This week marked a significant milestone in primate conservation efforts within East Africa as the first joint census of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the Bwindi–Sarambwe ecosystem was launched in Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda. Spearheaded by the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC), the initiative underscores an unprecedented level of regional cooperation and scientific advancement in wildlife monitoring.
The launch event was officiated by the Chief Tourism Officer of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Ms. Irène Murerwa, who also chairs the Greater Virunga Board. She was joined by Dr. James Musinguzi, Executive Director of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), in flagging off a 60-member team of highly trained professionals who will carry out the census. This team will be responsible for traversing the thick forests of the Bwindi–Sarambwe region over the course of six months, collecting vital data on two of the area’s most iconic and endangered primate species—mountain gorillas and chimpanzees.
This census is groundbreaking in several respects. Notably, it is the first to include chimpanzees in the monitoring of the Bwindi–Sarambwe landscape, an area already internationally recognized for its mountain gorilla population. Furthermore, for the first time, the entire process—from planning and implementation to genetic analysis—will be conducted entirely within the region. DNA samples collected during the census will be analyzed in laboratories located in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwanda’s Musanze District, a testament to the growing scientific capacity and autonomy of conservation institutions in the Greater Virunga Landscape.
The operation is being led by GVTC with the support of numerous regional and international conservation partners. This collaboration exemplifies the power of cross-border partnerships in addressing shared environmental challenges and reinforces the Greater Virunga Landscape’s reputation as a model for transboundary conservation.
The results of this census are highly anticipated. The last comprehensive population assessments conducted in 2016 and 2017 recorded a combined total of 1,063 mountain gorillas across the Bwindi–Sarambwe and Virunga Massif regions. These figures were seen as a sign of success in the global effort to protect the critically endangered species. With the inclusion of chimpanzees and the use of advanced, regionally managed genetic analysis, the current census is expected to provide a richer and more accurate picture of primate populations and their habitats.
Once the census in Bwindi–Sarambwe is completed, the focus will shift to the Virunga Massif, another stronghold of mountain gorillas and an integral part of the Greater Virunga Landscape. The data gathered will not only inform conservation strategies but also support ecotourism development and transboundary policy planning.
As threats such as habitat loss and climate change continue to challenge conservation progress, initiatives like this demonstrate the commitment of regional institutions and stakeholders to safeguarding Africa’s unique wildlife heritage for future generations.
