Chimpanzee

Pan troglodytes

A chimpanzee sits on top of a branch and looks towards the camera. IUCN Red List endangerment category: Endangered
  • Family
    Great apes (Hominidae)
  • Weight
    ♀ 25 – 50 kg, ♂ 35 – 70 kg
  • Habitat
    Tropical rainforests

Temperamental nature

Chimpanzees are volatile by nature. If a quarrel arises in the group, it can quickly lead to physical confrontation that results in injuries. Intruders ,in particular, are not welcome. If an individual of another community is discovered by the border patrol it will be attacked immediately – often with a deadly outcome.

The picture shows a chimpanzee climbing. He is holding onto a large branch with one arm and swinging towards the camera.

Technical skills

Chimpanzees are known for their intelligence as evidenced by their ability to make and use simple tools. Their tool usage includes employing a stick to “fi sh” termites out of their mound and the use of pre-chewed leaves as sponges to soak up drinking water. They also use large stones like an anvil (hard surface), on which they crack nuts with a small stone – their hammer. Juvenile chimpanzees are taught the required tool skills by the adults.

Chimpanzees are born covered in black or brown hair with a pale bare face and ears, which only darken as they get older.

Distribution

Distribution