A new study has confirmed that female bonobos living in the wild often form coalitions to resist male aggression. This behavior was observed over a period of 30 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the only country where wild bonobos are found. Bonobos, which are one of the closest living relatives to humans, live in female-dominated groups, even though males are generally larger and stronger. According to researchers, groups of female bonobos have been seen chasing males from trees to gain access to food. The study was published in Communications Biology and led by a research team from Harvard University. The findings suggest that cooperation among females plays an essential role in shaping the social structure of bonobo groups.

The study explained how female bonobos, even those not closely related, join forces to defend against male violence and increase their social status. It was noted that female solidarity helps individuals rise in the social hierarchy. The research team emphasized that this is a rare example in the animal kingdom where females gain dominance through collective action. Biological anthropologists stated that the study supports the theory that early human ancestors might have used similar coalitions to build and maintain power. These findings highlight the evolutionary significance of collaboration, emphasize the importance of mutual support in animal societies, and provide valuable insights into the development of complex social behavior. The study’s implications are considered profound, as they may reshape understanding of gender roles in both animal and human history.