UWA to conduct gorilla census in Bwindi

JOB OKOT

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) shall carry out a census of gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to ascertain the actual number of the animals that live there.

The park is home to more than 50% of the total mountain gorilla population in the world.

The new census is aimed at assessing their numbers and document information on poaching and other illegal activities.

 

This is the fourth gorilla census being conducted since Bwindi was gazetted a national park in 1991 and declared a Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1994.

The first census of 1997 revealed that there are 300 gorillas and it is anticipated that the numbers have grown over the years.

According to Christopher Masaba, the in-charge of Mgahinga gorilla national park, UWA wants to find out if there is an increase in the number of gorillas and ensure their survival.

"This census aims at finding accurate population figures by using advanced technologies and DNA samples, unlike previous years’ findings, which were arrived at through estimations. The new gorilla census is looking at investigating every aspect surrounding the lives of gorillas so as to implement tactics to help protect and conserve mountain gorilla populations," he said.

Gorilla tracking is a major source of revenue for government and contributes more than half of UWA’s budget.