The chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) is a great ape native to the forests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, and our closest living relative, sharing approximately 98.7% of our DNA. Four subspecies are recognized, each occupying a distinct geographic range across western, central, and eastern Africa, from lowland rainforests to montane woodland edges. Chimpanzees live in fission-fusion communities that can number up to 150 individuals, and they play a measurable role in forest regeneration by dispersing the seeds of dozens of plant species across large territories.
The IUCN Red List classifies the chimpanzee as Endangered, with populations in decline across most of their range. Habitat loss driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and human settlement is the primary pressure, compounded by hunting for bushmeat, the illegal pet trade, and disease transmission from humans, including respiratory illnesses and Ebola virus disease. Populations are now fragmented across roughly 21 countries, with the largest remaining concentrations found in the Congo Basin.
No projects have listed this species yet. If you run a project that protects the Chimpanzee, you can add it to Wildlife Connect.
