World Conservation Society reveals latest census shows positive figures

According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the world’s population of mountain gorillas has risen to 880 which equates to an increase of at least 100 gorillas since 2006.

While some of the increase is due to improved census methods, it's also a reflection of continued collaboration between the Uganda Wildlife Authority with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The new census has revealed that there must be a minimum of 400 gorillas residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park compared to just 302 in 2006. The total figure is obtained by adding the figures from Bwindi to the estimated gorilla population who inhabit the Virunga Volcanoes to the south – the only other locations these gorillas exist.

Despite this promising increase, these apes and many others are still at risk. It appears the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and the Virungas are the only gorilla populations known to be increasing. All other populations are thought to be in decline due to hunting and habitat loss.

Regardless, it has definitely given conservationists a reason to celebrate. Liz Macfie, Gorilla Coordinator for the WCS, commented: “The latest census of mountain gorillas in Bwindi (Uganda) provides the conservation community with much needed good news. The results also show us that enforcement efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority there are paying off.”

James Deutsch, WCS's Executive Director for Africa Programs, added: "We commend the census organisers for a well-organised field effort. WCS is proud to be part of what has become the gold standard of effective conservation teamwork in the effort to save our closest of kin."