Bonobos, also known as pygmy chimpanzees (Pan paniscus), were once viewed as a peaceful and agreeable monkey species. They settled disputes through kissing, caressing, and sex with the pack being led by females. In contrast, chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) were perceived as more aggressive and competitive, with males competing for leadership and engaging in violent behavior. However, recent research has challenged these ideas, suggesting that bonobos also exhibit aggression and competition within their communities.
Primate researcher Maud Mouginot has spent extensive time studying both bonobos and chimpanzees in their natural habitats, uncovering new insights into their behavior. Through her observations, Mouginot discovered 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. Additionally, bonobos have a unique social structure where females play a significant role in leadership and mating, which may contribute to lower levels of aggression overall.
Mouginot hopes that her research will help better understand the behavior of these closely related monkey species and how they have evolved to survive in different environments. Studying bonobos and chimpanzees can provide valuable insights into primate behavior that could 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.
In conclusion, while bonobos were once seen as peaceful monkey species settling disputes through kissing and caressing; recent research has shown that they also exhibit aggression and competition within their communities just like chimpanzees do. By studying these closely related primate species we can gain valuable insights into primate behavior that could potentially help conserve them from extinction while understanding how they have evolved to survive in different environments.