Great Ape Childhoods: Development of infant bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the wild

Abstract

Human development is marked by extended immaturity, necessitating extended care throughout infancy and childhood, facilitating advanced cognitive, social, and cultural skill acquisition. Parallels of extended development are also present in our closest living relatives, bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). The Self-Domestication Hypothesis (SDH) suggests that human uniqueness stems from selection against aggression. Bonobos are also considered self-domesticated, exhibiting lower aggression and greater social tolerance, which are linked to delayed development and prolonged maternal dependence compared to chimpanzees. However, systematic, quantitative comparisons of the two species developmental patterns are limited and conflicting. This study addressed this gap by examining behavioural development in bonobo and chimpanzee infants aged 0-5.5 years living in two populations (Kokolopori community, Kokolopori Bonobo Reserve, DRC, N=21; Ngogo community, Kibale National Park, Uganda, N=22) in their natural environments. We specifically focused on (i) general behaviours (travel, feeding, grooming), and (ii) spatial independence. By systematically comparing developmental data and using consistent methods, we tested whether bonobo development aligns with SDH predictions. Our results showed similar developmental trajectories, with no species differences concerning ventral riding, nipple contact, or grooming. However, we found species differences regarding travel and proximity patterns, with chimpanzees exhibiting prolonged dorsal riding, bonobos travelling independently more often and maintaining greater distances from their mothers. Age, sibling presence, and maternal parity influenced behavioural patterns, but no sex differences were observed. These findings challenge assumptions of slower bonobo maturation, and highlight the importance of systematic, collaborative research on primate behavioural diversity in natural environments.