Chimpanzee sightings in Mgahinga thrill conservationists

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The wildlife appeal of Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest continues to grow.

Already renowned for its mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and rich birdlife, the region can now add chimpanzees to its growing list of attractions—recently confirmed in the adjacent Mgahinga National Park.

This significant development was announced by Wellad Makambo, managing director of the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), during the launch of a joint primate census currently underway across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“We anticipate an increase in Mountain Gorilla numbers,” said Makambo.

“But just as importantly, we are working to confirm and study the presence of Chimpanzees in the Virunga Ranges. Understanding how chimpanzees thrive in areas where gorillas cannot will offer valuable insights for conservation. The census is comprehensive, gathering data on population size, sex ratios, DNA, and the number of infants per group.”

Chimpanzees have been observed on the Earth Ranger surveillance system in the park, and have also been encountered by rangers and Mountain Gorilla trackers.

“Chimpanzees are slender and graceful. Mountain gorillas, on the other hand, are significantly larger and stronger. They have more pronounced muscles and a broader build,” says Makambo.

The ongoing transboundary census is part of a broader initiative to conserve the entire Virunga landscape.

This ecologically diverse region straddles the three countries and holds immense potential for sustainable tourism.

“This kind of cross-border conservation is a game changer,” said Irene Mwerwerwe, CEO of the Rwanda Tourism Board.

“With the unique draw of Mountain Gorillas, the Greater Virunga Transboundary Conservation Area can triple regional tourist arrivals. Environmental cooperation is no longer optional—it is essential.”

Uganda Wildlife Authority executive director James Musinguzi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical importance of regional cooperation.

“The greatest threats to wildlife remain poaching, disease, insecurity, and human encroachment,” Musinguzi said.

“This discovery comes at a time when 60 percent of Uganda’s wildlife conservation revenue is generated through primate-based tourism. Conservation in the Virunga region must be done collaboratively, with coordinated patrols and unified strategies.”

Peter Apel of the Jane Goodall Institute added a fascinating detail from ongoing research: “There are chimpanzees in the region that build nests in trees, and others that make them on the ground. I hope this census will help demystify these behaviours and reveal more about their adaptation.”

With the presence of Chimpanzees now confirmed in Mgahinga, the region is well positioned to elevate its global standing as a premier destination for primate tourism and conservation research.