A groundbreaking wildlife census has confirmed at least 426 chimpanzees in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, marking the first scientifically validated population count of the species in the UNESCO World Heritage Site globally celebrated for its mountain gorillas.
The findings, unveiled during the official launch of the Bwindi chimpanzee census report, represent a major milestone in Uganda’s conservation history. For decades, scientists suspected chimpanzees inhabited the dense forest, but their numbers had remained largely speculative until now.
The study was led by the Jane Goodall Institute in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), alongside government officials, conservation researchers and international partners. According to Dr. James Byamukama of the Jane Goodall Institute Uganda, the census was initiated to address a long-standing data gap.
“This census was demand-driven. For years, we only had estimates without scientifically validated data,” he said. “The findings now provide a clear baseline to guide conservation planning and long-term monitoring.”
Researchers used standardized line transect survey methods across Bwindi’s steep and biologically dense terrain. Instead of direct sightings, scientists relied on nest counts — a globally accepted technique in primate research. On average, one chimpanzee builds one nest per night, allowing researchers to model population density based on nest production and decay rates. Conservative analytical models were applied to avoid overestimation.
The results show an average population density of approximately 1.33 chimpanzees per square kilometre, with the highest concentrations recorded in the northern sector of the park — often referred to by researchers as the “neck of Bwindi.”
One of the most significant discoveries was evidence of habitat overlap between chimpanzees and mountain gorillas. Field teams documented multiple instances where nesting areas of both great ape species were found in close proximity, sometimes within the same locality. Scientists say this coexistence positions Bwindi among the few ecosystems globally where multiple great ape species share a single protected landscape.
UWA Executive Director James Musinguzi described the census as a turning point for evidence-based conservation planning. He noted that survey teams detected minimal signs of human disturbance across large sections of the forest, indicating effective long-term protection efforts.
For years, Bwindi has been marketed primarily as a gorilla tracking destination. Conservation leaders believe the newly confirmed chimpanzee population could support tourism diversification, particularly in the park’s northern region. Potential initiatives include regulated chimpanzee tracking experiences, research tourism and conservation-focused travel products aimed at spreading tourism benefits more evenly and reducing pressure on gorilla tourism.
Speakers at the launch emphasized that conservation success in Bwindi remains closely linked to community engagement. Authorities are expected to expand alternative livelihood programs, conservation education and strengthened benefit-sharing mechanisms for communities living around the park.
Minister of State for Tourism Martin Mugarra said the census strengthens Uganda’s global conservation credentials and provides critical data to guide science-led biodiversity protection strategies.
Beyond confirming chimpanzee numbers, conservationists say the census lays the groundwork for long-term ecological monitoring, structured chimpanzee survey cycles every five to seven years, strengthened disease prevention protocols and climate-responsive habitat management.
The findings redefine Bwindi’s global identity — not only as a sanctuary for mountain gorillas, but as a complex great ape ecosystem of international significance. As global pressure intensifies to safeguard biodiversity hotspots, the newly documented chimpanzee population adds both urgency and opportunity to conservation efforts in one of Africa’s most iconic forests.
