A Few Weeks into the Bwindi-Sarambwe Mountain Gorilla Census: Teams Speak Out!
Blog | 15/06/25
Launched on May 6th, 2025 in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The Census teams have been thoroughly canvassing the forest searching for gorilla signs and collecting fecal samples that will be analyzed to determine the current mountain gorilla population in the ecosystem. IGCP spoke to some of the field team members and here is what they have to say about the census so far.
“During this census, I am helping with fecal sample collection. I expect to know the number of gorillas in this ecosystem, understand the microbiome of these gorillas and identify the different parasites affecting them. This makes the census a very crucial conservation exercise to me.” Zoziane Horeau Kenan Kakooza, Veterinarian Student from Makerere University.
“Braving the forest daily comes with a number of challenges. You expect anything, it could be a bee sting, snake bite or a sprained ankle. Thank God we are prepared on how to handle these challenges through intense training ahead of the census,” Arthur Abaho , Ranger – Guide , Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
“As a team leader for group one, my task goes beyond searching for nests and fecal samples. I keep the team on track in the thick forest using the map correctly, otherwise we could end up lost. I also ensure the right labelling on the fecal samples. It is such a big but worthwhile task that will help us assess the impact of our interventions on the gorillas,” Lawrence Muruhura , Laboratory Technician, Conservation Through Public Health.
“Out here in the forest, getting rained on is a very common and frequent occurance! Despite the rain and the thick steep terrain, the end result is rewarding. We will get to know if our research is contributing to the increasein the number of mountain gorillas or not,” Rowland Nuwamanya, Research Assistant, Max Planc Institute.
“It is my fourth time participating in the mountain gorilla census and it is always a different but a worthwhile experience every time. Trekking the hills, braving the rains and thick forest always pays off when the census results come out!” Alex Tugumisirize – Ranger BINP.
“Participating in the first mountain gorilla census helped me to take the bold decision to be part of all the future censuses. I am interested in knowing how our interventions are impacting the gorilla population and how we should improve depending on the findings.” Dr. Ricky Okwir Okello, Veterinian for Gorilla Doctors.
IGCP is compiling interesting stories about the experiences of the field teams and will be sharing these stories in the coming weeks.
