Uganda losing gorillas to Rwanda
Apr 16, 2005
UGANDA is losing hope on the possible return of a group of habituated gorillas that crossed from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park into Rwanda about six months ago.
By Gerald Tenywa
UGANDA is losing hope on the possible return of a group of habituated gorillas that crossed from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park into Rwanda about six months ago.
according to wildlife sources, the Nyakagezi group of habituated gorillas comprising 11 members, have always crossed to DR Congo and would return after a few days, but had not been to Rwanda for some time.
The gorillas crossed to Rwanda in October last year and their delayed return has raised concerns among conservation authorities.
Moses Mapesa, the acting head of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said the return of peace to the Rwanda part of the park could have attracted the apes.
He dismissed allegations that UWA’s counterparts in Rwanda accosted the gorillas to undermine Uganda’s gorilla tourism.
He said UWA’s investigations had revealed that tourists were not viewing the gorillas and that they were convinced that there is no foul play. UWA works with wildlife institutions under the International Gorilla Conservation Programme that encourages research and promotes research and the welfare of the gorillas.
Habituation is a delicate process through which gorillas get used to the presence of human beings without losing their wild character. Uganda has four groups of habituated gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.
The country also harbours half of the population of mountain gorillas estimated at 670 and that the rest keep roaming the Virungas that straddle the three countries.
Mountain gorillas are listed on the red data list of the World Conservation Union as endangered species unless something is done to protect their habitat.
UGANDA is losing hope on the possible return of a group of habituated gorillas that crossed from Mgahinga Gorilla National Park into Rwanda about six months ago.
according to wildlife sources, the Nyakagezi group of habituated gorillas comprising 11 members, have always crossed to DR Congo and would return after a few days, but had not been to Rwanda for some time.
The gorillas crossed to Rwanda in October last year and their delayed return has raised concerns among conservation authorities.
Moses Mapesa, the acting head of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), said the return of peace to the Rwanda part of the park could have attracted the apes.
He dismissed allegations that UWA’s counterparts in Rwanda accosted the gorillas to undermine Uganda’s gorilla tourism.
He said UWA’s investigations had revealed that tourists were not viewing the gorillas and that they were convinced that there is no foul play. UWA works with wildlife institutions under the International Gorilla Conservation Programme that encourages research and promotes research and the welfare of the gorillas.
Habituation is a delicate process through which gorillas get used to the presence of human beings without losing their wild character. Uganda has four groups of habituated gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.
The country also harbours half of the population of mountain gorillas estimated at 670 and that the rest keep roaming the Virungas that straddle the three countries.
Mountain gorillas are listed on the red data list of the World Conservation Union as endangered species unless something is done to protect their habitat.