Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) in collaboration with International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) and national park authorities have begun a new scientific survey to count mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
The survey launched on Tuesday May 07 2025 at Ruhija, on the Southern Sector of Bwindi National Park in Bwindi National Park, aims to provide an accurate estimate of the gorilla population and track changes since the last census in 2018.
Leaders from IGCP and GVTC emphasized the importance of this cross-border collaboration in strengthening conservation strategies.
“It is always an honor for IGCP to spearhead the mountain gorilla census process. Working closely with the mountain gorilla range countries and other partners, we look forward to delivering a comprehensive census that will contribute to the conservation of mountain gorillas,” said Wellard Makambo, IGCP Director.
The new census will also assess the overall health of the gorillas’ habitat, tracking any illegal activities and vegetation changes that may affect the gorillas.
According to Dr Andrew Sseguya, Executive Secretary of the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration, this survey will give essential information on how to improve protection strategies and ensure the long-term survival of the mountain gorillas in the wild.
“This is a great example of how cooperation across borders and institutions can make a real difference in conservation efforts,” Sseguya said.
The survey will involve six teams from 11 participating institutions, who will search for signs of mountain gorillas and record nest sites.
For the first time, genetic analysis of the collected samples will be conducted locally, which will reduce logistical costs and help build local expertise.
Nelson Guma, Chief Park Warden for Bwindi – Mgahinga Conservation Area, highlighted the significance of the census in assess the effectiveness of our conservation strategies and the health of the mountain gorilla populations.
“The results will also provide us with valuable insights for planning and improving our protection measures,” Guma stated.
The results, to be released in 2026, will provide critical insights not only into gorilla conservation but also into broader biodiversity management. The census also includes the region’s first-ever count of chimpanzees, underscoring Bwindi-Sarambwe’s status as a global conservation priority.
