Despite raging conflict in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) population is reported to have increased by 12.5%. This is indeed a very good piece of information after it was reported that across the border in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the population of the same species has declined.
Dr Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect rejoiced at the news while blogging at the Gorilla Protection blog at WildlifeDirect.org.
We are all celebrating at WidlifeDirect with the good news that the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park have not been affected by the conflict there. In fact the population has increased by 10 new babies between August 2007 and January 2009.
Paula quotes a press release issued by the Virunga National Park authorities which indicate that the population of the habituated mountain gorillas has increased by 12.5% over the last 16 months.
DR Congo's habituated Mountain Gorilla population in Virunga National Park increased by 12.5 percent from 72 to 81 gorillas between August 2007 and January 2009, according to the results of an 8-week census conducted by the Congolese Wildlife Authority (ICCN) released today. Based on a previous 2003 census, Park Rangers also estimate 120 non-habituated Mountain Gorillas in the 250 sq km Mikeno Sector of the park, the only area in DR Congo that is home to Mountain Gorillas, bringing the country's Mountain Gorilla population total to circa 211.
More than 50 Park Rangers conducted about 128 patrols during the census, and identified 6 gorilla families in the Mikeno gorilla sector and 3 solitary Silverbacks. The largest family was found to be the Kabirizi Family, with 33 individuals including 5 newborns. The Rugendo family - victim of the July 2007 massacre - was found to have increased from 5 to 9 members. This number includes 2 Silverbacks vying for control of the group.
The survey found no evidence of gorilla mortality, although 536 snares laid by poachers were found and removed by Park Rangers. This represents a significant increase in snaring as compared to previous findings. Although snares are laid to catch small antelope and other forest animals, gorillas, especially infants, are sometimes caught in the snares and may die of loose a limb.
The survey report is available in the official Virunga website
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