What is the Kyambura Chimpanzee Monitoring Project in Uganda?

What is the Kyambura Chimpanzee Monitoring Project in Uganda?

The Kyambura Chimpanzee Monitoring Project is a long-term, science-based conservation initiative launched by Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority. The project focuses on protecting a small, isolated group of chimpanzees living in Kyambura Gorge, within Queen Elizabeth National Park.

Why are the Kyambura chimpanzees important?

Known as the “Lost Chimps of Kyambura Gorge,” this group is geographically isolated, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and limited genetic diversity. Monitoring their behavior and environment is essential for their long-term survival.

What does the project involve?

The initiative establishes the first permanent monitoring program for these chimpanzees, including:

Tracking chimpanzee groups using GPS
Photographing individuals for identification
Recording group size and social structure
Studying feeding behavior and habitat use
Assessing human-wildlife interaction risks

Who is leading the research?

The project is led by local trainees and rangers, supported by global experts including:

Alexander Braczkowski (Scientific Director)
Richard Wrangham
Emily Otali

This approach ensures knowledge transfer and builds long-term conservation capacity within local communities.

How does this project support conservation in Uganda?

The program aligns with Uganda’s National Chimpanzee Conservation Strategy and expands ongoing efforts under the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism Project. It combines research, ranger training, and community involvement to protect both wildlife and ecosystem stability.

Why is community involvement key?

Local residents and UWA rangers are central to fieldwork. This model creates employment, builds expertise, and strengthens conservation outcomes by involving those closest to the ecosystem.

About Volcanoes Safaris

Volcanoes Safaris is recognized as the leader in great ape ecotourism specializing in mountain gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda since 1997. Its curated mountain gorilla, chimpanzee, and wildlife safaris to the finest Great Ape sites in Rwanda and Uganda give a unique insight into the world of the endangered great apes, their habitats, and the communities that live nearby.