No reliable estimates of total numbers are yet available. Detailed knowledge of Bonobo populations is difficult to obtain, largely because of the problems of survey work in forest habitats.
Bonobos exist in scattered populations over an extensive area.
It is not known if any region supports exceptionally dense populations. Speculative estimates based on extrapolation of Chimpanzee densities to areas of Bonobo habitat suggest a total of 100,000-200,000. However, estimates based on field study suggest that fewer than 25,000 and more likely 10,000 to 20,000 survive in areas of suitable habitat.