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Mountain Gorilla Conservation in the Virunga-Bwindi Region: Systematic Monitoring and Impact Measurement. Measuring Conservation Effectiveness Summit Moore Foundation 5 May, 2010.
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Mountain Gorilla Conservation in the Virunga-Bwindi Region: Systematic Monitoring and Impact Measurement Measuring Conservation Effectiveness Summit Moore Foundation 5 May, 2010
IGCP is coalition of 3 organizations (AWF, WWF-I, FFI) and 3 PA authorities (Uganda-UWA, DRC-ICCN, Rwanda-ORTPN) • Innovative regional conservation approach for mountain gorilla and their afro-montane forest habitat • IGCP works closely with other regional partners as well.
Conservation Context • Two remaining isolated afro-montane forest blocks (Virunga and Bwindi) • Only remaining natural habitat for endangered Mountain Gorilla (Gorillaberingeiberingei); • Mountain Gorilla: Flagship species for biodiversity of Virungas; • Critical Threats: • Habitat destruction, conversion to agriculture; • High human population density and high levels of poverty; • Prolonged regional political and social conflict.
Current Conservation Strategies • IGCP strategies: • Strengthening protected areas; • Biodiversity monitoring/protection; • Conservation enterprises with local communities; • Transboundary coordination; • Regional Information System is used to develop and adapt strategy: • Ranger-based monitoring • Socio-economic surveys • Remote sensing/GIS
Ranger Based Monitoring (RBM) Program • Standardized system for data collection/analysis across; • Simple, low-tech data collection system implemented by rangers; • Ecological information and illegal activities information that guides management response to critical threats; • Key Management and Planning tool for Protected Area Authorities and for transboundary resource management.
GORILLA MONITORING @ A. K. Basabose, CSO-IGCP, 2007
Illegal activities (snares, water and Honey collection) Human-Gorilla Conflicts Gorilla range Patrols
How far are the gorillas coming outside the park?
Strategy repsonse: Nkuringo buffer zone Activities done • Piloting non palatable crops • Mauritius thorn hedge • Removal of exotics
Strategy Outputs Outcome Impact Ranger Based Monitoring program established - Biodiversity Monitoring and Protection Stable Population of Mountain Gorillas Reduced Threats -buffer zone protection -conservation-based enterprises with local communities
Mountain Gorillas -- Bwindi Population, Uganda Comparison of population size and structure* Conservation Impact: Population increase 1997-2006 = 12% (≈1% annually) Conservation Status of Bwindi Mountain Gorillas = Reasonably healthy and well protected population *McNeilage, A, Robbins, MM, Gray, M, Olupot, W, Babaasa, D, Bitariho, R, Kasangaki, A, Rainer, H, Asuma, S, Mugiri, G, Baker, J. 2006. Census of the mountain gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.Oryx 40: 419-427.