BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, Uganda — A comprehensive census of mountain gorillas and, for the first time, chimpanzees has commenced in the transboundary Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) announced Monday.

Ivan Tumuhimbise, WWF-Uganda country director told reporters on Monday that the collaborative effort with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and international partners aims to deliver a crucial population count for the endangered mountain gorillas across Uganda,and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This census marks a significant expansion by including the first-ever count of chimpanzees within the Bwindi-Sarambwe landscape. Led by the Jane Goodall Institute, this initiative seeks to determine the chimpanzee population in this unique ecosystem, the only area known to host coexisting populations of endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees alongside humans.

Six teams comprising staff from 11 institutions have begun systematically surveying the winding terrain for signs of gorillas, including nests and fecal samples. A key advancement in this census is the localized genetic analysis. Unlike previous counts where samples were shipped overseas, this census will conduct its genetic analysis within the region, boosting local capacity in terms of equipment and personnel.

“This census is a true testament to the strength of our cooperation,” Tumuhimbise said. “The data and samples collected and analyzed throughout 2025 will provide results sometime in 2026.”

The WWF-Uganda director emphasized the importance of the census, typically conducted every five years, as the last one occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2018. This year’s count adopts a landscape approach, encompassing both Bwindi in Uganda and Sarambwe in the DRC, to account for cross-border movements of the primates.

Beyond counting individual gorillas and chimpanzees, the census will also assess the state of their habitat, noting changes that may have occurred in the five years since the last count and identifying potential impacts from climate change.

While previous censuses have indicated an increase in the gorilla population, Tumuhimbise refrained from projections, emphasizing the need for an accurate count. The data will be crucial in understanding population changes, habitat conditions, and potential reasons for primates venturing into community lands.

Addressing the inclusion of chimpanzees for the first time, Tumuhimbise explained that as an endangered species, understanding their numbers is vital for effective conservation planning and addressing threats. He also noted the growing interest in chimpanzee tracking in other parts of Uganda and the potential for developing similar programs in Bwindi-Sarambwe.

Tumuhimbise highlighted the positive impact of long-term conservation efforts, increased investment, and enhanced community engagement in mitigating threats such as habitat encroachment.

However, he expressed concern over political instability in neighboring DRC, recalling past instances where conflict directly impacted both human and wildlife populations, including gorillas, within the Virunga National Park.

The census results are expected to be a significant milestone for guiding future conservation strategies for these endangered great apes and their critical habitat.