Activities

Our activities

Bonobo Alive has dedicated itself to the preservation of wild bonobos and their indigenous habitat. Central to this mission is the establishment of secure sanctuaries for these great apes. Recognizing that sustainable species conservation necessitates the active involvement of local communities residing within the bonobos' habitat, Bonobo Alive not only focuses on protecting wildlife and flora but also extends support to rural populations residing in forest villages.

Species and nature conservation

Species and nature conservation

Anti-poaching patrols

Bonobo Alive coordinates anti-poaching patrols in collaboration with employees of the Congolese Nature Conservation Agency (ICCN) and residents from neighboring villages. These joint patrols are tasked with identifying and dismantling poachers' camps, neutralizing traps, and confiscating weapons and equipment found in the forest. By fostering collaboration between park rangers and local villagers, these efforts effectively mitigate hunting pressure on wildlife populations. In order to effectively execute this vital mission, Bonobo Alive has progressively expanded its operational range. Currently, five villages actively participate in Bonobo Alive's conservation endeavors, covering approximately 1,400 km² of protected territory.

Biomonitoring

Assessing the effectiveness of Bonobo Alive's initiatives necessitates comprehensive data on the status of bonobos and other wildlife. To achieve this, systematic population surveys are conducted using camera traps over extended periods. These traps automatically capture moving objects, enabling standardized documentation of wild animals. A key advantage of this method is its ability to account for nocturnal and elusive species, thereby enhancing biodiversity documentation. Furthermore, this technology enables further insight into the utilization patterns of forest habitats. The objective of biomonitoring is to assess the influence of Bonobo Alive's patrols and conservation endeavors on the population dynamics of bonobos and other endangered species.

Health

Bonobos inhabiting the LuiKotale forest regularly interact with humans, placing them at heightened susceptibility to potential health threats. To mitigate the risk of transmitting human pathogens to these wild animals, a set of hygiene regulations is enforced. These regulations include measures such as wearing masks and maintaining a minimum distance during interactions. Additionally, daily data collection is conducted to monitor the health status of bonobos, including responses to injuries, frequency of coughing, and duration of nest occupancy. By analyzing this foundational data, any deviations from the normative state can be promptly identified. These deviations often serve as initial indicators of illness, guiding targeted investigations into the type and source of pathogens.

Education programs

Educational programs

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    Foto Christian Ziegler

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    Foto Christian Ziegler

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    Foto Gottfried Hohmann

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    Foto Victor Amman 

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    Foto Victor Amman 

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School

The effectiveness of conservation endeavors relies significantly on the endorsement of local village populations. To garner their support for the protection of bonobos and other endangered species, it is essential to engage in collaborative problem-solving with the communities. Bonobo Alive places paramount emphasis on educational initiatives as a primary intervention strategy. The project allocates resources to cover teachers' salaries, facilitates the provision of educational materials, and designs programs focusing on nature conservation and environmental issues. Furthermore, Bonobo Alive assists in renovating school infrastructure by supplying building materials and furnishing them with basic furniture amenities.

Training funding

For many students, their education concludes upon finishing primary school, as attending secondary schools entails substantial costs. Bonobo Alive aids families of motivated students by covering tuition, board, and lodging fees.

Research and teaching

In order to preserve biodiversity, the sustainable protection of the natural flora and fauna of the central Congo Basin holds exceptional significance. Equally crucial is understanding the beneficial traits of animals and plants within this ecosystem. With backing from Bonobo Alive, Dr. Musuyu Muganza, from the Institut National de Recherche Biomedicale, explores the medicinal properties of plants consumed by humans and bonobos. Simultaneously, he educates students at the University of Kinshasa, serving as a vital amplifier for Bonobo Alive's mission.

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