Mbihe-Mokele, Congo ? Bonobos are known as “hippie chimps” because they make love, not war. And these gentle creatures are fast disappearing because they’re also tasty meat for Congolese.

Villagers who are illegally hunting the wiry, wizen-faced apes don’t realize how close their prey is to extinction, scientists say. Hunting can be a lucrative business, with much of the meat heading for expensive, clandestine meals at restaurants in the cities.

The animals are known for greeting rival groups with genital handshakes and sensual body rubs. Bonobo spats are swiftly settled – often with a French kiss and a quick round of sex. Despite all the sex, however, female bonobos give birth to a single infant only once every five years, making the species especially vulnerable.

The animal is native only to the vast rain forest in Congo, living high off the ground in treetop nests. As few as 5,000 may now remain in Congo, down from an estimated 100,000 in 1984, said Ino Guabini, a primatologist with the World Wildlife Fund.