Partners launch gorilla and chimpanzee census in Uganda’s Bwindi Forest
Mountain gorillas play a significant role in the Ugandan economy, primarily through tourism, particularly gorilla trekking
ENTEBBE, May 17, 2025 –– The Uganda Wildlife Authority [UWA] has launched a scientific census to determine the population of mountain gorillas and chimpanzees in the densely forested Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located in the Kigezi Highlands of south-western Uganda.
The census, which commenced days ago , is being carried out in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature [WWF], the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration [GVTC], and the local communities.
The census to cost Shs 3.6 billion aims to assess the current status of endangered primates within the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem – one of only two natural habitats in the world for mountain gorillas. For the first time, the census will include a comprehensive count of chimpanzees across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo [DRC], marking a historic transboundary conservation effort.
WWF Uganda Country Director, Ivan Tumuhimbise, announced that at least six field teams from 11 institutions have begun systematically tracking signs of gorillas throughout Bwindi Forest. The teams are recording nests and collecting faecal samples for genetic analysis to estimate population numbers, while also assessing group demographics such as age and sex ratios.
“This census is a critical tool for understanding how the population has evolved since the last count in 2018,” said Tumuhimbise. “It will also provide essential data on habitat conditions, illegal activities, and the presence of other large mammal species in the ecosystem.”
The last census in 2018 estimated the mountain gorilla population in Bwindi at 459 individuals, spread across 36 social groups and 16 solitary gorillas. When combined with the 2015 count in the Virunga Massif, the global population of mountain gorillas stood at 1,063.
WWF had previously pledged to strengthen local scientific capacity, which has allowed genetic analysis to be conducted within Uganda, avoiding the need to ship samples abroad.
Dr Andrew Sseguya, Executive Secretary of GVTC, praised the census as a milestone in regional cooperation for wildlife conservation.
“Collaboration has been the cornerstone of efforts to safeguard the endangered mountain gorilla, and this exercise affirms the power of working together across borders,” he said.
Nelson Guma, Chief Park Warden of the Bwindi-Mgahinga Conservation Area, underscored the importance of the census in shaping future conservation strategies.
The final results are expected in 2026.
Mountain gorillas play a significant role in the Ugandan economy, primarily through tourism, particularly gorilla trekking. They contribute significantly to Uganda’s tourism sector, which accounts for about 7.7 percent of the gross domestic product [GDP].
Gorilla trekking, a popular wildlife experience, generates substantial revenue, including permit fees that can reach US$ 700 per person. These fees contribute to conservation efforts, park management, and community development projects.
Tourism revenue
Gorilla trekking is a major draw for international tourists, bringing in millions of dollars annually. In 2019, over 50,000 visitors came to Uganda for gorilla trekking, generating over US$ 34 million in revenue.
Economic impact on communities
The revenue generated from gorilla tourism benefits communities near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These communities receive a percentage of tourism income, which helps fund projects that support their livelihoods.
Conservation efforts
The high permit fees and revenue from gorilla tourism are crucial for protecting endangered species and maintaining the integrity of forest ecosystems. Gorilla trekking helps raise funds for conservation efforts, such as anti-poaching patrols and community programmes.
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