1. INTRODUCTION
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has, for the last few years, been characterized by warfare and the almost complete deterioration of the economic and social infrastructure. This has led to an almost complete cessation of economic activities in large parts of the country. An area that attracts little interest in the international community is Equateur Province. This is likely due to the lack of minerals and other highly valued export products (with the exception of timber). Nevertheless, the Equateur Province has gained some attention because it is home to bonobos (Pan paniscus).

Bonobos are endemic to the DRC. Their distribution area is considered to be about 400,000 km², however, little is known about specific bonobo populations throughout this potential range. Most information comes from research sites, i.e. Sankuru (Lukuru Wildlife Research Project), Wamba (Kyoto University), and Lomako (Stony Brook University, Max Planck Institute, Royal Zoological Society Antwerp). Since war broke out in 1998, information on the status of bonobo populations is mainly limited to the number and condition of orphans arriving in Kinshasa. These orphans are relocated to the bonobo sanctuary, Lola ya Bonobo (Amis des Animaux du Congo).

The Lomako forest is considered to be an important area for bonobo conservation. “Lomako Forest” refers to the forest between the Lomako and Yekokora rivers. But since it is not a well-defined forest block, confusion exists over its true definition. One part of this area has been proposed as a reserve, the Lomako Forest Reserve (3800km²). In 1990, WWF-International proposed to create this reserve. The proposal reached the ministry level in 1991, but, due to political turmoil, was never approved. The features of the proposed reserve are ideal: natural boundaries and a high biodiversity of rare and endangered species (e.g. Pan paniscus, Afropavo congensis, Hyemoschus aquaticus, Profelis aurata). Logging companies appear uninterested in exploiting the proposed reserve due to difficulties exporting logs from the area. In addition, permanent habitation has been forbidden since the 1920s. The local population, the Mongo ethnic group, officially resided in natal villages south of the Lomako River and/or north of the Yekokora River. People are supposed to use this “Lomako forest” on a temporary basis. However, 1995 and 1998 expeditions revealed this is no longer true. Immigration from four sides was occurring and an increasing number of people were settling on a permanent basis. Warnings were voiced that field action was urgently needed to preserve the potential of the area (Ammann, 1998; Dupain & Van Elsacker, 2001).

The Antwerp Research team (J.Dupain, CRC, SRZA) conducted research in the Lomako area until November 1998. This research team was the last one to leave the Lomako forest when rebel forces (Mouvement pour la Libération du Congo) approached the area. Since this time, a return has been viewed as not feasible because the Lomako forest is still considered to be on the front line between the MLC and the government forces (FAC: Forces Armées Congolais).

Yet, a Canadian production team (90th Parallel Productions Ltd.) asked K. Ammann, K. Bowman and J. Dupain to try to return to the Lomako area. Canadian funding was secured and logistics were organized via local contacts. This was the first return to the Lomako forest by researchers after four years of absence. Here we report our findings on both the bonobo and the human population. We hope that this report might provide a stimulus for other organizations to return to the Lomako forest and surrounding areas and to reactivate research and conservation projects that include elements of local development.

2. OBJECTIVES
2.1. GENERAL OBJECTIVES.
- Establish the feasibility of returning to the Lomako area to re-activate research.
- Evaluate the situation of the human population and the status of the bonobo population as well as other fauna.
- Develop an understanding of the relationship between the socio-economic realities and the conservation potential of the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve.
- The results of the expedition should help in the planning of further activities in the area.

2.2. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
THE LOMAKO FOREST
- Visit former staff and family and assess the impact of war.
- Evaluate the human populations and living conditions within the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve.
- Evaluate fauna and the impact of war at the study area of Iyema.

BASANKUSU - LOMAKO
- Survey ongoing projects in the region, with emphasis on humanitarian activities.
- Assess the security situation.
- Evaluate living conditions of the people and the impact of the war on them.

3. METHODOLOGY
3.1.TEAM MEMBERS
Karl Ammann, author
Kerry Bowman (University of Toronto)
Mark Caswell (Camera Operator)
Jef Dupain (Co-ordinator, In Situ Projects, CRC, SRZA)
Ao Loo (Sound Recordist)
Finbarr O’Reilly (Production Co-ordinator and Reuters Journalist)
Kenton Vaughan (Producer/Director)

3.2.AUTHORISATIONS
Authorisations were obtained from both the DRC-Government in Kinshasa and MLC authorities based in Gbadolite.
To ensure security and at the request of MLC authorities, a pair of armed MLC soldiers escorted the team between Basankusu and Lomako.

3.3. ITINERARY
6 November: Kinshasa
10 November: Kinshasa-Basankusu.
10-12 November: Stay at Mill Hill (missionary station)
Visit Doctors without Borders-Belgium (MSF-B). Visit town and talk to people.
12-14 November: travel on Maringa river with over night stops in Waka and in Baringa. In Waka, representatives of MONUC are present. In Baringa, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) recently started a new humanitarian project.
15 November: Travel on Lomako river to Bosolomwa and arrival in campsite Iyema.
16-22 November: Stay at Iyema. Investigation of situation related to fauna, hunting camps, and former local staff.
22-24 November: travel to Basankusu
26 November: Basankusu-Kinshasa
27 November: visit Lola ya Bonobo (Bonobo Sanctuary, AAC, Kinshasa).
29-30 November: exit DRC.

3.4. INFORMATION GATHERING
Qualitative information was gathered through interviews, observations, and site visits.
Local trained staff focussed on collecting data on bonobo numbers and distribution. KB assisted in nest counting for density estimates along old transects (Standing crop nest count method). Auditory scans were performed as set up in 1998. Specific evening searches for nesting sites was carried out. This method for locating bonobo parties is considered the best for facilitating early morning observation of bonobos leaving their tree nests.

4. RESULTS
4.1. THE PROPOSED LOMAKO FOREST RESERVE
4.1.1. PEOPLE OF THE LOMAKO FOREST
We distinguish two groups of people. First, the former local staff that resides in the southern part of the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve. Their natal villages are situated south of the Lomako River. Most of them migrated into the forest as they gained employment at the research projects. All of them are acquainted with bonobo conservation objectives. In general, these people are not ardent hunters. They originally used the forest only for their subsistence.

In both 1995 and 1998, immigrant populations belonging to the Ngombe and the Mongando ethnic groups, were discovered in the northern part of the proposed reserve (Dupain & Van Elsacker, 2001). This second class of people was/is much more focussed on the commercial bushmeat trade.

4.1.1.1.Former local staff:
The local staff belongs to the ethnic group of Mongo people. They are the traditional owners of parts of the Lomako Forest. Local staff and family were all alive and well. It was a pleasant surprise to see that, although the war conditions put stress on these people, no traumatising events had occurred.

The leader of the local staff constructed a new settlement for his family in the forest, at the southern edge of the study site. Yet, most people who were directly (or indirectly) involved in the Bonobo in Situ Project (RZSA) decided to leave the forest and continue living in their natal villages (south of the Lomako River) or elsewhere. As such, the number of Mongo people living between our study site and the Lomako River (i.e. the southern part of the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve) has decreased and returned to the level witnessed by JD in 1994-1995.

For those living in the forest, the primary means of survival is hunting/fishing and small scale agriculture, plus the commercial trading of bush meat.

In almost all villages/settlements, MLC soldiers are present. They are well accepted by the local people. Although tensions may arise because of “taking without paying”, in general the local population is happy with their presence because they provide improved security.

MLC soldiers based at Baringa and elsewhere allowed to leaves of absence for the purpose of hunting in the Lomako Forest. Compared to the forest along the Maringa River and the forest stretch south of the Lomako River, the forest between the Lomako and Yekokora rivers is still considered to be an excellent source for bush meat. However, we feel there is a trend towards soldiers travelling further upriver to find still richer hunting grounds.

4.1.1.2. Other people living in the Lomako Forest.
The situation north of the study site Iyema and the northern part of the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve, is dramatically different from the southern part. There is a massive increase of Ngombe and Mongando people migrating into the Lomako forests. Campsites, many of them displaying evidence of semi-permanent habitation, are scattered throughout the northern part of the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve. In 1995, JD recorded about 5 campsites along the Lotondo River, all of which revolved around hunting. (Dupain et al., 2000). On this expedition (Nov.2002), the latest reports indicate the existence of 15 permanent hunting camps along this river. About 90% of these are inhabited by Ngombe people. In addition, temporary hunting camps, recorded in 1995 just north of the Iyema study area are now permanently inhabited by Mongando people coming from Djolu. A number of new temporary hunting camps are constructed on the periphery of the study site. The hunters left the camps when they were informed of our arrival. Local staff maintained that they do not have the means to chase away any of these immigrant hunters. Meanwhile, in the eastern part of the proposed reserve, the Kitiwalist (a religious sect numbering some 2000-3000) are still present. This scenario supports earlier warnings (Dupain et al., 2000; Dupain & Van Elsacker, 2001) that without the area having a legal reserve status it is/will be very difficult to limit immigration.

The main reason for most of these new camps is hunting, with a particular focus on trading bush meat commercially. A market located north of the Yekokora river, 12 km from former logging company Siforco’s headquarters, (Ammann, 1998; Dupain et al., 2000) still exists. The frequency of market days has actually increased to once a week (from once every two weeks). An observer equipped with a video camera was sent to the former logging camp. He interviewed various former Siforco employees. Siforco did not evacuate its work force when the war started. Most remained behind, trying to eke out a living with many resorting to bush meat hunting. He also recorded smoked bonobo-meat in one of the campsites along the Lotondo River, and indicated the presence of two bonobo orphans in another hunting camp.

4.1.2. FAUNA OF THE PROPOSED LOMAKO FOREST RESERVE
4.1.2.1.IYEMA
4.1.2.1.1. PAN PANISCUS
Bonobo density estimation (see table).

On 20.2km of transects, we recorded 7 nest groups, totalling 24 nests. The mean and median nest group size is low (3.4, resp.2). For comparison: bonobo nest group size: mean: 6.68 (Dupain & Van Elsacker, 1999); median: 7 (Fruth & Hohmann, 1995). Assuming a detection band of about 20m, bonobo density can be estimated to be about 24nests/20.19km*0.02km*113days= 0.53nest building individuals/km². Density estimation in 1995 and 1998 was about 2individuals/km² (Dupain & Van Elsacker, 1999; Dupain & Van Elsacker, 2001). This data would indicate a 75% decline in the bonobo population in the last four years. According to the local staff, the situation might be less dramatic. They believe a part of the study community relocated into less accessible areas. Nevertheless, nobody denied the fact that bonobos have been hunted.

Bonobo auditory scanning
On 3 evenings, 7 people performed an auditory scan. Bonobos are known to vocalise when constructing their night nest (pers.obs.). Each individual scan covers about 0,5km², totalling for 7 people about 3,5km². Assuming that the home range of a bonobo community is about 25km², this system of auditory scanning covers about 15% of a community’s home range.
Bonobos were heard on 2 evenings. The total number of bonobo nest parties recorded: 5. The success ratio is low compared with results from 1998. Although the sample size is very limited, the results confirmed the preliminary conclusion based on the density estimation.

Bonobo observations
We observed two bonobo parties (after detection of the nesting site the previous evening).

Party 1. Observation: 5:30hr-6:45hr (observation JD)
Party composition: 4 individuals
Adult male
Adult female
Infant
Contrary to expectations, the animals did not flee upon detection. Although the infant showed some panic behaviour and the unknown individual uttered an alarm vocalisation, the adult female stayed and looked at the observers. This was particularly surprising as the group of observers consisted of 3 westerners and 3 Congolese.

Party 2. Observation:5:20 -635 (observation KB)
Composition: 6 individuals,
The reaction was the same as for party 1. Some members of the party even approached the observers. Visual contact was still going on when the observers (1 westerner, 1 Congolese) decided to leave the bonobo party.

In both cases, bonobos were observed for more than 1 hour. The reaction of both parties to the observers was one of habituated bonobos. Interestingly, observers were both westerners and Congolese staff. The Congolese staff confirmed that bonobos flee when they meet them. Possibly the bonobos recognized western researchers.

In general, we conclude that the bonobo density in the study area and surroundings might have decreased drastically due to hunting activities. Bonobo adaptation to hunting pressure seems to be reflected in ranging patterns and in the difference between day and night party size. According to local staff, bonobos still enter the study area during daytime, but retreat to less accessible areas for nesting. With regard to the party sizes, bonobo day party size is generally smaller than night party sizes (Fruth & Hohmann, 1995; Dupain, pers.obs.). During this expedition however, we recorded evidence of splitting of parties when choosing their nest site. This behaviour might reflect an anti-hunting strategy. Small nest party size reduces the possibility of detection of the nest party and also reduces the number of apes potentially being hunted in one location (especially if the use of dogs is involved).

4.1.2.1.2. OTHER FAUNA
In general, the impression is that the forest in the area visited is empty. The number of groups of monkeys observed was very low. This was probably partially due to the presence of the large noisy group of people. We recorded Cercocebus aterrimus, Cercopithecus mona and Cercopithecus ascanius. We did not see nor hear Colobus guereza (a preferred prey for hunters that was omnipresent in 1998). Groups of monkeys fled immediately upon detection of humans. Only 1 lone mangabey uttered alarm calls. All others fled without giving any alarm calls. Few traces of duikers and forest pigs were encountered. No vocalisations of the elusive Congo peacock were recorded. In 1998, the Congo peacock was heard a few times every week.

4.1.2.1.THE SURROUNDINGS
According to the local staff, bonobo traces, nests and vocalisations are still frequently recorded close to the Mongo campsites between Iyema and the Lomako River. The former Antwerp research site, Mpako (Bohua) is thought to have been subject to less hunting pressure. However, time constraints limited our capacity for absolute confirmation. Information from the American/German site at Ndele is contradictory. It is our impression that except for parts of the core area of the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve, the empty forest syndrome is omnipresent. While the elephant, hippo and bongo populations were pretty much eliminated as far back as 1980, the observed dramatic changes for primates including bonobos, the Congo peacock and other fauna is the result of the recent increase in hunting pressure.

4.1.3.CONCLUSION
A growing number of hunting camps are located several kilometres inland from any rivers implying that, along the riverbanks, the wildlife has been largely hunted out.

The ‘98 survey already demonstrated that this corridor might be a lot wider on the Yekokora side of the Lomako forest than on the Lomako side. Increased hunting pressure all along the western and northern boundaries of the proposed reserve has resulted in bonobo populations being either wiped out or drastically down in numbers. At the south eastern end there is considerable hunting pressure from the Kitiwalists living in the area. This might leave some intact groups in the centre along the Bakumba and Eyengo Rivers.

Based on the 1998 and 2002 survey we assume that some 50 % of the proposed reserve has been experiencing very heavy hunting pressure. 30% is being exposed to recent and more moderate hunting (which will increase) and maybe 10-20% is still intact as far as the bonobo populations are concerned.

4.2. BASANKUSU-LOMAKO
Basankusu was captured by the MLC on Nov. 29, 1999. The take over happened very quickly and no civilian casualties were recorded. Although the people of Basankusu suffer because unpaid MLC soldiers provide for themselves by looting the gardens of the civilians, the population is generally positive about their treatment by MLC soldiers.

The people upriver at Maringa (Waka-Baringa-Befale) experienced more traumatic events during the war (mostly at the hands of the FAC). During our visit to some villages and to Baringa, we were struck by the poor health conditions compared to what we saw at Basankusu or in the Lomako forest. The comparison was marked; children were visibly weaker, more ill and had considerably more infections. It is unclear whether this was due to nutritional differences (perhaps access to protein) or perhaps to insect born diseases. Common ailments were diarrhoea and upper respiratory tract infections, parasite infestations and skin lesions and rashes. Slightly less common but more serious diseases included meningitis, dysentery, cholera, trypanosomiasis and monkey pox. MSF-B confirmed these observations.

4.2.1.ONGOING PROJECTS
Only a few organisations are actively responding to the urgent needs of the local people.

a. Missionaries of Mill Hill (Diocèse de Basankusu)
The missionaries of Mill Hill (both Congolese and Europeans) stayed throughout the war. Their presence sustains the hope of the local people. Several organizations have discussed co-operating with the Mill Hill missionaries including Oxfam Canada. As of yet, the uncertain security situation is the main reason why none of these negotiations have resulted in any kind of active assistance to the Mill Hill mission.

b. MSF-Belgium
MSF Belgium is active in the area based at Basankusu. They operate throughout the Basankusu zone and part of the zones of Bolomba and Befale (covering about 30.500km² and reaching about 360.000 people). They are attempting to provide services to the people of the Lomako forest, and have travelled as far as Kitiwalists. The local people welcome special programs like a campaign targeting child malnutrition.

c. Jesuit Refugee Service.
In November 2002, this organisation began re-opening the hospital in Baringa. They hope to reach a potential capacity of 80 beds. They also aim to re-activate three other health centers, reaching about 25.000 people. The action radius is about 30-40km. The local people show much appreciation for these efforts. Unique is the fact that a Catholic group is putting its effort into a hospital that is originally Protestant.

d. Other organisations
The number of local NGOs is growing rapidly. During a recent workshop in Kinshasa, hosted by CARPE and by GRASP (September 26-28, 2002: aimed at the preparation of a national plan for the survival of great apes), the need to identify NGOs involved in bonobo-conservation was emphasized. There appears to be an urgent need to evaluate NGO activities when it comes to various aspects of bonobo and other types of conservation.

With regard to the Lomako Forest, we met in Kinshasa with the NGO SOLO. This NGO stated that they represent the people of the Lomako Forest and access to the forest would have to be negotiated with them in Kinshasa. Based on their promotional literature, their objectives potentially coincide with the needs of the Lomako people. Yet, confusion exists over the definition “Lomako forest”. The people of the villages of Bolima, Lofuko, Bohua and others, and the Chef de Groupement Loma stated they did not know about the NGO SOLO and objected to claims of representation by this NGO.

The main obstacle to future involvement in activities in the Lomako forest will be the identification of the actual representatives of the different families, villages and even ethnic groups that occupy different geographic, economic, and social niches in the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve. The distance between the Lomako Forest and organisations in Kinshasa claiming to represent the Lomako people adds to these difficulties. In addition, the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve is situated in several different administrative entities.

As stated in the report of the Sept 2002 workshop, the establishment of a micro-project in collaboration with the local communities that relate to the Lomako Forest at Befale, is a priority. However, again, the Lomako forest is not at all limited to the administrative territory of Befale.

4.2.2. SECURITY: A SUCCES AT THIS MOMENT
The fact that this team could travel without any major problem is the best proof that the area is accessible without any real risks. We approached to within 50km of the front-line, which is just south of the Lomako River (Map).

Yet, any planned activity will require approval by the highest authorities. Local authorities are very welcoming, yet, one has to know that any taxes or other “concessions” requested are often completely arbitrary. This is a direct consequence of the economic situation in the area. According to the JRS, people travelling between Baringa and Basankusu (200km) “pay” with their merchandize (25-35%) at check points along the river/road. However, since our presence was authorised by the highest officials, and we had the documentation to show it, we did not experience any major difficulty and/or unfair treatment, nor any feeling of insecurity.

4.2.3. LIVING CONDITIONS: EDUCATION, HEALTH, FOOD SECURITY, AGRICULTURE
The main activities are small-scale agriculture and hunting/fishing… in fact, merely surviving. Most of the villagers and officials we interviewed indicated the urgent need for access to medical treatment, for accessible education and for efforts to re-establish the infrastructure that will enable export of agricultural products.

5. CONCLUSION
The general situation in the area is one of hope as well as despair. The first boats in years recently arrived with clothes, soap, oil, and other goods. The currently calm situation, the activities of MSF-B, JRS and Mill Hill and the permanent presence of these missionaries give hope and strength to the local people. These organisations also demonstrate the feasibility of reaching and staying in the area. Yet, much more investment by humanitarian organisations is required to meet basic needs.

The situation in the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve is dramatic. Once famous for the high density of its endemic species, the Lomako forest might become famous as an example of the now well-documented empty forest syndrome. We urged immediate actions in 2000 and 2001 (Dupain et al., 2000; Dupain & Van Elsacker, 2001). While the conservation community keeps insisting that “something” has to be done, this first return to what is described as a priority zone for bonobo-conservation occurred without financial help from any of the conservation organisations.

Yet, the expedition will fulfil a priority set out in the minutes of the September workshop (“7. Production, réaliser et diffuser des films documentaries et des documents audio sur la vie des grands singes et les activités des populations locales”).

The results of our expedition confirm that not much time is left before any further research or conservation activity will come too late. The proposed Lomako Forest Reserve is subject to ever increasing hunting pressure and the permanent settlement of several ethnic groups in the area. It has to be assumed that in most areas of Lomako and the surrounding forests, the bonobo populations have been/are heavily hunted and numbers are down to a fraction of what they were a decade ago. We have to assume that a large proportion of the population is already heavily impacted and fragmented. Most probably, the only healthy bonobo communities now survive in about 10-20% of the proposed reserve. This is probably also true for the rest of the mammal population.

There seems to be no understanding or appreciation of the eventual impact, in terms of food security, on the local population if these unsustainable hunting practices continue or even increase. One can foresee problems in the near future. At the moment, most people rely on small scale agriculture and on fishing/bushmeat hunting. The Lomako forest is considered one of the remaining sources of animal protein for the region extending as far as Basankusu. Considering the data collected in the forest, the continuing migration of Ngombe and Mongando people into the area, and the fact that most soldiers searching for animal protein travel as far as the Kitiwalist (in the eastern part of the proposed reserve), we can foresee that the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve will soon be a model of “an empty forest”.

If conservation organisations should decide to salvage what can be salvaged, we suggest as a first step, that a more thorough survey of the target area be conducted. We suggest the target area to be Basankusu-Bongandanga-Lingomo-Befale-Basankusu. The survey should focus on the distribution of the different ethnic groups, their origin and their means of survival. Simultaneously a quantitative faunal survey throughout the proposed Lomako Forest Reserve (3800km²) should be conducted. This data would be needed to further substantiate the conclusions reached in this report.

In addition, a feasibility study into potential means of revenue creation must be conducted. This should focus on former agricultural export products such as cocoa, coffee, rice, and maize, the production of which stopped due to deterioration of the infrastructure (Dupain et al. 2001).

Any kind of future research or conservation activity will have to be planned with the needs of the local people in mind and be based on an equitable formula in which the benefits and sacrifices are shared.

Meanwhile, one has to be aware of ongoing lobbying regarding forestry operations. Plans exist to reactivate logging activities. The World Bank proposes the following targets: opening up about 60 million hectares of primary rain forest within the next 5-10 years. This will result in an annual production of 6-10million m³ of timber exported, which will generate a total turnover of 1-2 billion USD. This would result in the DRC producing more timber than all the rest of the timber producing countries in the Central African Region put together. Meanwhile, the new hunting and forestry tax code lists taxes for the killing and capturing of most endangered species, including the bonobo (200USD for the killing of a bonobo). The new forestry code does not in any way deal with the issue of wildlife management.

Combining these elements, we can assume that the Lomako area, listed as a priority zone for conservation, is in greater danger than ever before. And that danger exists both for the fauna and for the local population.

In the hopes of a possible continuation of development and conservation activities in the Zone of Basankusu, we met several organisations and people. We identified several potential partners:
- Mill Hill, JRS and MSF-B for humanitarian activities on the ground (food access, access to health care…)
- Catholic Relief Services: distribution of basic needs for agriculture (machetes, seeds…)
- “Cobega”, a business company that can secure the buying of agricultural crops, especially rice and coffee
- ICCN for the set up of more detailed surveys
- World Bank: representatives stated there is potential interest in Lomako as a priority area for biodiversity conservation
- DRC Government for facilitating the communication between both zones, thus also increasing security level.
- Mouvement pour la Liberation du Congo: establishment of Lomako Forest, displacement of illegal campsites and anti-poaching patrols
- Belgian Technical Cooperation for funding
- Canadian embassy: co-operation for funding

Acknowledgement:
We thank the team of 90th Parallel Productions (Kenton Vaughan, Gordon Henderson, Finbarr O’Reilly, Mark Caswell and Ao Loo) for making the expedition possible and for their direct contribution to bonobo conservation and the development of the human population in the Basankusu – Lomako area. We want to thank both the Government of the DRC and the MLC for the extremely helpful authorisations that made this unique expedition possible. We stress our hope that this expedition will stimulate other organisations to restart activities in the area.

This expedition was not possible without the help of several people and organisations including the Canadian Embassy, Filair, MillHill, JRS, MSF-B, Lola ya Bonobo among others.

We would especially like to thank the funders of the expedition: the Canadian International Development Agency, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (The Nature of Things and Michael Allder), Telefilm and the Canadian Television Fund.

References
Amman, 1998. The conservation status of the bonobo in the one million hectare Siforzal/Danzer logging concession in central D.R.Cong. Electronic document: http://biosynergy.org/bushmeat/, accessed July 1998

Dupain,J. & Van Elsacker,L. 1999. The Bonobo-in-Situ Project at the Iyema Research Site (Lomako Forest, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic Congo). COE International Symposium. Evolution of the Apes and the Origin of the Human Beings. November 18-20. Inuyama, Japan. Poster presentation.

Dupain,J., Van Krunkelsven, E., Van Elsacker,L.& Verheyen,R.F. 2000. Current status of the bonobo (Pan paniscus) in the proposed Lomako Reserve (Democratic Republic of Congo). Biological Conservation, 94:265-272.

Dupain, J. and L. Van Elsacker. 2001. Status of the proposed Lomako Forest Bonobo Reserve: a case study of the bushmeat trade. In Galdikas, B.M.F., Briggs, N., Sheeran, L.K., Shapiro, G.L. and J. Goodall, editors. All apes great and small volume 1: African apes. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Pp:259-274.

Dupain, J., and L. Van Elsacker. 2001. The status of the bonobo (Pan paniscus) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Galdikas, B.M.F., Briggs, N., Sheeran, L.K., Shapiro, G.L. and J. Goodall, editors. All apes great and small volume 1: African apes. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Pp:57-74.

Fruth, B and Hohmann, 1995. Comparative analyses of nest building behaviour in bonobos (Pan paniscus) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). In Chimpanzee cultures (ed.R.Wrangham, W.McGrew, F.deWaal and P.Heltne), pp 109-128. Harvard University Press, Cambridge.