Mountain Gorilla census launched for Bwindi and Sarambwe ecosystem on the 6 May 2025
Juvenal
May 7, 2025
5:55 pm
0 comments
The evening of Ruhija, on the edge of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park where partners on Mountain Gorilla census are gathered for the Launch of Mountain Gorilla. Photo Juvenal M, May 5, 2025.
The Mountain Gorilla Census is a survey that has been periodically conducted to determine the minimum number of individual habituated and non-habituated mountain gorillas in Virunga massif and Bwindi-Sarambwe Landscape. The census of mountain gorillas also helps us to understand the population dynamics, including changes in gorilla group composition and sizes, as well as solitary males.
In addition, this survey provides the opportunity to determine levels of human disturbance as well as the status of other large mammals in the landscape. The results from the census enable us to assess the success of all conservation efforts aimed at protecting mountain gorillas and its habitats, as well as to ensure that they receive continue attention from the global conservation community.
Currently, under the overall coordination of GVTC, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), in collaboration with census partners, is conducting the sixth survey of the mountain gorillas and the inaugural census of chimpanzees in the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem.
Partners on Mountain Gorilla census in the Greater Virunga Landscape in consultation before the Launch of the Gorilla census. May 5, 2025.
The survey aims to determine the minimum population of mountain gorillas and estimate the population of chimpanzees. It also provides an opportunity to assess levels of human disturbance and the status of other large mammals in the ecosystem.
Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya, GVTC Executive Secretary of The Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, during the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
CTO RDB and GVTC Board Chair, during the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Dr. Musinguzi, ED of UWA, during the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Mr Wellard Makambo, Director of IGCP, during the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Mr. James Byamukama during the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Officials from UWA-RDB-GVTC and International Conservation NGOs flagging off the the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Officials from UWA-RDB-GVTC and International Conservation NGOs flagging off the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
CTO of RDB and GVTC Board Chair ith the rangers from Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda in Ruhija, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park for the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Mr. Prosper Uwingeli, the Chief Warden of Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Mr. Fidele Ruzigandekwe, Deputy Executive Secretary for Programs of GVTC, on the occasion of the launch of the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Officials from UWA-RDB-GVTC-IGCP-ITFC and CTPH with women rangers on the occasion of the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
GVTC Executive Secretary, Dr. Andrew G. Seguya, Ms. Irene Murerwa, Chief Tourism Officer of Rwanda Development Board and GVTC Board Chair as well as Mr. Charles Tumwesigye, Deputy Director of Uganda Wildlife Authority on the occasion of the sixth Mountain Gorilla Census and the Inaugural Chimpanzees census in the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape, on 6th May 2025. Credit: Juvenal M, GVTC
Below is the list of the partners involved in this census, and they have signed the Memorandum of understanding for that purpose:
It is important to note that Sarambwe is a wildlife reserve located in the Democratic Republic of Congo, contiguous to the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park of Uganda, one of the two habitats of Mountain Gorillas in the world ( Virunga Massif and Bwindi-Sarambwe landscapes).
Report by Juvenal Mukeshimana
GVTC Program Assistant
Latest Updates
What threatens biodiversity conservation in the Greater Virunga Landscape ?
Mountain Gorilla census launched for Bwindi and Sarambwe ecosystem on the 6 May 2025
