Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust launches Kyambura Chimpanzee Monitoring Project in partnership with Uganda Wildlife Authority
Volcanoes Safaris Partnership Trust (VSPT) is delighted to announce the launch of the Kyambura Chimpanzee Monitoring Project, based at the VSPT Research Centre, Kyambura Gorge Lodge, in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda.
In partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the project will establish the first permanent, science-based monitoring programme for the isolated group of chimpanzees in Kyambura Gorge.
“This small group of threatened chimps will now have a team studying their behaviour and protecting their habitat. This project is aligned with the Uganda’s 10-year National Chimpanzee Conservation Strategy launched in 2023.
VSPT will be training UWA rangers in chimpanzee identification and monitoring.” — Charles Tumwesigye, Commissioner, Field Operations, Uganda Wildlife Authority
The programme builds on the Kyambura Gorge Ecotourism Project, a series of connected community and conservation initiatives that have been working to safeguard the Kyambura Gorge ecosystem since 2009.
“This project continues the long-term research of the Kyambura chimpanzees by Nicole Simmons. It is exciting to be working in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to train young local people to become the next generation of conservationists.” — Dr. Alexander Braczkowski, VSPT Scientific Director
VSPT trainees Andrew Kato and Athens Niwahereza, both from villages bordering Kyambura Gorge, alongside UWA rangers, are leading the fieldwork. Dr. Alexander Braczkowski is Scientific Director.
The project’s advisors bring world-class expertise: Professor Richard Wrangham (Harvard University), Dr. Emily Otali (Kibale Chimpanzee Project), Nicole Simmons (chimpanzee researcher) and James Byamukama (Executive Director, Jane Goodall Institute Uganda).
VSPT works in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute to protect the threatened chimpanzees and other wildlife and reduce human-wildlife conflict. We are thrilled to launch this project on 3rd April, Jane Goodall Day.