Gorilla, Chimpanzee Census Kicks Off in Bwindi
In collaboration with Uganda Wildlife Authority, the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) and other partners. The World Wide Fund for Nature have begun a new count of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
At the same time with the same partners, the first ever chimpanzee census will be carried out in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo.
This census was launched on May 5th 2025, the new scientific count intends to provide a robust estimate of the number of mountain gorillas living in the impenetrable forests of Bwindi, and an indication of how the population has changed since the previous census which was carried out in 2018, It will also help determine the number of chimpanzees in the three countries, Uganda, Rwanda and DR.Congo.
Ivan Tumuhimbise, the WWF Country Director said “The exercise has seen six teams comprising of staff from 11 participating institutions start systematically moving on foot through Bwindi for signs of mountain gorillas, recording their nests and picking fecal samples to be used for genetic analysis.”
This census is to take place in the Bwindi – Sarambwe, one of the two natural habitats on earth where mountain gorillas can be found.
The previous mountain gorilla census was carried out in this same area in 2018 and resulted in an estimate of 459 individuals in 36 social groups and 16 solitary mountain gorillas. Together with the Virunga Census results of 2015 and the Bwindi Census of 2018, brought the global population of mountain gorillas to 1,063 individuals.
According to the speech of WWF Country Director “the census will also provide information in demographics (age and sex ratio) within the Bwindi – Sarambwe population, and the location of groups in relation to each other within the ecosystem, on illegal activities, vegetation dynamic in the gorilla habitat of Bwindi, and the status of other large mammals.
He continued to note that unlike before, the last census will see genetic analysis of the samples carried out within the region.
Previously, the samples were flown to the US for analysis.
Ahimbisibwe said “This will not only reduce logistics for shipping samples but also contribute to local capacity building in terms of equipment and personnel”.
Dr. Andrew Sseguya – The Executive Secretary of the Great Virunga Transboundary Collaboration described the census as a true testament to the strength of collaboration. He said “Collaboration has been at the heart of efforts to save the endangered mountain gorillas.”
Data and sample collection and analysis will continue through 2025 and results from the count will be released in 2026.
According to the Chief Park Warden for Bwindi – Mgahinga Conservation area in Uganda, Nelson Guma – this census exercise is an important exercise in terms of conservation. He continue to say “It is an important exercise that measures our success in conserving the endangered mountain gorillas as a flagship species for our protected areas. It will also tell us about the integrity of the protected areas as critical habitats for survival of the endangered mountain gorillas. It is further an opportunity to share our experience of conducting the mountain gorilla census and enhance methodologies that can be adopted by other gorilla rage states as a best practice. The results will be significant for planning and enhancing strategies for sustainable gorilla conservation.”
Conservationists hope that the census results for this year depict an increase population for mountain gorillas, as a sign of tremendous conservation efforts over the years.
Gorilla, Chimpanzee Census Kicks Off in Bwindi