Among all great ape species, the bonobo is still the least
studied in both captivity and the wild. Nevertheless we have
observed a considerable increase in knowledge across various fields
of bonobo research in recent years. In part due to the ongoing
peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, research and
conservation activities on the bonobo have resumed and multiplied
since 2001.
Part One of The Bonobos: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation
focuses on scientific research. Behavioral studies in captivity
propose to answer why bonobos have some unique characteristics such
as high social status of females and flexible social relationships.
The outcomes present important aspects to be investigated in
running field studies. In the wild, analysis of population genetics
across the bonobo's distribution range illuminates the species'
evolutionary path and contributes to a global management plan. Site
specific analysis reveals how genetics are used to re-identify
individuals after an extended interruption of long-term research.
Ecological studies at three independent sites, two in Salonga
National Park, as well as one in the Luo Scientific Reserve,
provide valuable information for the comprehension of ecological
adaptation of bonobos. With the application of recent methods of
mammalian feeding ecology as well as comparative approaches in
other great ape species, these studies allow us to draw conclusions
on ape ecological adaptation and evolution.
Part Two of The Bonobos: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation
focuses on conservation. In overview, local and global aspects of
the factors threatening the wild bonobo population are reviewed.
Here the outcomes of large-scale efforts within the functioning
ecosystem conservation paradigm focus on three landscapes within
the range of the bonobo: the Salonga-Lukenie-Sankuru Landscape, the
Maringa-Lopori-Wamba Landscape, and the Lac Tele-Lac Tumba Swamp
Forest Landscape, are presented. Papers in this part include the
different aspects of various stakeholders and discuss the unique
threats and actions taken to ensure bonobo survival. Pioneering the
way, details from the first comprehensive assessment of bonobos in
the Salonga National Park reveal a baseline from which to monitor
future trends. Concerned about the indigenous' peoples aspects of
conservation, an ethnographic study documents cultural, social, and
economic practices for the purpose of reviving the local
traditional knowledge to exemplify possible applications at the
national level. To be inclusive of all aspects of range country
concerns, the contributions of Kinshasa's bonobo sanctuary to
national conservation efforts are presented. The outcome of these
contributions taken together not only illuminate the current status
of the bonobo but allow for critically designing the next steps for
the continuation of its future.
The editors are Jo Myers Thompson and Takeshi Furuichi. Dr.
Thompson currently works with the Lukuru Wildlife Research
Foundation and is involved in the Lukuru Project in the Democratic
Republic of Congo. Dr. Furuichi is part of the Faculty of
International Studies at Meiji-Gakuin University in Yokohama,
Japan.
"
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!