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Salonga National Park
The Salonga National Park, Africa's largest nature reserve, has held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1984. Encompassing an area of 36,000 km², the park serves as a vital sanctuary for the diverse flora and fauna of the Congo Basin. Situated in the less-developed heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Salonga enjoys relative protection from agricultural and forestry activities. Given its immense size, the park plays a pivotal role in safeguarding bonobos and other endangered species. Currently, wildlife hunting and the bushmeat trade stand as the most significant threats.
Bonobos
Bonobos, members of the great ape family, are our closest relatives. Their development from newborn to adulthood is slow. Females typically give birth to their first offspring between the ages of 12 to 13, and the commitment to childcare is significant, with many years passing before another pregnancy occurs. Sons remain within their natal group, maintaining close bonds with their mothers throughout their lives. In contrast, daughters leave their natal group at puberty, seek out new groups, and establish strong relationships with other females. The lifespan of bonobos in their natural habitat remains unknown, though individuals in zoological settings can live up to 70 years. Their diet primarily consists of plants such as fruits, shoots, leaves, and roots, supplemented by insects, honey, and occasionally the meat of monkeys, antelopes, and rodents. Interactions between members of different bonobo groups can range from friendly and relaxed to occasionally violent encounters. The wild population size of bonobos is uncertain, with the greatest threats to their survival being habitat destruction, human hunting, and infectious diseases.
What else you can see in Luikotale
LuiKotale's bonobos inhabit a largely pristine habitat, sharing their home with a diverse array of wildlife. They coexist with 11 other primate species; forest elephants, hippos, bongos, sitatungas, at least five different forest antelopes (duikers), leopards, golden cats, honey badgers, a variety of civet cats, rodents, and shrews. The birdlife is abundant, featuring hornbills (six species or more), Congo peacocks, and turacos. Each small river in the jungle is teeming with its own fish species, while the insect population numbers in the hundreds of thousands. Despite the natural shyness of many animals towards humans, our camera traps provide us with glimpses of their lives.
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