Chimpanzees, known by the scientific name Pan troglodytes, face numerous threats, including poaching and the loss of their natural habitat in Burundi. These species play a crucial role in the forest ecosystem as pollinators. However, chimpanzees in Burundi face several major challenges. These were the words of environmental protectors at a conference organized on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, on the occasion of the celebration of World Chimpanzee Day, celebrated every year on July 14.

The Kibira forest, the main refuge of chimpanzees in Burundi, has been severely reduced over the decades. It went from 900 km² to 400 km² due to the expansion of tea plantations in the 1970s. This deforestation and fragmentation pose significant threats to chimpanzees because their habitats are disturbed and their ability to move and reproduce is limited. Apart from the Kibira forest, those of Vyanda, Makamba, Rukambasi and Rukonwe are also environments that shelter these primates.