11.04.2026 11:30
The Ngogo group, one of the largest wild chimpanzee communities in the world located in Uganda, has split into two. In the violent conflicts that began after the split, at least 28 chimpanzees have lost their lives. Footage of the "Chimpanzee War," which has astonished the world, has emerged.
The Ngogo group, known as the largest wild chimpanzee community in the world, living in Kibale National Park in Uganda, has permanently split into two. A comprehensive study published in the journal Science revealed that violent conflicts have occurred following this separation.
30 YEARS OF MONITORING: SPLIT BECAME INEVITABLE
Researchers have been continuously monitoring the Ngogo community since 1995. At its peak, the community consisted of about 200 individuals and lived for many years within a flexible social structure known as "fission-fusion." However, the separation that began in 2015 gradually turned into a permanent split.
VIOLENCE ESCALATED, 28 CHIMPANZEES DIED
By 2018, the ties between the two groups had completely severed, and aggression rapidly increased. The Western group, in particular, organized attacks against the Central group. The study found that chimpanzees were bitten, dragged, and beaten; the violence was mostly perpetrated by adult males.
In the initial phase, 24 chimpanzees, including 7 adult males and 17 infants, lost their lives. With subsequent attacks, the total death toll rose to 28.
TRIGGERING REASONS FOR THE SPLIT
Scientists emphasize that food scarcity is not the root cause of the split. According to the research, the community fragmented due to its size becoming unsustainable.
John Mitani from the University of Michigan stated, "The group reached a size where individuals could no longer stay together." Experts noted that hierarchical changes within the group, the deaths of key individuals, and increasing competition also accelerated this process.
RARE EVENT OCCURRING ONCE IN 500 YEARS
According to the research, such permanent splits among chimpanzees occur approximately once every 500 years. The Ngogo case stands out as one of the clearest examples of this process observed under natural conditions.
FOOTAGE EMERGED
Meanwhile, footage of the "Chimpanzee War," which has captured global attention, has also emerged.