Acomprehensive census of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem has officially commenced.
The exercise, led by the Jane Goodall Institute and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)a coalition of Conservation International, Fauna & Flora, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) aims to assess the population of chimpanzees in the region, the only known area where endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans coexist.
Ivan Tumuhimbise, World Wild Fund Country Director, emphasized that the census is not only about counting primates but also about enhancing local scientific expertise. “This initiative will reduce reliance on foreign laboratories and set a benchmark for self-sustaining conservation efforts,” he said.
According to Tumuhimbise ,the survey will include a full count of chimpanzees, another critically endangered great ape species sharing the habitat with mountain gorillas. Six teams, comprising staff from 11 institutions, have begun systematically scouring the rugged terrain for gorilla signs, including nests and fecal samples.
”Unlike previous count where samples were sent abroad, this years edition of the study will be conducted within the region. We have built the necessary capacity in terms of human resources and equipment to process samples locally,” Tumuhimbise explained.
Bruno Ssemaganda, WWF Chief Operations Officer, said that the exercise will cost sh 3.5 billion adding the findings will help mitigate the impacts of climate change on the primates and their habitat.
Gorilla censuses are typically conducted every five years. The last count, held in 2018, recorded 459 gorillas. A follow-up census planned for 2023 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Uganda is a popular destination for gorilla trekking safaris, offering opportunities to see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Two main destinations are Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. Bwindi is the more popular choice due to its larger gorilla population and better infrastructure