Five wild female bonobos in the Democratic Republic of the Congo recently attacked a male member, inflicting severe injuries. They tore off part of his ear and bit him in multiple places, including his genitals. The incident, described in a study published in Current Biology on October 6, is the most extreme act of violence documented among wild bonobos.
Researchers believe the attack may have been a reaction to the male, Hugo, attempting to harm one of their infants. Lead author Sonya Pashchevskaya, a doctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute, mentions that while they didn’t witness the start of the aggression, the context of the attack is significant.
Historically, only one other similar incident has been recorded, around 300 kilometers away. That case also involved female bonobos attacking a male as punishment for threatening an infant. This new incident challenges our understanding of bonobos, who are often seen as peaceful and nurturing compared to their relatives, chimpanzees.
Bonobos are known for using sex to reduce tension within their groups. However, female bonding in these communities is a powerful force. They often unite to defend their young from threats. This behavior establishes a dominance hierarchy, which helps maintain social order.
Before the attack, Pashchevskaya noticed Hugo trying to grab one of the infants. This, she speculates, could have been the trigger. On that day, her team was gathering data when they unexpectedly heard alarming cries. What sounded like excitement quickly turned into chaos. The research team raced to the scene, finding five females attacking Hugo on the ground.
Despite the severity of the situation, no other bonobos intervened. The entire community remained silent while the attack unfolded, reflecting the unexpected nature of this aggression. After the incident, Hugo managed to escape but has since gone missing. Pashchevskaya fears he may not have survived due to his injuries.
Primatologist Nahoko Tokuyama, who studies bonobos in Japan, expressed that while female aggression in bonobos is known, she was shocked by the extent of Hugo’s injuries. However, she noted that in their fission-fusion society, it’s possible for males to be absent for long periods. There have been instances where males return after months away, so the fate of Hugo remains uncertain.
Understanding bonobo behavior is crucial, especially as it sheds light on social structures in animal communities. This incident exemplifies that even in species known for their peace, aggression can emerge under special circumstances. The dynamics at play are complex, involving emotions, social ties, and survival instincts.
For further reading on bonobo behavior, you can explore studies like this one from Current Biology to gain more insight into their fascinating, yet evolving, social interactions.
