The chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes, is one of humanity’s closest living relatives, sharing over 98% of its DNA with humans. The species is native exclusively to the African continent, confined to a belt across equatorial Africa. Understanding the specific geographic locations of these primates is important for scientific study and conservation efforts, as their populations are under increasing pressure. Their distribution is highly fragmented and varies significantly depending on the specific subspecies.
General Distribution Across Africa
The geographic range of the common chimpanzee stretches discontinuously across a broad swathe of equatorial Africa. This range extends from the western coast in Senegal eastward to Uganda and Tanzania, spanning approximately 10 degrees north to 8 degrees south of the equator. This vast area is not a single contiguous habitat, but a series of fragmented populations separated by large rivers, dry savannas, and human development.
The distribution is generally divided into two primary regions: West Africa and Central Africa. This fragmentation is a defining characteristic of the species’ current status, reflecting historical climate changes and geographical barriers that led to the evolution of distinct populations. The species’ presence covers portions of 21 African countries, though they have been extirpated from several westernmost countries in their historical range.
The Four Subspecies and Their Geographic Homes
The common chimpanzee is recognized as having four distinct subspecies, each occupying a specific, non-overlapping geographic area:
Western Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus)
The Western Chimpanzee is found across the West African region, spanning eight countries. Populations are concentrated in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, which are considered strongholds for the subspecies. Smaller, fragmented populations also exist in:
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Ghana
- Guinea-Bissau
- Mali
- Senegal
This subspecies has already been lost from three countries in its historical range: Benin, Burkina Faso, and Togo.
Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti)
This subspecies has the most restricted geographic range. Its distribution is confined to forested areas along the border region between Nigeria and Cameroon. The range is bounded by the Cross River in the west and the Sanaga River in the east, which acts as a natural barrier isolating it from the Central Chimpanzee. Within Nigeria, populations are found in isolated patches, including the Cross River National Park and Gashaka-Gumti National Park.
Central Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes troglodytes)
The Central Chimpanzee occupies the heart of the Congo Basin in Central Africa. This subspecies is found across multiple countries, with significant populations in:
- Gabon
- The Republic of the Congo
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Cameroon (south of the Sanaga River)
- Equatorial Guinea
- The Central African Republic
- Angola
The Congo River serves as the southern limit to this subspecies’ distribution.
Eastern Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)
Eastern Chimpanzees inhabit the eastern portion of the species’ range. Their distribution spans from the eastern DRC and the Central African Republic to several East African nations. Populations are found in:
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Burundi
- Tanzania
A relict population also exists in South Sudan.
Adaptive Capacity Across Diverse Habitats
Chimpanzees exhibit a capacity for habitat adaptation, allowing them to thrive in environments ranging from lush forests to arid zones. They are unique among non-human great apes for their ability to inhabit such a wide array of landscapes. Their territories include dense tropical lowland rainforests, characterized by high humidity and continuous canopy cover.
Chimpanzees also successfully occupy dry savanna-woodland mosaics. These areas feature higher temperatures, lower rainfall, and less predictable food sources, demonstrating the species’ behavioral flexibility in foraging and tool use. Populations have also been documented in montane forests, surviving at high elevations up to 2,750 meters above sea level. This ecological diversity is supported by local genetic adaptations that help populations cope with specific environmental challenges.
Conservation Status Linked to Geographic Range
The overall conservation status of the common chimpanzee is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. However, the level of threat varies depending on the subspecies and its geographic range. The Western Chimpanzee (P. t. verus) is classified as Critically Endangered.
This Western subspecies has suffered an estimated 80% population decline over the last few decades, largely due to habitat loss and fragmentation in its West African range. The other three subspecies—the Central, Eastern, and Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzees—are all listed as Endangered. The Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee faces a high risk of extinction due to its small and geographically restricted range, making it vulnerable to localized threats like poaching and agricultural expansion. Linking conservation status directly to geographic location provides a framework for targeted international efforts.