KAMPALA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- A new scientific census estimates that around 426 chimpanzees live alongside endangered mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a forest in southwestern Uganda dominated by gorilla habitat.
The findings, released Tuesday, come from a joint study by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Jane Goodall Institute Uganda (JGI Uganda) in the UNESCO-listed World Heritage forest, which hosts more than half of the world's mountain gorilla population.
Michael Jurua, conservation science manager at JGI Uganda and leader of the census team, said researchers tracked and counted chimpanzee nests, a non-invasive method essential for estimating populations without disturbing the animals. The team navigated rugged forest terrain and used digital tools to improve accuracy and georeference data for easier analysis and mapping.
Martin Mugarra Bahinduka, Uganda's minister of state for tourism, wildlife and antiquities, said the census reshapes understanding of Bwindi by providing clear scientific evidence of chimpanzee presence, distribution and conservation importance.
He added that the data will strengthen efforts to manage Bwindi as a critical habitat for apes amid growing pressures on wildlife. "Evidence-based conservation is essential if we are to safeguard wildlife, while responding to emerging challenges such as climate change, habitat pressure, and increasing demand for land resources," he said.
James Byamukama, executive director of JGI Uganda, warned that high rates of deforestation continue to threaten wildlife habitats, including those of chimpanzees, and stressed the importance of inspiring communities to live in harmony with nature. He noted that the findings are vital for shaping chimpanzee conservation strategies in Uganda and across the region.
UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi said the results are strategically important, as they will guide protected area management decisions, inform conservation investments, and integrate chimpanzee conservation into long-term monitoring frameworks alongside other flagship species.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is globally renowned for its mountain gorilla population. Tourists from around the world trek through its dense jungle to observe the endangered species, making the park one of Uganda's premier tourist destinations and a key contributor to the country's tourism revenue. ■
