Category: Discover Congo

PANGOLINS

Pangolins in the Congo

Pangolins are toothless mammals covered in scales that feed mainly on insects. They are often called “scaly anteaters” because of their appearance and diet. The eight species of pangolins are distributed in Asia and Africa, particularly in the forests of the Republic of Congo.

Pangolins are threatened by loss of their natural habitat and illegal hunting for their meat and scales, which are considered traditional medicine in some Asian cultures. Because of this demand, they fall prey to a very lucrative illegal trade.

Pangolins are currently considered one of the most trafficked animals in the world, with thousands captured and sold each year. In response to this threat, many organizations are working to protect pangolins by monitoring their habitat, combating illegal trade, and raising awareness of their plight.

In 2016, all pangolin species were classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Urgent conservation measures are needed to protect these fascinating animals that are essential to their ecosystem.

What are the eight species of pangolins?

There are eight species of pangolins, all of which fall into two different genera.

The genus Manis includes four species: The Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla); The Himalayan pangolin (Manis crassicaudata); The Javan pangolin (Manis javanica); The Philippine pangolin (Manis culionensis).

The genus Phataginus includes four species: The short-tailed pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis); Temminck’s pangolin (Phataginus tetradactyla); The West African pangolin (Phataginus africanus); The giant pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) – formerly called the long-tailed pangolin

All pangolin species are endangered due to the destruction of their natural habitat and illegal hunting for their meat and scales, which are used in traditional Asian medicine. The protection of pangolins has therefore become a major concern for the conservation of biodiversity.

Where do they live?

They tend to live in forested habitats, but they can also be found in other habitats, such as savannahs and grasslands. Pangolins are generally nocturnal and solitary, although they can sometimes be seen in small groups.

When can we observe it?

They are nocturnal animals and therefore tend to be more active at night. This makes them difficult for most people to observe. Additionally, due to their increasingly endangered status, it is increasingly rare to see pangolins in the wild.

However, pangolins can be seen in some areas of Africa and Asia where they are protected in nature reserves or national parks. In these areas, visitors may have the opportunity to see pangolins in their natural habitat, often accompanied by an experienced guide or ranger to help them find them.

It is important to note that even in these protected areas, observing pangolins can be difficult as they are very shy and often hide during the day. Additionally, it is important to follow conservation rules in place to protect these animals, which may include restrictions on viewing and direct contact with pangolins.

How do pangolins feed?

They are insectivorous animals and feed mainly on ants and termites. They use their long sticky tongue to catch the insects, which are then eaten whole.

The pangolin has a unique structure in their body to facilitate their diet. Their stomachs are indeed equipped with very powerful muscles which allow them to grind insects into a soft porridge. They also have a very slow digestive system, which allows them to maximize the absorption of nutrients from their food.

Due to their specialized diet, they play an important role in ecosystems by regulating insect populations. However, the destruction of their natural habitat and illegal hunting threaten the survival of these animals, which can have negative consequences on the ecosystems in which they live.

What are the characteristics of the pangolin?

The pangolin is a toothless mammal covered in scales.

Here are some of their distinguishing features:

The pangolin has a body covered with keratinized scales, which are very similar to those of human fingernails or rhinoceros horns.

It has a long sticky tongue, which can reach up to 40 centimeters in length, which they use to catch ants and termites.

The pangolin has powerful claws on their front paws which allow them to dig into termite mounds and ant nests to grab their food.

It has a muscular prehensile tail, which allows them to cling to branches and protect themselves from predators.

Having weak vision, their sense of smell and hearing are highly developed to compensate.

It can roll up into a ball to protect itself in case of danger. Their keratinized scales give them excellent protection against predators.

It is a solitary and nocturnal animal.

Due to their unique appearance and specialized adaptations, the pangolin is among the most fascinating and remarkable animals on the planet.

How do pangolins communicate?

Pangolins communicate mainly through vocalizations and smells. Although they are usually solitary, they can sometimes make sounds to signal their presence to other pangolins.

They have anal glands that produce a scent substance, which is used to mark their territory and communicate with others. This substance is also used to ward off predators.

Mothers can communicate with their young by making soft sounds and using body movements to encourage them to follow.

Although communication is mainly based on olfactory and sound signals, recent studies have also shown that pangolins have a limited capacity for visual communication, using in particular posture and tail movement signals to communicate with other conspecifics.

How does it reproduce?

The pangolin reproduces sexually and females carry young in their uterus for about 3-5 months before giving birth.

It does not have a specific breeding season, but breeding can vary depending on food availability and environmental conditions. Female pangolins can give birth to one or two cubs at a time.

Small pangolins are born blind and without scales, and are completely dependent on their mother for food and protection. The young begin to develop their scales from the second week after birth.

The pangolin has slow reproduction and a long gestation period, low offspring and slow growth, which makes them vulnerable to hunting and destruction of their natural habitat. This vulnerability has contributed to their current increasingly threatened status and the need for conservation action to protect these unique animals.

How to observe pangolin during safari cruises in Congo?

During walks in the forest, it is quite possible to meet a pangolin. In the Nouabalé-Ndoki park, on many occasions, we have crossed the road of Pangolins during walks in the forest.

BONOBO

The Bonobo (Pan paniscus, Dwarf chimpanzee, Pygmy chimpanzee)

The Bonobo is a species of primate that lives in the equatorial forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are considered one of the closest species to humans, with striking similarities in their social behavior.

However, this species is in danger of extinction due to the destruction of their natural habitat, hunting and illegal trafficking.

Social behavior

Bonobos are known for their unique social organization, characterized by strong female leadership and peaceful conflict resolution. Unlike chimpanzees, which have a male-dominated social organization, Bonobos have a matriarchal social structure, with females being the central pillar of the community. They are also known for their sexual behavior, which is often used to ease tension and strengthen social bonds.

Description

Scientists have established that Bonobos are the closest primates to humans. Between two humans, the genotypes are 99.9% similar, while the resemblance between the human and the bonobo would be 98.7%. About 5.1% of the human genome is genetically close to the bonobo genome.

Bonobos share many characteristics with chimpanzees, their cousin species, but they also exhibit unique traits that set them apart from other great apes.

Here are some of the main features:

Physical Appearance: They have a physical appearance similar to chimpanzees, with black fur and long, slender arms and legs. However, Bonobos are generally slimmer and more slender than chimpanzees, with a smaller head and more prominent eyes.

Size: The male measures in a standing position about 1.19 m for a weight ranging from 37 to 61 kg; the female measures 1.11 m for a weight ranging from 27 to 38 kg.

Diet: Bonobos are omnivorous primates, feeding mainly on fruits, leaves and other vegetation, but they also occasionally eat small animals such as insects and small mammals.

Habitat: living exclusively in the equatorial forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, they move in the trees in search of food and social partners.

Lifespan: Bonobos have an average lifespan of 40 to 50 years in captivity, but their lifespan in the wild is less well known.

Intelligence of bonobos

An American psychologist taught the use of 348 keyboard symbols to a 26-year-old male bonobo.

The symbols referred to familiar objects (yogurt, key, belly, ball…), favorite activities (chasing, tickling…) and even some concepts considered quite abstract (the present, good and evil…).

The psychologist claims he was able to understand up to 3,000 words in spoken English, in addition to the vocabulary on his keyboard. She adds that he can express himself vocally and respond appropriately to commands such as “put the soap in the water” or “carry this object”.

Reproduction

Bonobo reproduction is similar to that of other primates. Females reach sexual maturity around 8 or 9 years old, while males reach sexual maturity around 13 or 14 years old.

The bonobo has menstrual cycles, which last about 36 days. During the fertile period, the female can mate with several males.

Matings can occur in a variety of positions, including face-to-face and back-to-back. Females usually give birth to only one young at a time, after a gestation period of about 8 months. Mothers carry their young on their bellies for several months, feeding them breast milk. The little bonobos are very dependent on their mother for their survival, but the other members of the group can also help to take care of them.

The bonobo is a social and cooperative animal. Reproduction is an important part of their social life. Sexual relations are often used to strengthen social bonds, reduce tensions and resolve conflicts within the group. This special attitude towards sexuality is considered one of the unique characteristics of bonobos compared to other primates.

How do Bonobos communicate with each other?

They are known for their complex and sophisticated communication. They use a variety of visual, vocal and tactile signals to communicate with each other.

Here are some examples of communication modes used by bonobos:

Facial expressions: Bonobos can use facial expressions to express emotions such as joy, fear or anger. They may also use looks, smiles, or frowns to communicate with each other.

Vocalizations: Bonobos can make a wide variety of different sounds to communicate, including screams, moans, growls, and howls. Each sound has a different meaning and can be used to convey specific information to other party members.

Gestures: Bonobos can use gestures to communicate, such as pointing or waving their hands. They may also use more complex movements to indicate directions or to ask for help.

Physical contact: Bonobos are also known for their strong physical contact. They may touch, caress, hug, and shake hands to communicate affection or support.

Using these different modes of communication, bonobos are able to convey complex information about their emotional state, location, intentions and needs to other members of their group.

How to observe Bonobos?

Observing Bonobos in their natural habitat can be a fascinating experience, but it is important to do so responsibly and respectfully for the survival of the species. Here are a few tips:

Respect the distance: It is important to keep a respectful distance from the Bonobos to avoid disturbing their natural behavior. The recommended minimum distance is around 10 meters, although this may vary depending on the situation and the viewing area.

Be Quiet: Bonobos are noise sensitive and can be easily disturbed by loud voices or sudden noises. It is therefore important to remain silent during the observation.

Avoid feeding them as this can disrupt their natural diet. Also, Bonobos can become aggressive if they think you have food and you don’t give it to them.

Use binoculars or a camera to observe them from a distance without disturbing them. It is important not to use flash to take pictures, as this can disturb the Bonobos and their environment.

Bonobos are active during the day, so it’s usually easier to observe them during daylight hours. The best observation times are often in the morning, when the bonobos wake up.

Threats to Bonobos

They face many threats that endanger their existence. Deforestation, poaching and illegal trafficking for the sale of bushmeat or to be sold as pets are destructive practices for the species. The situation is aggravated by the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has made it difficult to put in place effective protection measures for the Bonobos.

Actions for the conservation of Bonobos

Several organizations are committed to their protection. Sanctuaries have been created to accommodate orphaned or injured animals, to allow them to reintroduce themselves into their natural environment once they are able to survive on their own. Conservation efforts also include reforestation projects and raising awareness among local communities of the value of Bonobos and their habitat.

The Importance of Bonobo Conservation

The conservation of Bonobos is essential for the preservation of biodiversity and ecological balance in their natural habitat. As close to human primates, Bonobos are also important for scientific research, especially regarding the evolution of human society and social behavior. Finally, the conservation of Bonobos is also important for the preservation of the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with these primates for generations.

Tracking Bonobos on Congo cruises

During safari cruises on the Congo River organized by Ducret Expeditions, it is possible to spend a day in the Democratic Republic of Congo to track groups of regular Bonobos in connection with the Mbou-Mon-Tour pilot farm.

This possibility is open on certain dates. The boat will dock at dawn in Tshumbiri and passengers after an hour in Jeep will be able to follow three groups of Bonobos accustomed to the sites of Embirima, Lempu and Mpelu.

LOWLAND GORILLAS

Lowland gorillas in Congo forest : threatened species but still in large numbers in Congo Brazzaville

The western lowland gorilla is certainly the most numerous and widespread of all gorilla subspecies: the latest census reports a much larger population than expected. Despite everything, it remains a threatened space on which many pressures weigh. It is estimated that the gorilla population disappears at a rate of 2.7% per year and between 2005 and 2013, 19.4% of their population would have already disappeared. According to experts, this trend can be reversed if the right policies are put in place.

Inhabiting some of the densest and most remote rainforests in Africa, their numbers have often been underestimated. Significant populations still exist, including in isolated swamps and remote swamp forests in the Republic of Congo. A study carried out over 11 years on 59 sites in five countries was able to estimate in 2018 the number of western lowland gorillas at nearly 360,000 individuals. Previous estimates have been between 150,000 and 250,000 individuals. This population is distributed in the Congo Basin between Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea as well as in large areas in Gabon and the Republic of Congo. The latter alone would have nearly 50% of this population of great apes, 80% of which live outside protected areas.

What threats to the species?

Poaching remains the main threat to their survival, ahead of disease and the loss of their natural habitat. More efforts to combat poaching, both inside and outside protected areas, better land use planning and the development of tourism could allow a better valuation of the species and help in the preservation of the natural habitat of these animals.

Western lowland gorillas: how to identify them?

Western lowland gorillas are distinguished from other gorilla subspecies by their slightly smaller size. They can measure up to 1.70 meters for males and 1.3 meters for females and weigh up to 180 kg for males and 70 kg for females. Their coat is gray-brown and their orange-red forehead. The males have a silver coat from the nape to the rump down to the hair of the foot. They have a larger skull with more pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears than its eastern cousin.

Humans, chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos and western lowland gorillas: who is man's closest cousin?

An international team of several dozen biologists and geneticists have compared the genomes of four modern “great apes”, rare survivors of the great family of Hominids. Chimpanzees are undoubtedly the closest relatives of humans, with 96% of common genes. The results of this study published in 2012 in the British journal Nature proves that this is certainly true according to the analyses, but only in 70% of cases. In fact, 15% of the human genome is closer to that of the gorilla than that of the chimpanzee. And 15% of the chimpanzee’s genome is in turn closer to that of the gorilla than to that of man. According to the calculations of the international team, gorillas would have diverged from humans and chimpanzees here about 10 million years, the separation between the human species and that of chimpanzees dating back to some 6 million years.

What do gorillas eat?

Like most other primates, gorillas are vegetarians but also insectivores. They spend a good part of their day feeding, moving around in search of berries, stems, leaves, bark or fruit that they find in the forest. It is not uncommon to see them climb trees to grab the fruits they love. In swamps or clearings, they feed on mineral-rich aquatic plants. Insects like termites and ants are also its usual diet. The gorilla eats almost 20 kg of food every day.

How do western lowland gorilla groups live?

Western lowland gorillas are very gregarious animals living in mixed hierarchical groups comprising 2 to 20 individuals (on average 8). The group is structured around a dominant silverback, which plays the role of protector and parent. Several females and their young make up the group. Sometimes non-dominant males also join the group. The dominant is however the only male in the group able to mate. Females can also leave the group if they consider that the silverback is not fulfilling its function. Young males also sometimes form separate groups of bachelors, waiting to be able to form a group in their turn.

The groups live on an area of more or less 30km². On the same area can live several groups. However, it happens to see two silverbacks fighting to recover part of the harem. When retrieving females, the silverback will often kill the young to breed more quickly with new females. After that, some females may decide to leave the group and start a new group with a new dominant, previously unmarried male.

It is often the female who ensures the formation of the young for several years. She will teach him how to eat, how to behave and how to survive. The father often participates very little in the education of the young, but protects them in case of attack. However, it is not uncommon to see the silverback spending long hours with the little ones.

Gorillas have a low reproductive rate. Sexual maturity for males is around 18 years and 11 years for females. The period between two pregnancies can last 5 or 6 years. Young western lowland gorillas are weaned from breast milk at around 4 years of age, which is very late compared to other mammals. The lifespan in the wild is 35-40 years. Their main adversary, in addition to the diseases that affect the youngest more, is the leopard which prowls in the tropical forests.

Gorillas communicate with each other using cries, facial expressions and attitudes. In case of disturbance or aggression, the male tries to impress the intruder by shouting and hitting his chest with his fists. In the extreme case, he may run towards the intruder and bite him. This is what scientists can experience during the process of habituation of a group to the human presence. The process can last between 3 and 5 years with daily visits.

How to observe gorillas in the Republic of Congo?

Congo Brazzaville is the country with the highest number of western lowland gorillas. About 200,000. For the past thirty years, scientists have established camps in different reserves to conduct research on this great primate from Central Africa.

It is naturally possible to come across it in the forest, especially in the Sangha. To observe them closely, on the other hand, you have to go to the large parks such as the Nouabalé-Ndoki Park, where three groups are followed by scientists and thus accustomed to the human presence.

During the cruises that we offer in the heart of the tropical forest, we go to the Mondika scientific camp in the Nouabalé-Ndoki Park, where it is possible to track one of the three clans in a small group of four people. For about an hour, it will be possible to observe the group of gorillas at a distance of 7 to 10 meters.