In the 1990s, bonobos or pygmy chimpanzees (Pan paniscus) were commonly referred to as a peaceful and agreeable species of monkeys. However, recent research has challenged this perception. Primate researcher and anthropologist Maud Mouginot observed bonobos in their natural habitats in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and found that male bonobos exhibited aggressive behavior, although it was directed mainly towards other males. While male bonobos showed aggression, they also displayed high levels of mating behavior, with males who directed the most aggression also mating the most.
Male bonobos also showed a pattern of aggressive behavior towards other males but not females. The study emphasized the differences in behavior between bonobos and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), who have been known to kill members of their own species due to their aggressive nature. Some researchers disagreed with Mouginot’s characterization of bonobo behavior as aggression, suggesting that disputes over mating rights should not be conflated with aggression. However, the study set new standards for comparing bonobos and chimpanzees, highlighting the differences between the two species.
Overall, this research sheds light on the complex social dynamics of bonobos and challenges the perception of them as peaceful and agreeable monkeys. By studying these primates in their natural habitats, researchers can gain valuable insights into their behavior and evolution, helping to inform conservation efforts and protect these species from extinction.