The report from the International Gorilla Conservation Programme has indicated a consistent rise in the population of mountain gorillas over the past thirty years.
As stated in the report unveiled today (September 23, 2024), at the Skyz Hotel, in Naguru, a Kampala suburb in Nakawa Division, the population has increased from 250 individuals in 1991 to 1,063 currently.
Due to this upward trend in numbers, mountain gorillas have been reclassified from “Critically Endangered” to now “Endangered” species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
The report indicates that the Bwindi-Sarambwe region is now home to 459 gorillas, while the Virunga Massif hosts 604 gorillas, resulting in a global total of 1,063 gorillas.
The report was published by the International Gorilla Conservation Program in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature Uganda (WWF), Fauna & Flora International, and Conservation International.
It further highlights the impact of three decades of continuous efforts and collaboration that have led to the recovery of the only great ape species in the world that is not experiencing a significant decline.
“Since 1991, the international Gorilla conservation programme a coalition of three leading nature conservation organizations which includes ; conservation international, Fauna & Flora, and WWF working closely with many local, regional and international partners across the mountain gorilla range, has recorded remarkable successes and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges along its journey” said Wellard Makambo, IGCP Director.
Adding that: “We have worked tirelessly for over three decades, innovating and adapting our approaches to support mountain gorilla conservation at the population and trans-boundary landscape levels, working to support and enhance the capacity of individuals and institutions across international boarders”.
He stated that over the past thirty years, the IGCP, in partnership with protected area authorities and various collaborators, has led initiatives for mountain gorilla censuses and numerous ecological surveys, encompassing all stages from planning and coordination to implementation and result publication.
Makambo emphasized that this investment has empowered conservationists to track gorilla population trends and gain insights into their ecology and the challenges they encounter, thereby facilitating more effective and focused conservation efforts.
Furthermore, he noted that the IGCP has fostered opportunities for local communities to gain direct benefits from mountain gorilla conservation, enabling them to take on stewardship roles in conservation efforts, enhancing their livelihoods, improving access to essential resources such as freshwater, and assisting in the management and mitigation of conflicts between humans and wildlife.
According to the IGCP report, numerous accomplishments have been realized; however, this journey has not been devoid of obstacles.
It points out that both established and emerging threats, such as poaching, habitat degradation, political unrest, disease, and infrastructure expansion, continue to jeopardize the long-term survival of mountain gorillas and the communities that coexist with them.
Paul Hatanga, who represented the WWF country director, emphasized that the loss of animal habitats poses a significant challenge, occurring at an alarming rate.
He noted that as the populations of gorillas and other wildlife continue to grow, their habitats are diminishing, necessitating a unified effort to preserve the vital habitations.
Dr. Ricky Okwir Okello, a senior veterinarian specializing in gorillas, stated that the increase in gorilla populations can be attributed to ecological monitoring and health interventions, which include regular health assessments conducted by veterinary professionals and disease management strategies.
