Bonobo: The Forgotten Ape

Frans De Waal, a primatologist, and Frans Lanting, a wildlife photographer, combine their expertise to make this an extraordinary book. It is written in third person, research style. It is a larger size book which makes the photos rich, life-like, and endearing like the baby bonobo thumb-sucking, and a mom playing "airplane" laying down with her baby held skyward on her feet, and many more.There are only about 100 bonobos in captivity, and although bonobos breed well in captivity, this small number does not offer enough genetic variety to hold any promise, even when individuals are loaned out from one zoo to another. Bonobos, whose home is in Zaire, Africa, are estimated to number 10,000 - 25,000. Local taboos on killing bonobos help discourage some poaching, but an increase in poison arrows and use of snare traps are difficult for authorities to fight against. Even in the "heart" of bonobo rainforest, there are more people habitating than the total number of estimated bonobos.Bonobos have a unique quality; it's that of empathy. Bonobos do not typically fight, but have other ways to solve intense moments; they engage in sex in a manner that helps relieve anxiety. Their use of sex is clearly not just for breeding, is by mutual consent, and is engaged in with the same or opposite sex.Infanticide is not known among bonobos. Because of bonobos' social use of sex and the females' long period of estrus, the male does not have a way to detect if a baby is indeed his or not. Bonobos are peaceful in comparably large groups, and females hold high status in bonobos' matriarchal society.Frans de Waal has the talent of sharing fine detail in an exquisite manner. His explanations are scientific and all jargon is defined in context. The photographs all have "purpose" and show what is talked about by the author. I highly recommend this book.

This is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read on our animal counterparts. It is really a study of sexuality and by the end, leaves you feeling like we (humans) are the ones who have a lot of evolving to do. It was sexy, sinful, scandalous, scintillating and scientifically sexy! These little primates sure do like to have fun and parts read like an erotic novel! But all of that aside, it is a brilliant study on these wonderful creatures, perhaps much closer to us than we ever accepted before.

I cannot imagine a better place to begin learning about Bonobos than this book. It is written in layman's terms and is accompanied by some exquisite photography. This book will set you on your way to exploring more of this "forgotten ape." The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars was the book's short length (less than 200 pages with a lot of pictures). Solidly recommended for anyone interested in human evolution, primatology, or psychology.

Frans de Waal is "the man" when it comes to primate behavior and studies. His insight into primate behavior and the relationship and characteristics we share with other primates like the bonobo are truly enlightening. Being able to understand primate behavior thru the eyes of Franz de Wall is an excellent way to not only learn about primates, but to better understand who we ourselves are. After all, we are primates too.

Although there were some definitely interesting points, the general level of the book was very uneven. The photography was outstanding, but the text was often weak.

This is an amazing book about those lovely and endangered primates. Great pictures and great description about them.

I love this book. It acknowledges and captures the extraordinary sensitivity of bonobos which is largely ignored. The photos by Frans Lanting are particularly beautiful.

De Waal and Lanting did an amazing job with this book. There is no better introduction to bonobo behavior and the fascinating story of the emergence of the bonobo as a species distinct from chimpanzees. If you're interested in knowing more about our primate cousins, this book is an excellent place to begin. I've probably given twenty copies as gifts to friends.

De Waal's words and Lanting's photographs are a great combination. The high production values are more than justified by the quality of the text. In bringing bonobos to wider attention this book provides a valuable service. The sound research credentials of de Waal add weight to the analysis and, far from making it a dull book, give it an exciting relevance to wider issues in primatology. Makes you think a lot about humans as well as about bonobos and can, I imagine, start a good few dinner party arguments about gender relations. Much better that than another discussion of house prices.

weighty tome arrived safely

Love this book well written and very interesting

I love this book.It's very well written, beautiful printed, nice to read

thank you