Chimpanzee

The chimpanzee, also known as the chimp, is a species of great ape native to the forests and savannas of tropical Africa. Chimpanzees have been known to be man’s closest cousins due to their close features as to those of humans. Chimpanzees live in groups ranging from 15 to 150 individuals, and these travel a lot as they look for food. During the day, they forage into smaller groups. The gestation period in chimpanzees is eight months, and after birth, young ones are seen to be close to their mothers till the time when they can move and feed on their own but still keep a close relationship with them.

Chimpanzees are described as highly territorial and so will kill other members. Chimps mate throughout the year, and females come into oestrus in the season when food is readily available. Copulation in chimpanzees lasts only seven seconds. Young ones spend a lot of time with their mothers as they are given warmth and protection as well as learning other important skills, say, how to look for food while in the wild. For example, in the first month, infants are unable to support themselves and will need the mothers care until they can start moving on their own.

Later, at six years old, infancy ends as juveniles remain close to their mothers but interact an increasing amount with other community members. Chimpanzees communicate through vocalisation, that is, using facial expressions, postures, and sounds to communicate. As listed on the IUCN red list, chimpanzees are endangered species, and their biggest threat is poaching, habitat loss, and disease.

Chimpanzees in Uganda are mainly found in Kibale Forest National Park, Kyambura Gorge in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Budongo Forest. Kibale national park is also known as the primate capital of the world and is famously known as the famous location for tracking chimpanzees. These can be tracked throughout the year as long as the dates Favour the client.