Chimpanzee's Diet & Habitat

Science tells us that chimpanzees are the closest cousin to humanity, sharing much of our DNA and many physical and personality traits. Chimps are smaller than humans at 4 feet and 90 to 120 lbs., but have many of the same needs. Their habitats across the world reflect those needs.

Family Groups

Like humans, chimpanzees keep their relatives close, living in family groups that can number up to several dozen chimps. These groups consist of many females and their offspring and several males. These are male-driven societies, with one dominant male in the group. Each chimp fends for itself in adulthood, though cooperation in hunting and gathering is common.

Habitats

Chimps have adapted to habitats throughout the world. They live in tropical jungles, woodlands and grassland, and adapt to the environment in which they live. Chimpanzees require plentiful sources of food and water, with trees and grasses in which they can hide, play and sleep. Because they can fall prey to large predators like leopards and tigers, chimps need protection when they are sleeping or young.

Geography

Chimpanzees are found in various different locations worldwide. Habitats include central and western Africa, Senegal, Tanzia and along the Zaire River. All of these areas provide the humid environment favored by the chimps.

Diet

Chimps are omnivorous: they eat both plants and animals. Their diets consist of fruit, plants, roots, nuts, berries, insects, eggs and meat. These primates generally eat meat in the form of carrion, though they have been known to kill other animals. According to National Geographic, chimpanzees are very clever with both tools and weapons in regard to accessing food.

Famous Ties

The habitat and lifestyle of the chimpanzee was brought to national attention in 1985, when Jane Goodall published 25 years' worth of research and observation on the animal. Godall has spent over 30 years living on and off with chimpanzees in the wild, photographing and videoing the animals to educate the public and work toward the conservation of chimpanzees.