The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), in collaboration with the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and other regional partners, has officially launched the sixth mountain gorilla census\u2014and for the first time ever, a chimpanzee census\u2014in the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The comprehensive scientific survey began on Tuesday, May 8, 2025, and is expected to continue for over six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This dual census aims to update population data for mountain gorillas and, for the first time, gather critical baseline information on chimpanzees inhabiting the same forest ecosystem. The initiative marks a significant step forward in integrated monitoring and conservation planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last mountain gorilla census, conducted in 2018, recorded 459 individuals in 36 social groups and 16 solitary gorillas in the Bwindi-Sarambwe region. Combined with data from the 2015 Virunga Massif census, the global mountain gorilla population was estimated at 1,063 individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnlike previous censuses where samples were analyzed abroad, this time genetic analyses will be conducted regionally\u2014strengthening local capacity in both equipment and expertise,\u201d said Jean-Paul Hirwa, Deputy Director of IGCP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Six field teams from 11 institutions have already begun traversing the forest to collect fecal samples for DNA analysis, identify nesting sites, and document other physical signs of gorilla presence. Conducting analyses locally is expected to both accelerate the process and enhance regional scientific capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis census will provide vital data on the age and sex structure of the population and the spatial distribution of gorilla groups,\u201d said Wellard Makambo, Director of IGCP. \u201cThese insights are crucial for effective conservation strategies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The launch event, held in the Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, brought together conservation stakeholders from across the region, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe census is a purely scientific endeavor, free of political interests. We must remain united in protecting our shared natural heritage,\u201d said Ir\u00e8ne Murerwa, Chairperson of GVTC and Chief Tourism Officer at the Rwanda Development Board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uganda, which is home to nearly half of the world\u2019s remaining mountain gorillas, plays a pivotal role in global conservation efforts. The census provides an opportunity to evaluate the impact of past interventions and guide future strategies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t manage what you don\u2019t know,\u201d said Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of UWA. \u201cThis survey allows us to assess the effectiveness of our conservation efforts. The numbers will show whether our strategies are working.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Musinguzi also emphasized the census as a platform for enhancing technical collaboration among conservation institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt will help us identify gaps, target areas needing more attention, and make informed decisions based on empirical evidence,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For local conservation leaders, the census goes beyond population numbers\u2014it serves as an indicator of ecosystem health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt will provide insight into the integrity of protected areas as critical habitats for endangered mountain gorillas,\u201d said Nelson Guma, Chief Warden of the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final census results are expected in 2026 and will offer an updated benchmark for both regional and global conservation planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a notable first, this year\u2019s effort includes a dedicated survey of chimpanzees in the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem. This expansion reflects a growing commitment to multi-species conservation and a broader understanding of ecosystem dynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis census will assess habitat conditions and identify key threats to chimpanzees,\u201d said Dr. James Byamukama, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute. \u201cExpanding our conservation focus to include other primates is both timely and necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By integrating chimpanzee data, conservationists aim to prioritize interventions not only for flagship species like the mountain gorilla but also for lesser-known, equally vulnerable primates that share these vital forest habitats.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), in collaboration with the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and other regional partners, has officially launched the sixth mountain gorilla census\u2014and for the first time ever, a chimpanzee census\u2014in the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem. The comprehensive scientific survey began on Tuesday, May 8, 2025, and is expected […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4135,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4134","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n