New Gorilla Census in Bwindi
A team of scientists has found that nearly 300 gorillas are still living
in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A similar number (290-310) had
also been found during the period of 1987 to 1993 when all groups were
identified and monitored by Thomas Butynski and his team.
The new census, conducted in October and November 1997 by WCS (Wildlife
Conservation Society), IGCP (International Gorilla Conservation
Programme), ITFC (Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation)
and UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), resulted in 292 gorillas from
28 groups, along with 7 lone silverback males. The researchers followed
trails and counted nests. To reduce the possibility of missing groups
or counting them twice, more survey teams were used than in the past,
and the counting took place over a shorter period of time. They also collected
hairs from every nest for DNA fingerprinting, to confirm that no groups
were counted twice, and to understand the genetic differences between
the populations in Bwindi and the Virungas. Teams consisted of national
park staff from Uganda, Rwanda, and D. R. Congo as well as visiting scientists
from conservation organisations.
Photo:
Jane Dewar
Rwandisa, a habituated male in Bwindi
Update: During a new census in January to March 2002, a team of researchers counted about 320 gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.