Killing chimps is prohibited throughout the entire country, however those close to the Liberian border are exposed to poaching. One community of chimps which ranges in a 27km2 area has been the focus of intensive study. Chimps were also reported seen many times in the area of the Comoe River in gallery forest south of Comoe National Park. Density is probably low as the habitat is rather arid.
Chimpanzees are rare and found in pockets of forest throughout the country.
Chimps were confirmed living at Bafing River in the southwest part of the country in 1984. Given an economic incentive to hunt them, the entire population could be eliminated very quickly as they live in close proximity with people. The Bafing River chimps are the most marginally-living community in terms of the aridity of their habitat, and their protection should be a priority. No good estimate of the country's chimp population is available, and a thorough survey of Senegal Oriental is needed. A nationwide survey in 1980 estimated the population to be around 2000 chimpanzees.