coming across bonobos who are still alive is always a relief for livia wittiger and her team. >> the bonobo is an endangered species only found in the democratic republic of congo. the bonobo population here in the rainforest numbers between 20,000 and 50,000. they live in just a few pockets of the forest. the main threat they face is loss of habitat due to farming and forest clearing. a further problem is bushmeat hunting. bonobos are still eaten. >> guy tshiwamba is the wwf conservation project's local coordinator. if the rainforests aren't protected, their riches are highly vulnerable to exploitation. the environmentalist wants to ensure that there is enough natural habitat for the bonobos in the long term. >> we've been working here on bonobo conservation in the malebo region for ten years, including getting them used to a human presence. as well as this long-term project, we're working closely with timber companies in the area, a local cattle farm, and local communities. these combined efforts are designed to provide maximum protection of biodiversity, including the bonobos. >>