo conservation.