Bonobos are said to differ from chimpanzees behaviorally, but while chimpanzee society is competitive and male-dominated, bonobos live harmoniously in matriarchal groups of up to 100 members. Females hold the highest rank in a group, and the sons of ranking females become leaders among the males. Although males are physically larger and stronger, females gain power through strong bonds and alliances, thereby forming a stable “sisterhood.”

Bonobos are famous for their frequent use of copulation to smooth over disagreements and calm anxious family members. Sexual behavior is predominant in bonobo life. They engage in sexual behavior for a variety of reasons: to form bonds, to neutralize tense situations, to express excitement, to greet one another, to encourage sharing and compassion, and of course, to produce young ones. Despite their frequent sexual activity, bonobos have about the same reproductive rate as chimpanzees, giving birth about every five years. Females usually have their first offspring when they are around 14 years old, after a gestation period of about eight months.

The bonobo’s diet is largely vegetarian. Foraging in small groups, bonobos feast primarily on fruit, but they also eat leaves, flowers, bark, stems, roots, insect larvae, worms, crustaceans, honey, eggs, and soil. Occasionally they hunt small mammals like flying squirrels or duikers (small antelopes). At night, bonobos gather with their groups to nest, communicating with each other with high-pitched barking sounds.

Bonobos are at present endangered species, as reported by the wildlife agency of their local habitat, they are frequently hunted, and baby bonobos are hunted to be kept as pets, therefore, capturing a baby bonobo can lead to the death of as many as six adult bonobos, as reported by national geographic.com - bonobos are on the verge of extinction already.

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