In the 1990s, the peaceful and agreeable nature of bonobos or pygmy chimpanzees (Pan paniscus) was widely discussed. Bonobos were known to settle disputes through kissing, caressing, and sex, with female-led packs. However, new research by Maud Mouginot began to question this perception.
Mouginot observed bonobos in their natural habitat in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and found that male bonobos exhibited aggression, although it was often directed towards other males rather than females. This discovery sparked a debate within the scientific community about the nature of aggression in bonobos compared to chimpanzees.
Some researchers argued that disputes over mating rights should not be considered aggression, while others pointed out that bonobos had not been observed killing their own species like chimpanzees. Nevertheless, Mouginot’s research set new standards for comparing bonobos and chimpanzees, highlighting the differences between the two monkey species.
The study emphasized the importance of understanding the behavior of these primates in order to protect them from extinction and shed light on their evolutionary development. While bonobos were once thought to be the epitome of peace-loving primates, new research suggested that they also exhibited aggressive behaviors. This nuanced understanding of bonobo behavior challenged previous assumptions and highlighted the complexity of primate social dynamics.
