The long-awaited 2018 gorilla census results in Bwindi Impenetrable forest National Park are finally out! Interestingly, Bwindi Forest has achieved an increase in the population of gorilla numbers, which calls for a celebration. The good news was recently unveiled by the outgoing minister of tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Prof Ephraim at the Kampala Serena International Conference. The new census results indicate that gorilla in the Bwindi forest has risen from 400 individuals as of the 2011 gorilla census results to 459 which is a great achievement. Bwindi Forest mountain gorillas live in 50 groups and 13 individuals, which makes this impenetrable forest a first-stop center for gorilla safaris in Africa. Uganda is home to 51% of the world’s mountain gorillas dwelling in the rain forests of Mgahinga and Bwindi impenetrable forest National parks.
Gorilla census results in Bwindi add up to the recently announced 2015/2016-gorilla census in the Virunga Massif, which adds up to 604 gorillas. the whole world now has a total of 1,063 mountain gorillas shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The 2018 gorilla census is the 5th count in Bwindi Forest, which for the first included Sarambwe Nature reserve. Gorilla counting in Bwindi started from the eastern end of the forest and ended in the Sarambwe nature reserve west of Bwindi Forest. Minister Ephraim Kamuntu was lauded for his tireless efforts for gorilla conservation, which has seen the number of this endangered species rise. Also, sensitization programs have helped to reduce human-wildlife conflicts promoting human-wildlife relationships.
Who did gorilla counting in Bwindi Forest?
Well, the gorilla census is a long process, which requires a big team. In this case, a team of 75 trained park wardens and survey members were put together to carry out this task. Members were divided into 6 teams and located a 250-500 meter stretch each. Local governments, Uganda wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board and local communities adjacent to the park supported these. These teams moved at standard intervals at agreed times in shifts of 2 weeks each. These people would follow up with the gorillas in the jungle collecting gorilla fecal matter, which were preserved for genetic analysis. At the end of the set periods, all team members gathered, combined the results and compiled the final report regarding gorilla numbers.
Challenges of gorilla counting
It’s undeniable that several challenges are encountered when doing gorilla counting. A walk through Bwindi Forest is quite changing provided the impenetrable nature of the forest
Great thanks to the great team who persevered through challenging rugged terrain, floods, twigs and insect, slippery forest grounds and cold forest weather.
Many people from all over the world attended the meeting to reveal the new census results. These include Kazauaki, Japanese Ambassador to Uganda, Mr James Lutalo, the director of tourism, Suubi Kiwanda, the director of tourism, Doreen Katusime, the permanent secretary, Dr. Gladys Kalema, the executive secretary at greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, Professor Robert Bitariho from Mbarara University, Sam Mawanda, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Great thanks go to the government and international organizations without which gorilla conservation would be a challenge. Among the recognized conservation organizations include the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP), the Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC), Institut Congolais Pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Gorilla Doctors, and UC Davis among others. These organizations have worked together to promote the conservation of endangered mountain gorillas to promote sustainable gorilla tourism.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda
The fact that Uganda is home to the highest population of mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking is the major tourist activity that attracts the highest number of travelers to the pearl of Africa. Interestingly, Uganda gorilla tours are cheaper costing $700 for each permit compared to $1500 in Rwanda. More so, Kigali to Bwindi Gorilla trekking has made it possible for budget travelers to fly into Rwanda and trek gorillas in Uganda at affordable rates in the shortest time possible. Uganda gorilla permits can be bought directly from Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) or Africa Adventure Safaris, the number gorilla tour company in Uganda.
Other tourist attractions in Uganda
Besides mountain gorillas, the pearl of Africa has much more to offer for travelers on a Uganda safari. Uganda is also home to numerous chimpanzees, big five game, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and butterflies among others. A combination of these makes a complete Uganda safari package offering you a memorable Uganda safari experience.
The increase of mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National park is an achievement that will see gorilla tours in Uganda flourish. Book a Uganda gorilla safari today, trek gorillas in Bwindi forest/Mgahinga Gorilla national parks and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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