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The Last Ape: Chimpanzee Behaviour and Ecology by Takayoshi Kano, Stanford
University Press, pp 248, Dollar 45

In the primate world, the words ‘pygmy chimp’ have almost become synonymous
with promiscuity. Pygmy chimps occur only in Zaire and are smaller and slimmer
than common chimps. Like ourselves, they are far more sexually oriented
than chimpanzees. Females are nearly continuously receptive and will participate
in sexual activity as frequently with males as with each other. The so-called
G-G (genito-genital) rubbing between females often results in orgasm.

Takayoshi Kano believes that the female genitalia specifically evolved
for this purpose rather than for male-female mating. The increased level
of copulation, especially when food is present, suggests that sex plays
a social role in preventing aggression.

In general, pygmy chimps are more peaceful than their cousins: the cannibalism,
infanticide, group wars and domineering behaviour seen in common chimps
have yet to be witnessed. Despite their social dexterity however, no tool
use in the wild has been reported. Kano suggests that this is because food
resources are never in short supply.

Because of the paucity of information on pygmy chimps – there are fewer
than 50 000 left – Kano’s book provides much needed data from the wild.
Although the information is still relevant, it has taken six years to reach
us from Japan. Meanwhile, the current political climate in Zaire has worsened
the chimp’s situation.

Sanjida O’Connell researches chimpanzee behaviour, and works as a BBC
producer