Gorilla

Journal of Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe No. 19, December 1999

Slaughter of Goril- Conservation Cross River Goril- Western Lowland las in Kahuzi-Bi- Efforts in Kahuzi- las – a Neglected Gorillas in Odzala ega National Park Biega Subspecies and Nouabalé- Ndoki BERGGORILLA & REGENWALD DIREKTHILFE

Authors of this Issue Florence Magliocca is presently CONTENTS fi nishing her dissertation. She works Democratic Republic of Congo 3 Kanyunyi A. Basabose is working with Annie Gautier-Hion at the Univer- Poaching in Kahuzi-Biega 3 for the CRSN at Lwiro. Since 1994, sity of Rennes. In particular, she has Slaughter of Gorillas 4 he has been researching the ecology studied gorillas, elephants, buffaloes, Conservation of Resources 6 of gorillas and chimpanzees in Kahuzi- sitatungas, giant forest hogs and red Present Research in Kahuzi-Biega 7 Biega. In 1996, he took part in the river hogs in the Maya Nord clearing. Involvement of Local People 7 gorilla census in the original part of the Richard Parnell began his research The New Gorilla Reserve at Mbuhi 8 Kahuzi-Biega National Park. at Mbeli Bai, Nouabalé-Ndoki Nation- Uganda 10 Jane T.R. Dewar has a degree in al Park, in 1996. Between 1989 and Gorilla Tourism in Uganda 10 linguistics. Gorilla Haven was estab- 1995, he studied gorillas in the Lopé Fires in Bwindi 10 lished in 1997 "To make every captive Reserve, Gabon. A Different Conservation Concept 10 gorilla’s life as enriched and natural Mbake Sivha worked in the IZCN/ Our Assistant in Uganda 11 as possible, and to promote education GTZ conservation project at Kahuzi- Rwanda 12 about gorilla conservation in zoos and Biega National Park. Since 1994, she News from Rwanda 12 the wild". It is funded by the Dewar was responsible for sensitization and From the Mountain Gorilla Wildlife Trust, a non-profi t organization research. Since September 1999, she Veterinary Program 12 funded by J. and S. Dewar. has been working in Goma as Program Operation Amy 13 Dr. Ute Eilenberger worked as a Offi cer of IGCP for Congo. Gorillas 14 veterinarian and carried out fi eld stud- Tomoaki Nishihara has studied go- Cross River Gorillas – ies in the D. R. Congo. She studied rilla ecology in Nouabalé-Ndoki forest a Neglected Subspecies 14 the health status of gorillas and people since 1989. From 1995, he realized a Limbe Wildlife Center, Cameroon 16 in Kahuzi-Biega. Since 1999 she has training program for primate research. Gorillas in the Odzala Park 19 led, with her counterpart, the Mountain Since 1997, he was the park base man- Gorilla Studies in Nouabalé-Ndoki 21 Gorilla Veterinary Center. ager of the WCS Project. Now he par- The Mbeli Bai Gorillas 22 Pierre Kakule Vwirasihikya has ticipates in the Megatransect Project Reading 24 been a senior warden in the Virunga by Mike Fay. Bushmeat Poster 25 Park since 1988. He took part in gorilla Prof. John F. Oates is a member News from the Internet 25 monitoring and is now the chief of the of the Conservation Committee of the Gorilla Art Exhibition 25 Kabaraza station in the park. He is in International Primatological Society Berggorilla & Regenwald partnership with EarthWatch in the D. and of the Steering Committee of the Direkthilfe 26 R. Congo. IUCN Primate Specialist Group. He Helping Hands for the English Gorilla Jean Claude Kyungu led an eco- has been studying the ecology of tropi- Journal 26 logical NGO (SEPRONA – Symbiose cal forest primates since 1964. Donations 26 of Ecologists for Nature Protection) Dr. Esteban Sarmiento is a func- Emergency Appeal 27 from 1994 to 1999. Since 1997, he tional anatomist in the American Muse- has been the North-Kivu consultant for um of Natural History. His primary re- biodiversity in Congo. He is a fi eld as- search interest involves the skeletons Organization Address: sistant for research in the North-Kivu of hominoids. He has taught in the Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe University Center. USA, South Africa and Uganda. c/o Rolf Brunner Chantal Shalukoma has been Lerchenstr. 5 Gorilla Journal 19, Dec. 1999 working for the Kahuzi-Biega National 45473 Muelheim, Germany Editor: Angela Meder Park since 1992. She is especially en- Fax +49-208-7671605 Augustenstr. 122, D-70197 Stuttgart gaged in public awareness campaigns E-Mail [email protected] Fax +49-711-6159919 for nature conservation. Web Site: E-mail [email protected] Dr. Juichi Yamagiwa has been in- http://www.kilimanjaro.com/gorilla/brd Translation: Ann DeVoy, Bettina and volved in fi eld work of eastern gorillas Bank Account: Andrew Grieser Johns, Jennifer Scott since 1978, mainly at Kahuzi-Biega. Account number 353 344 315 Design: Edwin Artho, Angela Meder He worked at Karisoke from 1981 to Stadtsparkasse Muelheim Production: Gentner-Verlag, Stuttgart 1982 and conducted surveys at Ma sisi Bank code number 362 500 00 Cover: Kahuzi-Biega gorillas and Itebero from 1987 to 1991.

2 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 D. R. CONGO

Poaching in the Old not known how many animals they have killed. All these groups know and Part of the Kahuzi-Biega occasionally visit each other. Eventu- National Park ally, they also cooperate. Between April and July 1999, poaching in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park in- Gorilla Hunters creased considerably. During the war Mr. Mulinga, the chief of the village that started in October 1996, many ani- Kakenge, is a renowned hunter with mals were killed, but the more recent dogs, spears and wire snares. His data that we collected during this in- group killed a young gorilla on July vestigation are very alarming too. The 3, probably a member of the Mugo- armed poachers were mainly targeting li group. When they were arrested, large mammals – elephants and goril- the meat of this animal was just being las in particular. Moreover, the consid- cooked. The hands and feet of the go- erable number of snares that the rang- rilla were the proof of the poaching and ers are always collecting during their consequently, the poacher confessed. patrols are evidence that poaching with Mr. Misarhi, a pygmy, is working for the wire snares is also still common. chief poacher. To fi nd out more about the poach- Mr. Kalyagizi and his team killed ing, we collected evidence ourselves Chantal Shalukoma with the 6 gorillas on June 19. These animals or sent informants to those villages poacher Chomère probably also belonged to the Mugoli where we expected persons that were Photo: Chantal Shalukoma group. In April Corporal Tip shot a go- involved in the poaching or knew de- rilla. This man is working for the team tails about the poachers, especially dan refugees of the Ka shu sha camp. of Georges Chamoka which killed 12 elephant and gorilla hunters. The ar- Then he started elephant poaching for gorillas in June. rested poachers and the respective lo- ivory, by order of a Mr. Tshimbombo in In total, 3 teams of gorilla poachers cal chiefs were interrogated in the park. Bukavu. The poacher told us that he are well-known; they killed 20 gorillas We collected further information in the has killed 7 animals. altogether. They hunt with dogs and villages. Besides that, we had talks in Georges Maperu Chamoka from Ka- guns. In the case of the Mulinga team, the park station, reports from the group vumu leads a large group of poachers the gorilla meat is mainly consumed by "human-elephant confl ict" and more in- who have regularly been very active in the poachers themselves. formants. Our investigation conducted the park – on behalf of persons who We were especially interested in one at the beginning of June yielded the live in Bukavu and across the border. question: Do the hunters kill gorillas following results. This poacher told us that he has shot just for meat or is there another reason 10 elephants. why they are hunting these apes in par- Elephant Hunters Ivory and meat are often transported ticular? We have to investigate deeper They work in a complex and wide net- to different recipients. For Georges to fi nd the answer. work. Two poachers were arrested Chamoka's team, the buyers or their and interrogated. They said that large representatives often visit the villages Summary and Conclusions trees are often felled for the smoking to pick up the tusks. The ivory is ex- Within a few months, 2 groups of hunt- of elephant meat. This means that ported and the meat is taken to Bu- ers killed 17 elephants. Since April, elephant poaching also destroys the kavu in vans. Sometimes tusks are 20 gorillas have been shot, and ac- park's vegetation. Sometimes the also transported with the meat. On cording to the poachers 12 belonged poachers spend a week in the forest. the other hand, Chomère supplies local to the same family, Mugoli. Poaching Chomère Bugondo has been active markets. The meat is usually bought in the old part of the Kahuzi-Biega Na- for more than 20 years and has al- by the women of Inera, Kavumu and tional Park has increased, especially ready been arrested in the park three Lwiro, and they supply the merchants regarding elephants for ivory trade in times. He said that he does not master in Bukavu. the Great Lake region. Meat from goril- any other occupation besides hunting. Apart from these 2 big elephant las that have been killed is consumed Originally he had set snares until he and poacher teams, 4 more groups are by the poachers' families and only a his group received a gun from Rwan- known to be involved. However, it is small quantity is sold to neighbours.

3 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 D. R. CONGO

We found out that pygmies are em- (Grauer's gorillas) are now in critical The main entrances (Tshivanga and ployed by the poachers as pisteurs. danger of extinction. Kahuzi) were closed and transport We have the following recommen- This October, I had long talks with stopped between Bunyakiri and Bu- dations: conservators (Mushenji Lusenge and kavu (lowland sector and highland sec- – conduct frequent mixed patrols, also Mankoto ma Oyisenzoo) and all the tor). No direct observations had been into the park's interior, guides and trackers of the Kahuzi-Bi- made and little information had been – carry out thorough investigations in ega National Park. In summary, this available on the four groups until the order to arrest all responsible per- is their story. The slaughter occurred end of March 1999 when the park staff sons, to improve park surveillance consecutively within 1999. resumed monitoring of the groups and and to reduce large mammal poach- Until the end of July 1998, 4 groups regular patrols without arms. ing, of gorillas had been monitored by the Since July 1998, the Mubalala group – further include the group "human-el- park staff on a daily basis for tourism. could not be found in their former range. ephant confl ict" in the investigation, The Mushamuka group consisted of In February 1999, the park staff found a – increased engagement of the park 10 gorillas (1 blackback, 4 females large number of gorilla bones scattered management in order to destroy the and 5 immatures), the Maheshe II within the range of the group. Piles poacher network by depriving the (Lambchop) group consisted of 15 of bones were found burned in some respective persons in the villages of gorillas (1 silverback, 10 females and places. They also heard from villag- their power. To achieve this, co- 4 immatures), the Nindja group con- ers nearby that dead bodies of gorillas operation with the local chiefs and sisted of 25 gorillas (13 females and 12 had been seen to be transported by other responsible authorities is nec- immatures), and the Mubalala group poachers to Ka longe (a village beside essary, consisted of 21 gorillas (1 silverback, the lowland sector of the park). It is – start activities for the pygmies living 1 blackback, 10 females and 9 imma- suspected that most members of the close to the park as soon as possible tures). Because of an outbreak of in- Mubalala group were killed by poach- because they have been playing an ternal war in the beginning of August ers in the bushmeat trade. Since then, important role in elephant and gorilla and the following control by the rebel no gorilla group has been found in this poaching, government, the park staff were dis- area. – collect elephant skulls in the park armed and could not enter the park. In June 1999, the park staff found a with a team of selected pygmies in order to fi nd out how many individu- als have been killed in which areas, – register the respective places with GPS and mark these areas in the park map. Chantal Shalukoma

Slaughter of Gorillas in the Kahuzi-Biega Park Frequent poaching of gorillas on a massive scale occurred in the Ka- huzi-Biega National Park in 1999. All 4 habituated groups which had ac- cepted tourists no longer exist, and it is suspected that more than half of the population (240 gorillas) in the original sector of the park (600 km2) has re- cently been killed. Poaching activities in the large lowland sector (the rest of 6,000 km2) is anticipated to be more severe. The eastern lowland gorillas Kahuzi-Biega National Park Map: Angela Meder

4 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 D. R. CONGO

fresh nest site of gorillas and counted name of the present chief in the village sistant and trackers have visited them 12 nests including 3 juveniles' nests. near the Tshivanga Station). A sub- on a daily basis. A young silverback They tried to contact them and con- adult male had also lost his right hand was shot dead by poachers in August fi rmed that at least 2 females showed and had a disabled left hand. When I and a solitary male has recently be- no fear of their approach. These fe- observed him this time, a wire rope was gun to associate with the group. For- males may be immigrants from the still tight on his right wrist. He walked tunately, all females and immatures habituated groups (most possibly from bipedally. It was a very disheartening have remained as a unit and move Mubalala group). They named this sight to see. Nevertheless Mugaruka together. The group size has there- group Mufanzala and started to moni- and the other gorillas showed no fear fore not changed. However, neigh- tor them. In September, the park staff of our approach. The park staff have bouring groups have disappeared from counted 14 nests. In October, the Mu- continued to monitor this group. this area. Until August of last year, fanzala group moved to the base of The Nindja group consisted of 4 groups had always ranged around Mt. Biega, out of reach of the regular 19 nest-builders with 5 infants when Tshibati. However, this year 3 of them patrol, but efforts to contact them have I visited them on April 7, 1999. On have not been found. They too were been continuously made. April 11, the sound of gunfi re was fre- probably slaughtered for bushmeat, The Maheshe II group was found quently heard from within the range of like the habituated groups. to be a large group (23 gorillas) in the the Nindja group and since then, the In September, the park authorities beginning of April 1999, when the park group has not been found. Some time summoned 67 suspected poachers staff started to monitor this group again. later, a number of dead gorilla bodies and asked them about their recent ac- Several females had immigrated and were seen being carried by poachers tivities (they had been promised that some babies have been born in this to villages neaby. It is likely that most they would not be punished for poach- group since August 1998. However, members of the group were shot and ing during the war). They reported to the group moved to the former range killed by the poachers. have hunted animals due to starva- of the Mubalala group where poaching In July, a group of gorillas who had tion. Most of them had experiences of activities were high. Gunfi re was fre- formally ranged in Mbayo (the north poaching both elephants and gorillas, quently heard. At the end of July, the of Tshi vanga Station) moved into the even close to the Tshivanga Station. group was lost and no nests were found former range of the Nindja group. The The park authorities decided to employ in this area until August 17, when the park started to monitor and to habitu- 40 of them to assist in tracking goril- park staff saw a poacher's hut. Many ate this group. They found at least las and patrolling in the park to break gorilla skulls were found there. Poach- 3 females of the Nindja group asso- snares and poacher's huts. Guides ers smoked gorilla meat on a fi re. In ciating with them. They counted 16 and trackers visited Mugaruka, Mishe- September, the park staff arrested a nests in July and 26 nests in Septem- bere and Mufanzala groups every group of poachers with numerous frag- ber. Apparently other gorillas have re- day, and a few of them remained with ments of gorilla fur, skull and bone. It cently joined the group. In October, each group to watch them from 6:00 to is possible that most members of the the group included a silverback and at 18:00 h. Since this decision was made, Maheshe II group were slaughtered by least 5 juveniles and 3 infants; the total poaching activities have signifi cantly these poachers for bushmeat. number reached 31. The sil ver back decreased and no gorilla has been lost The Mushamuka group was not was named Mishebere (the name of a in the habituated groups. found when park staff resumed monitor- dedicated tracker in the Kahuzi-Biega Now, the park staff keep 20% of ing activities and patrols in April 1999. National Park) and had a disabled left the original part safe for gorillas with This group had probably disintegrated hand (probably the result of a snare in frequent patrols (Kahuzi-Biega–Ka- before then. However, a small group the past). A 3-year-old juvenile also siru siru–Tshivanga–Tshibati). It is consisting of a silverback/blackback, 3 had a disabled right hand. Mishebere not possible to monitor the rest of the females, a juvenile and an infant was and the other members of the group park which seems to be frequented found in the former range of the Mu- have been quickly habituated and ac- by poachers. The lowland sector is shamuka group. The maturing silver- cepted visitors by September. completely out of control of the park back, named Kaboko, was confi rmed I also got sad news about my study staff. From the tragedies of the former to have been born in the Mushamuka group (Ganyamulume group). Al- habituated groups, it is estimated that group in 1987. He lost his right hand to though I was not able to visit them this more than 60 gorillas were killed by a snare during childhood. This year he time because of the insecurity in their poachers. If the disappearance of was given a new name, Mugaruka (the range area near Tshibati, my fi eld as- the 3 groups around Tshibati and the

5 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 D. R. CONGO

possible killing of gorillas in unmoni- tored areas of the park are taken into account, more than half of the gorilla population in the original sector of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park was lost this year. The situation in the lowland sector may be worse. Starvation and the spread of guns among the local people during the war are the main causes of this situation. During my stay in Bukavu, I heard that the meat of gorillas was sold at 25 cents US/kg) (half price of beef!) everywhere. Guy Debonnet (GTZ: Gesellschaft für technische Zusammenarbeit – Ger- man development organization) has proposed a population census in the original part of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Although the political situation is still diffi cult, the number of surviving go- Production of charcoal in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park rillas and the present situation of other Photo: Mbake Sivha mammals should be surveyed as soon as possible so that urgent conserva- since the outbreak of war in 1996. An- and as fuel. In addition, they are used tion measures can be taken. Interna- other factor to be taken into consid- as a source of timber or can be used tional teams should be organized and eration is the situation of the pygmies. to make charcoal and crafts for sale. fi nanced to conduct this survey in the Formerly, they were settled in the area Plant parts used are mostly leaves. near future. The survey team should which was subsequently gazetted a Branches, fruit, bark and roots are include the Congolese researchers and national park. They still depend on it used to a lesser extent. resident people. It will hopefully attract heavily today. As the plants are used so much, international attention to the tragedies The goal of the study was to de- some species have already become of gorillas at Kahuzi and will remind the velop strategies for the conservation of very rare in the park. They are at risk of local people that the gorillas there are the resources of the Kahuzi-Biega Na- becoming locally extinct. Among them both a national and world heritage. tional Park with the participation of the are bamboo, which is cut in the park Juichi Yamagiwa people living close to the park; women and sold, as well as many tree spe- and pygmies were involved according cies harvested for timber. The species to their representation in the popula- Ficus exasperata, for example, has al- Conservation of Re- tion. 25 villages along the Kajeje–Le- ready become very rare. Another great sources in Kahuzi-Biega mera road were chosen for the study. problem is hunting. The demand for 213 people, 116 men and 97 women, bushmeat in the cities and the continu- In April 1999, Mbake Sivha conducted were interviewed directly with a ques- ing interest in ivory and trophies on the a study on the utilization of resources tionnaire. Of these, 161 people were world market increase the pressure on in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park with Bantu and 52 were pygmies. the park's resources. support from the Berggorilla & Regen- As a result of the interviews, we The pygmies are especially con- wald Direkthilfe. This is a summary of were able to list 249 wild plant species cerned because their original home is her results. that are used by the human population. in the forest. When the park was cre- The Kahuzi-Biega National Park 92.6% of these plants come directly ated in 1970, they were forced to leave is situated in one of the most dense- from the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. the Kahuzi-Biega forest and to change ly populated areas of Africa – up to 300 Only a small part is collected outside their lifestyle completely. There have people per km2. The pressure exerted the park. been efforts to integrate them into the by the human population on the park's The plants are used mainly for me- agricultural tradition of the Bashi but resources has increased even further dicinal purposes, construction, food this has not been very successful.

6 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 D. R. CONGO

Use of plant resources conservation of the national park into patrically at Tshibati. Fruit production from the Kahuzi-Biega line with the interests of the human is monitored every 15 days by record- National Park population living nearby, will we suc- ing the presence of young leaves, fl ow- ceed in conserving the park's resourc- ers and unripe or ripe fruits in 1,758 es in the long-term. trees and shrubs with a diameter at Mbake Sivha breast height of at least 10 cm labeled in the transect. This vegetation survey aims to assess availability and produc- Present Research in the tivity of fruit eaten by the apes in the Kahuzi-Biega Park study area. The security within the park is still The so-called "civil war" in the Demo- hazardous. Presently only about 20% cratic Republic of Congo has seriously of the old part (montane area) of Kahu- affected the research in Kahuzi-Biega zi-Biega National Park is accessible by Hunting is still very important in their National Park. Most of the infrastruc- the park's staff. The remaining 80% of tradition and culture. ture has been destroyed and many re- the area is controlled by several armed The collection of medicinal plants is search programs, mainly those carried bands settled within the park; this situ- traditionally the task of men. Women out by foreign researchers, have been ation shows how threatened the wildlife usually use the park's resources in a suspended for a long time. Before the in the forest of Kahuzi is nowadays. less destructive way; they only collect war, two research sites for a long-term This year more than 100 gorillas are essential forest products like fi re wood, study were established at Kasirusiru estimated to have been killed including mushrooms and caterpillars. and Tshibati in the montane forest of those that have been well habituated In order to ensure a sustainable the park. The study deals with co- for ecotourism. All the known silver- future for the Kahuzi-Biega National existence and competition between backs (in some cases, together with all Park, the interviewed population rec- gorillas and chimpanzees inhabiting members of their families) were killed ommends the following strategies for sym patrically the montane forest of Ka- for meat and trophies. As a result of the protection of its resources: huzi-Biega. Data collected in both sites this, the different gorilla families were – involve the local population in all are currently under analysis in the Lab- dislocated. The tragic consequence of activities and the benefi ts from the oratory of Primatology at the Centre this massacre is the loss of the history park's resources and thereby create de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles of gorillas inhabiting the montane for- incentives for protection, de Lwiro. est of Kahuzi-Biega, which has been – carry out a study in order to imple- Unfortunately, due to the war, the studied for 3 decades. ment projects that improve the living Kasirusiru site was completely de- Kanyunyi A. Basabose conditions of the local people so that stroyed in 1997; monitoring is still on- they no longer have to resort to the going at Tshibati but not as intensely park’s natural resources, as in the past. Since January 1998, Involvement of Local – identify all plant and animal species we have timidly resumed fi eld work at People in the Conserva- utilized by the human population, Tshibati. However, when fi ghts break tion of Kahuzi-Biega – create a buffer zone around the park out between armed groups in the park, through reforestation, we are obliged to stop working, which Before the war, 100 guards carrying – cultivate forest plants in private for- hinders our attempts to maintain con- guns were conducting daily patrols est concessions, especially species tinuous research. in the whole park and poachers were used for medicinal purposes in com- We are greatly indebted to our afraid of hunting animals inside the munal gardens, brave trackers who, despite the inse- park, dreading to be caught or shot – conduct small-scale projects to im- curity, tried to follow the apes in the dead. With the war, all the guards were prove the breeding of livestock, forest, collect their faeces and monitor disarmed and the security in the park – support the integration of the pyg- fruit phenology along a belt botanical deteriorated. As a result of the free mies into the village communities, transect of 5,000 m in length and 20 circulation of weapons brought about – increase protection measures in the m in width. It contains most types of by the war in the region, criminals were park itself. vegetation common to areas in which able to acquire weapons and hunt in- Only if we succeed in bringing the gorillas and chimpanzees range sym- side the park. Since then, massacres

7 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 D. R. CONGO

have been perpetrated on elephants enough food to eat and this situation between cultivated fi elds at an altitude and gorillas by poachers (hundreds of has pushed them to enter the forest for of 2,000–2,250 m. skulls have been recently collected), hunting animals. Deeply distressed, Around 1970, the local population not to mention numerous monkeys, POPOF is warning people about an ir- realized that the gorillas were disap- bushpigs and antelopes continuously reversible wildlife catastrophe if animal pearing in that area because of the hunted for the bushmeat trade. killings do not stop immediately. destruction of their habitat. The human Meanwhile, POPOF (Pole Pole POPOF is organizing seminars, population increased because of trans- Foundation), a non-governmental or- conferences and round tables during plantation programs introduced in the ganization led by local people, was sho- which wildlife conservation issues are 1950s: MIPI (Migration of In digeneous cked by this animal slaughter, and star- thoroughly discussed between scien- Populations) and sporadic actions un- ted an educational program in conser- tists and villagers. From the fi ndings of der the supervision of the Butembo vation for the neighbouring pop ulation. these meetings, it seems that another Diocese (Catholic Church). In 1989, The program aims to en courage human reason which induces people to en- the UGIPA project was launched (Un- societies living along the Kahuzi-Biega ter the park is the search for fi re-wood ion des groupements pour l'Installation National Park's boundary to cooperate and timber. This pushed PO POF to des Populations, fi nanced by Canada in wildlife con servation. create a tree nursery of plant species Cooperation). In March 1999, another POPOF is a non-profi t NGO created most valued by local people. Recent- program started with CCFD support in 1992 by local people from villages ly, POPOF has distributed more than (French Catholic Committee for Devel- close to the eastern boundary of the 20,000 seedlings to the villagers and opment). These programs translocated old part of the Kahuzi-Biega National taught them how to grow these plants people to the fertile land of Bingi–Vuy- Park. The President of POPOF, John to maturity. The villagers are organ- inga. In addition, there are migration Kahekwa, has been working as a tour- ized in groups according to their vil- movements. Some people join their ist guide for the park since the 1980s, lage of origin. POPOF is now planning families, others are searching for gold. and has habituated the Nindja Group. to create a primary school for children Today, a catholic parish is based at He created POPOF mainly to protect from villages close to the park, where Mohanga, 50 km west of Bingi. In that the gorillas against poaching; however, education will emphasize conservation area, Esteban Sarmiento and Thomas POPOF now works for the conserva- topics. Butynski (1997) found evidence of go- tion of all the wildlife of Ka huzi-Biega POPOF has launched an overseas rillas at Mbuhi: traces on paths used National Park. In order to encourage campaign searching for support and by the apes, some old nests and some respect and protection of gorillas (seen collaboration. Since 1996, POPOF parts of a male gorilla skeleton which by POPOF as a national totem animal has succeeded in attracting Japanese has recently been identifi ed. Gorillas to be protected in any circumstances), people to the conservation of gorillas are not only living at Mbuhi, but also at POPOF has set up a discussion pro- in the wild. There is now a Japanese Mohanga and from Bu sigha to Kasuo, gram with artists. Some of them are wing of POPOF which publishes the 60 km from Lubero. former poachers. They create simple biannual POPOF News in Japanese. The most important threats to the artefacts of gorillas (wood carvings, Kanyunyi A. Basabose gorillas are now: paintings, T-shirts, caps, hip pockets, – overpopulation in the mountainous patches, etc.). part of Lubero territory (about 300 Through the art activities, PO POF The New Gorilla Reserve people/km2), has succeeded in drawing the villagers' at Mbuhi – increasing destruction of the forest attention to gorilla conservation issues as a result of immigration, for exam- which are now perceived by them as a During the years 1920–1940, several ple in Bapere collectivity where the serious problem to be solved. The re- gorillas were captured between Al- population density increased from ward of POPOF's artists is the benefi t imbongo and Bingi. Alimbongo is lo- 3.3 people/km2 in 1982 to 10 peo- they get from the sale of their crafts to cated in the southwest of a bamboo ple/km2 in 1998. the tourists who come to see the goril- forest which covers the highlands Attempts are being made to fi nd a las. Unfortunately this activity has seri- west of Lake Edward. Now that for- solution to these problems. The aim ously suffered from the war in the region est is limited to Mt. Kyabirimu. All is to protect the forest in the western as tourists are no longer visiting. The the bamboo forest which still existed part of Lubero territory. Jean Claude region is now characterized by a high 40 years ago has been destroyed. Kyungu and Kakule Vwirasihikya vis- level of poverty; people do not have Only small areas with bamboo remain ited the area together to sensitize lo-

8 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 D. R. CONGO

1999 where 2 groups are living. It is gressive to human presence. Some a high mountain. chimpanzees reportedly live north of – Ndiva, a mountain chain subdivided Mu hanga. into 3 sub-sectors: the mountains – Kasugho, the cave of Katwa ka of Makoba, Muleya and Kihuko. In Ndonga, a special site. This cave these sectors, primary forest still contains seats in the rock, rooms exists. Gorillas and chimpanzees in several fl oors and animals, espe- are concentrated there. We con- cially bats. Chimpanzees live near tacted hunters and guides who led the cave. Not far from the cave are us in the forest. They spoke of 5 the falls of Kasugho with a height of gorilla groups with 2, 6, 8, 9 and at least 10 m. The Kasugho site is 10 members, respectively. The fi rst of interest for ecotourism. group had originally consisted of As a result of this excursion, it was 5 individuals, but 3 were killed at the recommended that guides should be Area of the planned Tayna Gorilla beginning of 1999. We were also trained, surveys should be made of the Reserve (Mt. Kyabirimu is also able to observe gorillas there (the fauna, fl ora and ecology of the area, known as Mt. Tshiaberimu) group of 8) near Pasido. Different and there should be a veterinary re- Redrawn from a map by J.C. Kyungu species of birds, primates and other search center. The new reserve will be mammals are living there, and the called Tayna Gorilla Reserve, a com- cal chiefs regarding the necessity for rivers are full of fi sh. munity conservation project. biodiversity conservation in that area. – Maini, on the border of Lubero and Jean Claude Kyungu On April 8, 1999, the chiefs of Batangi Walikale Territory, with new forest. and Kakule Vwirsihikya and Bamate signed an agreement to Tracks and dung of gorillas were set land aside in order to create a new found there recently, and 3 gorilla gorilla reserve. The purpose of the groups were observed. Moreover, reserve is to enable conservation of there are buffaloes, elephants, leo- gorillas and biodiversity, communica- pards, okapis, primates and many tion about environmental issues, scien- other species, according to reports tifi c research, sustainable development from the population. This site is a and community participation. During long mountain chain from Kasumba a public meeting, we explained this to to Mutenda. 113 people. The boundaries of the – Mutenda, a very high mountain be- Mbuhi-Busigha Reserve still have to be tween Lutunguru, Majengo and the fi xed. A gorilla conservation program beginning of the mountain chains of will be initiated together with several Maini, with primary forest. It is an local developmental NGOs, the bio- important site for gorillas. Gorilla diversity commission of the province, movements between Mutenda and and the ICCN (Institut Con golais pour Maini were observed. la Conservation de la Nature – Congo- – Kiranga near Byakili, where volcanic lese institution for conservation). activity was discovered. It seems From April to September 1999, two that one of the 3 gorilla groups exploratory excursions into the area from Byakili uses this area as far as were carried out. The last excursion Kitowa and other sites. was conducted by J.C. Kyungu and – Bilate, 17 km from Lutunguru toward David Matsitsi and included a system- the south. We have not yet visited atic search for gorilla tracks and dung this site. The local people informed as well as direct observation and a so- us about the presence of gorillas, cio-economic study. They identifi ed 7 living either in pairs or alone, as interesting sites in the new reserve: members of their families had been – a part of Byakili site (20 km from killed in previous years. There are Claude Sikubwabo Kiyengo with his Mbuhi) already identifi ed in July old gorillas in Sake who are less ag- new computer from Germany

9 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 UGANDA

started to examine the damage caused of Trustees and a Steering Commit- by the fi re. tee made up of representatives from the communities surrounding the two parks, local and international NGOs, A Different Conservation the local tourism industry and the Concept Ugandan Government. Proposals from 50 parishes are accepted, represent- MBIFCT (the Mgahinga and Bwindi Im- ing a population of more than 300,000. penetrable Forest Conservation Trust) For the fi rst funding cycle, more than is a unique experiment in conservation 4,000 proposals were received and 50 funding. Its aim is to promote the con- projects were eventually funded. servation and protection of the biodiver- MBIFCT was established in 1996 sity in both Mgahinga Gorilla National with an initial endowment of US$ Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National 4 million from the GEF (Global Environ- Picknick hut in the Community Park. The principal strategy is to work ment Facility) of the World Bank. Vital Campground before the looting with the communities close to the parks support was also provided by USAID Photo: Sylvia Wladarz in an effort to help mitigate their loss of (U. S. Agency for International Develop- access to natural resources. ment) and operational costs are funded Gorilla Tourism in Uganda To achieve its aim, the Trust con- by the Netherlands Government. The ducts awareness and education pro- capital is invested overseas, and it is After the slaughter of tourists in Bwindi, grams and co-fi nances a wide range of planned that as soon as possible only the gorilla parks in Uganda opened traditional rural development projects the annual income will be used to fund again in April. The number of visitors which have been self-identifi ed by in- the projects. 60% of the project fund- in Bwindi rose from 85 in April to 193 in dividuals, groups and communities. ing is allocated to community projects, September. Funded projects include income gen- 20% to park management and 20% to The Community Campground that erating schemes such as small-scale ecological research and monitoring. was destroyed by the rebels has been agriculture, agroforestry and bee-keep- reconstructed in the meantime. The ing, as well as social projects including Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe water catchment, primary education partly funded the rebuilding of the classrooms and health facilities. burnt picnic hut and the supply of sto- The Trust is controlled by a Board len equipment. We were told that the campground would be re-opened in December 1999.

Fires in Bwindi Im- penetrable National Park At the end of July, a large area in the southern part of the Bwindi Forest was destroyed by fi res. The fi res were probably set accidentally by honey gathering pygmies. The local popula- tion tried to extinguish the fi re but they lacked the right equipment. Three peo- ple were injured while fi ghting the fi re. At the beginning of August, rain started and extinguished the few remaining smoldering areas. The ITFC (Institute Rangers of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park with caps, gumboots and of Tropical Forest Conservation) has T-shirts from our storage Photo: Debby Cox

10 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 UGANDA

Our Assistant in Uganda

At our last general meeting we announced that we would try to fi nd a local assistant in Africa. Thanks to Ursula Karlowski’s contacts, we succeeded in employing the 24-year-old Ugandan William K. Mugisha in August. His home is situated in Kisoro District. In the summer of 1999, he fi nished his studies of biology and psychology at Makerere University in Kampala. Working part- time, he will manage our offi ce and store in Kisoro, provide information on the current situation in the areas inhabited by the mountain gorillas, function as our representative, and keep contact with the local authorities and organizations. At the moment, we are in the process of setting up an effi cient communications system. Currently, we are still using a satellite fax. Although William Mugisha has been working for us for only a short time, it has already become obvious that his constant presence makes our activities much easier. It also meets with approval from other people and organizations. It is especially important that our assistant stays in contact with us to work ef- fi ciently, and therefore he needs modern offi ce equipment. We estimate the cost of furniture and equipment to be DM 4,000–5,000. In addition, the monthly fi xed costs for the offi ce and for William Mugisha himself amount to about DM 550. We hope that we can count on your support in this important project! Through our colleague in Kisoro we can act much faster and assist the gorilla conservation projects more effi ciently. Our support is needed wherever mountain gorillas occur: in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. William Mugisha is our local contact. He tells us what the rangers need and makes sure that the equipment reaches its destination without problems. Some materials will be bought by William Mugisha in Uganda. Since we set up the store we have realized how great the demand for equipment is. In the last few months we have received urgent requests from Rwanda and Congo. The material for Rwanda will be delivered shortly. How- ever, in order to fulfi ll new requests, we need more material. By now, a new delivery is on its way to Uganda. In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo it is still very diffi cult to protect the national parks. In September, we were able to support the rangers with equipment from our store. Ute Eilenberger helped to organize the trans- port and made sure that the material arrived at Kahuzi-Biega. Nevertheless, our support is but a drop in the ocean because much more is needed. We will make more clothes and equipment available to the rangers as soon as we are able to. Medicine and money for food is also needed urgently. We have promised to address this.

To support the rangers, we need your help!

Donations of money and equipment are very welcome; however, regarding the equipment, certain requirements should be met. If you want to send material to us, we there- fore ask you to contact Iris Weiche fi rst:

Tel./Fax: +49-7071-31805 E-mail: [email protected]

Please send checks to: Rolf Brunner, Lerchenstr. 5, 45473 Muelheim, Germany

11 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 RWANDA

News from Rwanda ditional guides when tourists visit the methods. gorillas. If the gorillas fall seriously ill with dis- The tourism in the Parc National Ute Eilenberger eases transmitted by humans, or if they des Volcans has increased since it are injured or suffer from a life-threat- started again in mid-July 1999. For ening condition, they might be treated months, no traces of organized armed From the Mountain Gorilla under anaesthetics. As each individual groups have been seen. Anti-poaching Veterinary Program is important for the gene pool and living patrols are active and several poachers conditions are not natural any more be- have been arrested. An especially high Following a request from Dian Fossey cause of the strong human impact, this number of buffalo snares was found on to Ruth Morris Keesling shortly before is considered justifi ed. In 70% of treat- Mt. Visoke. Dian Fossey’s death, the Mountain ments under anaesthetisia, snares are In July, 38 rangers and 30 guides Gorilla Veterinary Center was founded removed or injuries caused by snares were trained in paramilitary techniques in 1986, funded by the Morris Animal are treated. These injuries can cause and learned how to give fi rst aid. We Foundation. James Foster, a renowned the animal’s death if the wound gets taught them how to avoid disease veterinary, was asked to establish the infected and the infection is followed by transmission and how to behave when center in Kinigi at the foot of the vol- septicaemia. Thanks to the Mountain a gorilla has to be treated in a medi- canoes. Since then, 12 ve terinarians Gorilla Veterinary Program, it has been cal emergency. We also trained them have been working for the center. possible to save every gorilla observed how to report medical problems of the Together with my colleague An toine to be ill since 1990. gorillas and how to fi ll in medical moni- Mudakikwa, I am carrying out the health In addition, we determine basic toring forms. Moreover, we explained service of the mountain gorillas living physiological parameters with blood, preventive methods and the meaning on the Virunga Volcanoes in Rwanda faeces and urine samples from goril- of visitor regulations. and Congo. When required, we also las that are anaesthetised for medical Currently, visitors are still accompa- support our colleagues in Uganda. reasons. Moreover, we are conduct- nied by soldiers. For the future it is The risk of disease has to be consid- ing non-invasive research of causes, hoped that the rangers themselves will ered the greatest threat to the mountain epidemiology, clinical symptoms and be allowed to carry weapons in order gorillas, who are otherwise well pro- pathology of diseases of free-ranging to decrease the number of people in- tected. Among other tasks, we have to mountain gorillas. Animals found dead side the park. The invasion of park continuously monitor the state of health in the park are taken to the Veteri- animals in general and buffaloes in par- of all habituated (research and tour- nary Center for postmortem examina- ticular into fi elds close to the park has ist groups) and un habituated gorillas tion. This enables us to determine the been controlled successfully by digging (if they are seen) by observation and cause of death and to identify changes ditches. non-invasive examination methods caused by disease and age. Tissues, The park authorities would need (faeces, urine). A program of faecal hair or body fl uids of dead or anaesthe- more functioning vehicles and petrol tests is conducted on a regular basis tized animals are stored in a biological as well as raingear and walkie-talkies in Rwanda and Congo. In addition, we resource bank founded by the Morris for communication. Most of the gar- are also developing new examination Animal Foundation in 1999 to be used bage that had been left behind in the in further research. The sampling it- park during the war has in the mean- self, the treatment of samples and the time been removed by 100 people data processing are our tasks. The who had been employed especially for information gained in the process helps this task. Rangers are camping on us to develop an up-to-date health care the park boundary in four locations in program for the mountain gorillas and order to save petrol, some of them in to monitor its implementation. park staff houses that were destroyed Disease transmission from the sur- in the war. rounding human population is consid- Each of the 4 gorilla groups habitu- ered the greatest threat to the moun- ated for tourism (Suza with 32 animals, tain gorillas’ health. Therefore we are Sabinyo with 10, Amohoro with 17 and The Mountain Gorilla Veterinary recording the most important diseases Group 13 with 7) has ist own rangers Center at Kinigi with Mt. Sabinyo of the people living close to the park in and guides who are joined by 2 ad- Photo: Ruth Keesling order to introduce a health care pro-

12 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 RWANDA

gram for those members of the park education of staff, etc. In our spare a paralytic ileus. The examinations are staff and researchers who have the time, we support the local veterinarian not fi nished yet. In November, a 31- closest contact with the animals. We in surgery on small animals. year-old female in Shinda’s group died, monitor the compliance with the rules All those montain gorillas who probably from old age. She had 3 mis- and regulations for visitors, which we showed symptoms of disease during carriages in succession, the last one helped to make more stringent in Feb- the last 3 months (July to September in October. We are still waiting for the ruary 1999. 1999) and therefore underwent health histo-pathology results of these cases. We train park staff in Rwanda, Ugan- controls through the Mountain Gorilla Ute Eilenberger da and the Central African Republic on Veterinary Program have recovered by disease transmission paths from hu- now or are already in the process of mans to primates and the other way recovering. around and we explain preventative A 6-year-old juvenile called Arusha methods and the meaning of the visi- was found dead by park staff next to tor regulations. Moreover, we instruct its night nest. We did a postmortem them how to write medical reports and examination. As a preliminary result, to help the veterinarian with emergen- the cause of death has been given as cy treatments with or without anaes- thetics. For the future it is planned to train soldiers who enter the park on a Operation Amy regular basis as well. We ensure the medical care of in- In May 1999, personnel from the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project could jured or other wild animals that are treat the 3-year-old female gorilla Amy Agago, a member of the Sabinyo taken to the center and we take care of group. Amy had a rope from a snare around her right wrist. She was darted animals in the other protected areas of with an anesthetic and the wound was examined. The rope had been em- Rwanda, Nyungwe and Akagera. At the bedded in her wrist for a considerable period and the skin had grown over it moment, my colleague helps to imple- as nobody had been allowed to enter the park for 2 years to treat the goril- ment a health program for the western las. About 5 inches of rope dangled out of the wrist. Ken Cameron cut and lowland gorillas in the Central African pulled out the rope, fl ushed the wounds and injected antibiotics. Republic. In the future, we also hope The day after surgery, Amy was observed back in her group and the to provide medical care for the eastern silverback was protecting her. Later he was watching her carefully. In Au- lowland gorillas in the Congo, as this gust she was observed back in the group, walking on both hands and even was requested by the authorities of the scratching herself with the injured hand. Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Summary of a report by Ruth Keesling In addition, I am involved in all other tasks which the management of such a center requires: public relations, ac- counting, purchase of equipment, co- operation with the local park authori- ties and other gorilla NGOs as well as participation in their meetings, making contacts and exchanging ideas with nature conservation organizations in Rwanda and abroad, development and realization of research programs, col- laboration with our colleagues in Ugan- da, communication with our research director in the USA, the passing on of information and keeping in contact with the Morris Animal Foundation and Ruth Amy Agago's wrist with the rope and after surgery Keesling, our lifetime trustee, laborato- Photos: Ruth Keesling ry work and maintenance, training and

13 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

Cross River Gorillas – a Neglected Subspecies In 1904, Paul Matschie, a pioneer in mammalian taxonomy working at the Humboldt University Zoological Mu- seum in Berlin described a new spe- cies of gorilla inhabiting the watershed of the Cross River in what was then German Cameroon, close to the bor- der of British-governed Nigeria. Mat- schie named the species Gorilla diehli in honor of Mr. Diehl, an employee of the German Northwestern Cam- eroon Company, who had collected the gorilla skulls on which Matschie based his new species. According to Mat schie the 1) short skull, 2) short molar row, 3) palate shape, 4) and skull base shape distinguished Gorilla diehli as a new species separate from Gorilla gorilla. Matschie also noted in his descrip- tion that one of the female skulls col- lected by Diehl from the same area was not G. diehli, but G. gorilla, and claimed both species existed together in the Cross River catchment area. The po- tential occurrence of two morphologi- cally distinct gorillas from the same lo- cality supported Matschie's claims that the two were distinct species. Without Gorilla distribution in the Cross River region at the Nigeria–Cameroon the intrinsic barriers to interbreeding border Map redrawn from a drawing by John Oates

that characterizes different species, could not possibly be a subspecies. two gorilla populations could not possi- Harold Coolidge's revision of the ge- bly inhabit the same isolated area and nus gorilla in 1929 placed what was remain morphologically distinct. then recognized as G. g. diehli into the Subsequent classifi cations by Roth- subspecies G. g. gorilla. He based schild in 1904 and Elliot in 1912 agreed his decision largely on anecdotal ac- that the Cross River gorillas were not a counts of gorilla distribution, believing new species and demoted the popula- Cross River gorilla populations were tion to the subspecies Gorilla gorilla continuous with those of other west- diehli. Neither author examined the ern lowland gorillas. Coolidge, like his specimens described by Matschie, or earlier counterparts, failed however, to tested Matschie's claim that two mor- address Matschie's claims. Although phologically distinct gorillas inhabited Colin Groves in 1970 revised gorilla the Cross River watershed. If Mat- taxonomy and added a subspecies schie's claim was true, G. g. diehli (Gorilla gorilla graueri) to the eastern Gorilla from the Afi Mountains gorilla popula tions, Matschie's claims Photo: Kelley McFarland remained unchallenged and Coolidge's

14 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

taxonomy remained by and large the were still intact. Renate Angermann, framework of the currently accepted curator of mammals, had recognized classifi cation. By now, the Cross River the importance of this collection and gorillas were known to occur in east- had already located and recatalogued ern Nigeria as well as southwestern all the Cross River gorilla specimens by Cam eroon, and they had at least been the time Esteban Sar miento was ready recognized by Groves as a distinctive to analyze them. far-western population. Comparison of skull measurements Working on primate distribution and of non-Cross River western goril- behavior in West Africa for the past las (approximately 55 males and 30 30 years, John Oates had long ago rec- females) to Cross River gorillas (40 ognized the Cross River watershed, the males and 20 females) including all Cameroon highlands and Bioko island those specimens referred to by Mat- as an area of primate endemism. The schie in his description supported most Sanaga river to the south of this area of Matschie's claims. Cross River goril- seems to act as a barrier to primate mi- las have shorter skulls, shorter molar grations from the extensive forests of rows, narrower palates, and a relatively western equatorial Africa, which cover broader skull base than the other west- most of southern Cameroon, Gabon, ern gorillas. In addition, Cross River Equatorial Gui nea, northern Congo and Gorilla from the Afi Mountains gorillas have smaller cheektooth sur- southwestern Central African Republic Photo: Kelley McFarland face areas, smaller gapes and much and are inhabited by G. g. gorilla. smaller braincase volumes than do the At least 6 Old World monkey species on page 14; Gorilla Journal 16 and 18) other western gorillas. Cross River go- or subspecies appear to be unique to which probably number no more than rillas also have a suite of characteristic the Cross River-Cameroon Highland- 200 individuals in 4 isolated popula- non-metric cranial traits, which collec- Bioko area. These monkeys include: tions but still exist. tively are not seen in any other gorilla Preuss's red colobus (Pro co lobus ba- John Oates began fi eld studies on population. dius preussi), the drill (Man drillus leu- the Cross River gorillas in 1990, and Statistical analyses on the skull cophaeus), Martin's putty nosed gue- Esteban Sarmiento has been focusing measurements distinguished both non (Cercopithecus nicti tans martini), his attention on the museum speci- male and female Cross River gorillas the red-eared guenon (Cercopithecus mens of these apes. Museum records from other western gorillas and correct- eryhtrotis), Preuss's guenon (Cerco- in London and Berlin showed that there ly assigned all individual specimens to pithecus preussi) and the crowned were at least 100 Cross River gorilla their respective population. The sta- guenon (Cercopithecus pogonias po- skulls in museum collections for us to tistical analyses, however, also proved gonias). The area is also home to sev- compare. Many of the skulls at the Brit- that Matschie was wrong. The single eral distinctive pro simians. Given such ish Museum of Natural History, Lon- female skull from the Cross River area, endemism, John Oates had suspected don, however, lacked specifi c locality which Matschie claimed to be Gorilla Cross River gorillas could possibly be areas and/or were too damaged to be gorilla, was indistinguishable from the a unique taxon. included in the study. other Cross River gorillas. It was clear, By the late 1970s, however, a gen- The Royal College of Surgeons therefore, that the Cross River water- eral view had developed that the Cross Hunterian Museum in London had shed was not inhabited by two morpho- River gorillas had been extirpated been bombed during World War II and logically distinct gorilla species. at least from Nigeria if not from Cam- the Cross River gorilla skulls housed In combination the skull measure- eroon. But in 1983 surveys by Clement there had been destroyed. The same ments suggested that Cross River go- Ebin of the Cross River State Forestry fate was believed to have befallen the rillas are probably smaller in body size Department obtained evidence of go- Berlin specimens including those de- than G. g. gorilla. Long bone and ver- rilla populations living in Nigeria‘s Mbe scribed by Matschie. But the bombs tebral measurements from the single Mountains. Further surveys in Nigeria that fell on the Humboldt University Zo- male and single female skeleton avail- and Cameroon in the last decade have ological Museum (the damage of which able, however, indicate a body size established the presently-known distri- can still be seen today) only destroyed similar to that of G. g. gorilla. In fact, bution of the Cross River gorillas (map paperwork and records, the specimens the single female skeleton measured is

15 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

one of the largest females in our west- supporting a subspecies distinction of I met the people and animals at Limbe, ern gorilla sample. Moreover, Cross Cross River gorillas will appear in an and saw how much could be done with River gorillas do not seem to differ in upcoming American Museum of Natu- relatively little money. Zoos spend mil- long bone proportions (upper limb to ral History Novitates publication. lions of dollars on fancy exhibits, which lower limb, arm to forearm, and thigh Esteban E. Sarmiento is a great way to inspire and educate to leg ratios) from the other western and John F. Oates the public about the plight of animals in lowland gorillas. their native habitats, as well as to pro- Measurements of the male hand vide a better life for their captive charg- and foot segments show that this ani- Limbe Wildlife Center, es. However, if a mere fraction of such mal has comparatively shorter hands Limbe, Cameroon – spending could be sent to help Limbe, and feet. Unfortunately, with only two People and Gorillas the effects could/would be astound- skeletons it is not possible to determine ing. For US$ 50,000 a year, Limbe if such body and limb segment propor- For years I’d been hearing and read- can operate. For US$ 100,000 a year, tions are representative of the whole ing about the horrors of the bushmeat Limbe can build larger, better enclo- population. trade – where animals, often endan- sures. For US$ 250,000 a year, Limbe Our attempts to associate the mor- gered or threatened, are killed for can thrive and also expand their unique phological differences we found in their meat – not for needed protein to and effective education program, the Cross River gorillas with their ecol- sustain human populations, but as a Limbe Wildlife Center Nature's Club, ogy is confounded by considerable luxury, like caviar, to a growing middle into other parts of Cameroon, including differences in the habitats presently and upper class. The increased wealth the bush where hunting endangered occupied by the four Cross River go- of local populations is frequently the animals is unfortunately still accepted. rilla populations. We suspect many of result of logging interests, destroying Alas, currently they cannot raise oper- their unique cranial characters may be old growth forests for quick, short-term ating costs and each day is a struggle associated to a diet that, historically, profi ts. The forests can regrow, given for survival. It's clear without IPPL's, has been made up of smaller drier and enough time, but for many species of Gorilla Haven's and other's help, Limbe harder foods than usually consumed animals and plants, the rampant de- wouldn't be as far along as they are by the other western gorillas. Such a struction currently going on will mean today, but the need is constant and the diet could be a corollary of the relatively extinction. future is far from secure. drier habitats and colder temperatures Gorilla Haven (see our website at that exist at the northern latitudes they http://www.gorilla-haven.org for more inhabit. information) is designed to help cap- Data currently being analyzed by tive gorillas lead more enriched lives. Kelley McFarland from her 1996–1999 It makes sense that we also be ac- fi eld studies on the Afi Mountain popu- tively involved in helping gorillas in Af- lation of these gorillas (Gorilla Journal rica, where gorillas are extremely rare 17) may help to throw some new light in captivity, and where their numbers on these ecological questions. in the wild are dwindling fast, due to Regardless of what environmental deforestation, human population en- variables their morphological differ- croachment and the bushmeat trade. ences are precisely associated with, it Unlike chimpanzees or monkeys, go- is clear that these differences separate rillas seem to give up and die rather Cross River gorillas as a taxon dis- than endure the hellish lives captive tinct from other western gorillas. Be- primates often face in Africa and else- cause Cross River gorillas are more where. than 250 km northwest of the nearest Inspired by stories in the IPPL western gorilla population and no other Newsletters, Gorilla Haven has sup- morphologically distinct gorilla shares ported the Limbe Wildlife Center for its range, we are convinced that their several years. In May 1999 I visited differences can be best summarized Limbe to see fi rst hand just how and if by placing them in the subspecies Go- our money was being put to good use. Gorilla keeper Bama with gorillas rilla gorilla diehli. Our scientifi c study This was immediately confi rmed when Photo: Jane Dewar

16 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

The goal of Limbe is to release all ing and training a staff of wonderful animals back to the wild, if and as Cameroonians. In July they left to go possible, but with great apes this is work at Ndoki in the Congo, replaced problematic, if not impossible, since by Jackie Belle, who’s continuing their hand-reared or captive animals cannot good work at Limbe. Gorilla keepers, survive in the wild. Hopefully if funds Wilson, Bama and Jonathan are loving, are raised, Limbe will be able to re- eager and intelligent men anxious to lease these gorillas (as well as other learn more. No one at Limbe, except animals) to a large preserve, where the Jonathan, who went to Jersey for some animals can be protected from hunt- training, has ever seen a silverback go- ers and provisioned, but left alone to rilla! Abel heads the Nature's Club, live a life as free as possible. When where school children from all over can I visited Limbe the zoo consisted of come to the zoo (free of charge) to all primates (oh, yes, there was a croc- learn about the animals and the envi- odile and a snake too!), including 19 ronment. chimpanzees, 7 gorillas, a variety of Many of the Limbe staff started monkeys including mangabeys and working there as volunteers. The con- guenons, as well as 12 of the high- cept of volunteering is usually a con- Nyango Photo: Jane Dewar ly endangered drill baboons – over cept of wealthier nations, where each 80 individual primates total. All the ani- day isn't spent just trying to survive. so unique. mals at Limbe started life as victims of Since Limbe, like so many people Stephen's story is classic: Raised in the bushmeat trade, survivors of mas- in Africa, struggles to get by with a hunting village, where bushmeat and sacres that killed their families. Such the bare necessities (food, shelter, killing gorillas and chimps was routine, survivals are rare, making their stories healthcare, etc.), the idea that some- Stephen caught a viper (a snake) one even more special. one with the same struggles would of- day and brought it to the zoo in the Limbe's staff is remarkable. Linda fer their time to work with no monetary hopes of selling it. The zoo had no Percy and Tony Chasar, two American reward in return is truly remarkable. money, but they said they'd take the volunteers, worked tirelessly, assist- But remarkable people is why Limbe is snake and Stephen agreed to come back later when they had money to give him. He kept returning to the zoo for money that was never there, but in the process he started to talk to the staff and observe the animals. Then he started volunteering, helping around the zoo and before he knew it, he had a job working with the drills. Today Stephen is a converted conservationist, who doesn't eat meat and who returns home to his village to tell his father and the village elders why bushmeat is not a good thing! His brother, Johnson, is now a chimp keeper, so perhaps there will be at least one less village hunting bush meat! But the gorillas were my main reason for going. Reading about Pit chou's struggle to survive in the IPPL jour- nals, I wanted to see her for myself. I will confess I fought back tears several times during my 7 day stay at Limbe, Evindi Photo: Jane Dewar but they were all tears of joy tinged with

17 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

of a trauma, and I'm convinced if the Limbe staff hadn't spent the time and efforts, holding and reassuring this young baby gorilla, Chella wouldn't be here. And a world without Chella would be a crime. I can't wait to see Chella as a silverback. Emma, Miss Demure (female, born approx. 1996). Emma's life also began with the trauma of her capture, and medical woes have seen her several times on death's door, with IV drips and just the determination and love of the Limbe staff and prayers keeping her alive. She seemed depressed to me, and would often sit sucking the hair on her arm while the other gorillas played around her. But other times Pitchou when she arrived at Limbe she'd climb and laugh and play like (left) and in May 1999. the others. Emma seems to be in her Photos: Limbe (left), own little world at times, still trying to Jane Dewar (above) come to terms with where her life has brought her. the sadness that such stories of survival heart, and not just because her survival Evindi, a.k.a. Romeo (male, born were so rare. Pitchou was everything is so miraculous. It's the feisty will to approx. 1994). Evindi's eyes could and more that I thought she'd be. But survive against all odds, combined with melt the coldest heart. He's smaller so were the others, who we assigned a confi dence and sweetness that than Chella, but a lover boy who would nicknames on our last day ... makes her so special. follow us around with his eyes wher- Nyango, The Queen (female, born Chella, The "Robin Williams" of Go- ever we went, and come to sit near us, approx. 1990). The oldest at 9 years rillas (male, born approx. 1994). The just to be close. Evindi might decide to old, Nyango is the queen and she actor/comedian Robin Williams uses be dominant if he and Chella mature knows it. Raised by missionaries the his quick wit and facial expressions together, but the jury's still out on that fi rst 3 or 4 years of her life, she was to create hysteria and uncontrollable one. Evindi, like so many young male treated like a beloved child and still has laughter for all around him, and Chella, gorillas I've observed, would alternate diffi culty understanding why she's shut the oldest (perhaps 6 years old) male at between strutting around like a big boy inside an enclosure with other gorillas, Limbe is his gorilla reincarnation. I've and then act childish, pushing away instead of wandering around the rest never seen so many silly play faces and other gorillas getting too much atten- of the zoo with her loyal subjects, the goofy gestures combined with a gentle, tion (in Evindi's mind), as his jealousy people who are there to admire and sweet nature in any other gorilla. took over. love her. Like many comedians, their humor Jumbo, The Little Mermaid (fe- Pitchou, The Princess (female, born borne of tragedy, Chella's beginnings male, born approx. 1996). The en- approx. 1997). As the youngest gorilla in life are horrifi c. He arrived at a log- closure at Limbe has a small wading at Limbe, Pitchou is also the one who ging camp, clinging terrifi ed to the dead pool as well as a water fountain that seems to know she's a gorilla the best, body of his mother, killed with the rest of the gorillas can operate by pressing teaching the others tricks of the gorilla his family for bushmeat. They couldn't down, starting a stream of water. Jum- trade. Her name means "Polka Dot" in pry him off his mother and when they bo spent a lot of her time sitting on top the local language, since she arrived fi nally did, his Limbe keepers held and of the water fountain, washing her toys, covered with the scars of ringworm, her cared for him 24 hours a day, 7 days a food, self, etc., or playing in the pool. belly bloated from malnutriution and week for months, before he was able to And Jumbo was always in the thick barely alive. Her survival is nothing less slowly accept his new lot in life. Most of things when food or games were than amazing. Pitchou simply melts my gorillas simply give up, after this kind involved, a very confi dent and curious

18 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

young heroine, like Ariel, of Disney's "Little Mermaid" story. Benito, The "Gary Cooper" of Go- rillas (male, born approx. April 1996). Like the movie actor of yesterday, Benito is a classic, handsome, strong and silent type. The youngest of the 3 males, Benito arrived at Limbe with Emma, and spent his fi rst months there in the constant care of his human car- egivers, who selfl essly gave him 24 hour care love and attention. Again, I'm convinced this is the secret to his A gorilla group feeding in the Maya Nord clearing survival. Photo: Florence Magliocca My last day in Limbe a French couple approached us, saying they can be logged to meet the supply of exceptionally good visibility has permit- had a 5 month old baby chimpan- ignorant or selfi sh western countries is ted an accurate determination of group zee they were going to bring to the heart breaking. But ignorance doesn't composition and population structure. center. Linda Percy had to turn them have to have fatal consequences. The In Maya Nord, gorillas were present for away, saying they simply didn’t have problems of Africa are huge and of- 88% of the 132 observation days. A the money or the staff to take on the ten I hear people sighing that it's too total of 398 hours of direct observation 24 hour demands of such a young baby. much for one person to handle. But have been carried out. Altogether 217 Linda advised the couple to bring the one person CAN make a difference. I group visits and 224 solitary visits have chimp to the zoo in Yaoun de, but later saw the difference my money made at been recorded, corresponding to a total she told me she had to do this horribly Limbe, in the smiles of the staff and the of 2,637 gorilla visits. 442 gorillas have painful task of turning away animals well adjusted behaviors of the gorillas, been identifi ed including 37 groups and more times that she’d like. The center who should be basket-cases or dead, 21 lone gorillas. never pays for animals, so this is get- given their unfortunate histories. Even The gorilla density has been esti- ting out and now hunters know they a small donation goes so much further mated at 10 individuals/km². Groups won’t be rewarded for bringing baby in Cameroon than it might in a western include only one silverback male and primates to Limbe. Still, other well- country. have a mean size of 11.7 individu- meaning people will pay for a primate The mere thought of Pitchou brings als (range 2–29), which is larger than baby, convinced they’re doing the right a smile to my heart and the money what has already been described for thing, even though they’re just contrib- we sent to help her more than a year western gorillas. The mean number uting to the trade in baby primates un- ago remains the best investment we've of infants per female (0.63) character- wittingly. Education is essential. ever made. ises a high birth rate. Infants, juve- I'd traveled to Africa at least a dozen Jane Dewar niles and subadults represent 56% of times, to southern and eastern African the population. The equal contribution countries. This was my fi rst time to of the three non-adult classes, about West/Central Africa and I was amazed Gorillas in the Odzala 20% each, confi rms the good survival at the potential of Cam eroon's peo- National Park of young, especially during the pas- ple, the country and the wildlife. The sages from infant to juvenile and from setting is magical, with Mt. Cameroon As part of the European program ECO- juvenile to subadult. looming over Limbe, a coastal village FAC, a study of the large mammal Swampy clearings are especially at- where the Atlantic Ocean gently laps populations frequenting the swampy tractive to gorillas that devote about against the shores and Bioko Island, clearings of the Odzala National Park, 66% of their presence time to feeding Equitorial Guinea silhouettes the sun- Republic of Congo, was conducted on 4 herbaceous plant species. Sam- sets each night. That such a magical over a period of 10 months. This study ple analyses have shown that plants in place is also the setting for the slaugh- has especially focused on gorillas that clearings were richer in mineral salts ter of so many animals and the destruc- visit the Maya Nord clearing, located 10 than those in forests. tion of so much diversity, so forests km north of the park boundaries. The Several groups and/or lone individu-

19 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

support of the park extension project the park extension project has been to include this area, rich in numerous postponed. salt clearings and still spared by log- Florence Magliocca ging. The extension of the park would Funding for this study was provided provide a suffi cient area to assure the by the EU ECOFAC program (Forest survival of large mammal populations ECOsystems of Central Africa). I want such as elephants. It would also per- to thank E. Pironio, initiator of the pro- mit connections with other protected gram, J.M. Froment, ECOFAC-Congo regions. The ECOFAC leaders still project leader, and C. Aveling, project have to convince the authorities that co-ordinator. I acknowledge AGRECO the development of the park will pro- for its technical assistance. Thanks vide fi nancial resources to the local hu- to A. Gautier-Hion, my research direc- man populations. The park's fi nancial tor, for her help and her pertinent com- autonomy is one of the main objectives ments on my work. of the ECOFAC program, and the de- velopment of ecotourism, facilitated by Silverback in Maya Nord the exceptional conditions of observa- Photo: Florence Magliocca tion, is considered a promising way of attaining it. Unfortunately, the current als may visit he area simultaneously political conditions make the reinforce- and 55% of the visits have led to inter- ment of the protected areas diffi cult and group encounters. In general, groups and/or solitary individuals ignore each other and only 29% of such encoun- ters have led to agonistic interactions. Peaceful approaches (23% of inter- group encounters) and group mixings (6%) were observed. In spite of food selectivity and the patchy distribution of preferred plants, resource abundance seems to permit peaceful coexistence. Abundance of Marantaceae in the forest and mineral-rich places in marshy clearings allows the Maya Nord region to house a large population of gorillas. Minerals may play an important role in the high birth rate and survival of off- spring. The long-term survival of this population seems secured under the present conditions of the park which currently has no timber harvesting, low human presence and very low levels of poaching. Unfortunately, human pressure is still increasing in the areas close to the park. This highlights the value of the current ECOFAC conservation program which focuses on western lowland go- rillas together with other key species, such as forest elephants which inhabit the Maya Nord region. It encourages Odzala and Ndoki National Park Map: Angela Meder

20 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

Gorilla Studies in the ous and, for some time, this was as- leaves, seeds, and different termites sumed true for western gorillas as well. species from those eaten by chim- Nouabalé-Ndoki National However, studies of the feeding habits panzees. Park of western lowland gorillas suggested Poor visibility as a result of dense Field studies by the Japanese team in that they might be considered frugiv- vegetation has made direct observa- the Nouabalé-Ndoki area, in Northern orous, and the relative importance of tion of gorillas diffi cult. In May and Congo, began in November 1987, and these dietary aspects formed the main June 1994, an extensive survey was ecological surveys of primates in the body of Nishihara’s work. The feeding conducted to fi nd a study site where area were initiated in 1988 by Ma sa- ecology of chimpanzees was also ex- observation conditions would be better zumi Mitani, Suehisa Kuroda and To- amined using the same methods, ena- than those in the "Njinji" area. A good moaki Nishihara. Beginning in 1989, bling us to make comparisons between study site at an area of marsh grassland a WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) the two species and to describe eco- (about 1500 x 100 m) called "Guga Bai" team initiated forest surveys in the area logical features of gorillas. Gorilla and was selected, where gorillas could be and in November 1993, with the great chimp densities were estimated using observed frequently with good visibility, effort of WCS, the Congolese govern- nest counts (for gorillas) and direct and where several chimpanzees could ment established this area of 3,865.92 counts of individually identifi ed chimps. be habituated. In late 1994, Nishihara km2 as a national park. The park is The important results were as follows: established a study camp at this study covered by primary forest, composed – There is one main fruiting season site and started an intensive survey and of 3 types of vegetation: evergreen (April–September) and a period of habituation project. At Guga, gorillas monospecifi c forest (Gil ber tiodendron relative scarcity of fruit (October– can be located with ease, either as they dewevrei), semi-deciduous (mixed March). pass through the open Gilbertiodendron species) forest, and swamp forest. – Gorilla and chimpanzee population forest that surrounds the bai, repeat- The annual rainfall is about 1,500 mm densities are remarkably high at the edly using the same routes, or as the and is divided into a major dry sea- study site (size approximately 20 go rillas are already in the bai through 2 son (December–February), minor rainy km ). Densities were 1.92–2.56 ani- the sound of food washing, moving 2 season (March–June), minor dry sea- mals/km for gorillas and 2.65 ani- through marsh or feeding grunts emit- 2 son (July–August) and a major rainy mals/km for chimpanzees. ted by them. In order to increase ob- season (September–November). – The gorilla's basic diet consists of servation frequency, platforms were Primates have been found in high the fi brous parts of plants, though set up in the trees at the points where densities within the park, with western they also consume a large quan- gorillas habitually enter and exit the lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and tity of fruits corresponding to their bai. Observation time could be greatly nine other species of diurnal primates seasonal availability. Chimpanzees living sympatrically, without large hu- mainly depend on fruits all year. man impact for at least 50 years. The – Gorillas and chimpanzees share a Japanese research team has focused large number of fruit food species, mainly on the feeding ecology of west- but overt competitive interactions ern lowland gorillas. As the gorillas over food have not been observed. were diffi cult to observe at the fi rst On the contrary, we observed goril- study site (Njinji), data on gorilla be- las and chimpanzees peacefully co- haviour was gathered indirectly and the feeding in fi g trees during the period main study methods used were dung of relative fruit scarcity. and trail analyses, plus nutritional anal- – Gorillas feed on mineral and protein ysis of certain food items in the gorillas' rich swamp vegetation year round. diet. The phenology of fruit production Aquatic herbs in marsh grassland was also studied to examine its effects are particularly favoured. on the gorillas' diet and Nishihara spent – Niche separation between these a full year in the forest from 1991 to apes is found over mineral food and 1992 collecting data on gorilla diet and protein food; chimpanzees acquire seasonal fruit production. minerals and protein preying on Long-term studies have described birds, mammals, and insects where- A gorilla feeding in Mbeli Bai mountain gorillas as primarily foli vor- as gorillas take them from herbs, Photo: Richard Parnell

21 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

increased using these platforms. For However, few advances have been example, between January and Feb- made in addressing questions regard- ruary 1995, we had gorillas in view ing social organization and interaction. for 427 out of 2,728 minutes (15.7%) Descriptions of social structure have we spent at the platform. At least relied heavily on secondary trail evi- 3 groups and 2 solitary males that uti- dence and low sample sizes of known lize the bai have been identifi ed; each groups. Hypotheses regarding group group was cohesive and contained one dynamics, and in particular, the pos- silverback. The maximum group size sibility that gorillas exhibit a fi ssion-fu- was 16 individuals. We found that go- sion organization not dissimilar to that rillas in a unit group moved in proces- observed in chimpanzees have been sion when they entered and exited the proposed but these also rely too heav- bai. Nine cases of such processional ily on night nest counts, a methodology movement were observed. Data from that has been shown to be lacking in these entries and exits suggest that precision. silver backs do not always lead group These "indirect" methodologies have movement. been utilized primarily due to diffi culties Gorillas frequently scratch soil on in habituating western lowland gorillas in the fl oor in the Gilbertiodendron forest their normal forest habitat. Even where near the bai. The purpose of this is not the habituation of gorillas in the for- clear but it probably serves to search est has been partially successful, only for insects or other small animals, pos- one or two groups have been studied. sibly including earth worms. It was dif- Mbeli Bai allows researchers visibility fi cult to fi nd such animals during our of complete social groups of gorillas. own attempts at soil scratching, and A gorilla and an elephant feeding in We are currently able to identify all in- therefore this behaviour did not seem Mbeli Bai dividuals from 13 groups plus 8 solitary to be an effi cient form of nutritional Photo: Richard Parnell silver backs; a study population of over intake. In addition, no fragments of 100 animals. This allows us to follow insects or small animals were found in 10 hectare swampy clearing in the the dynamic shifts in group composi- gorilla dung. southwest of the park, was conducted tion for a large number of groups, all In 1994, Nishihara began a train- in 1993. A further pilot study in 1994 of which are habituated to our pres- ing program for Congolese research by Stephen Blake confi rmed that the ence at an observation tower at the assistants at Guga. Students gradu- site attracted unusually large numbers bai edge. ating from Brazzaville University were of gorillas. Full-time monitoring and The preliminary results show that instructed in fi eld research methods re- study at Mbeli Bai began in February groups with 2 silverbacks are rare lated to chimp and gorilla ecology. Re- 1995, under the direction of Claudia and to date, no evidence has been sults were presented by the students Olejniczak. At the beginning of 1997, collected to support a fi ssion-fusion at seminars held in Brazzaville and Richard Parnell became the principal organization. Our fi ndings indicate a at a primate conference in the United investigator for the study. much wider range of possible group Kingdom. Unfortunately, the study and Until the commencement of the compositions than have so far been training program at Guga was inter- study, virtually nothing was known re- described for the subspecies. In the rupted by the civil war in 1997 and cur- garding the intricacies of western low- context of our demographic monitor- rently remains suspended. land gorilla social organization. Stud- ing, we have so far recorded 18 fe- Tomoaki Nishihara ies of mountain gorilla social structure male transfers, 5 male emigrations, have been detailed and wide ranging. the birth of 16 infants and the death of By comparison, studies on western 2 silverbacks, with the consequences The Mbeli Bai Gorillas lowland gorillas have mostly described for their groups. Several adult females – Social Structure and aspects of ecology such as feeding and in the study population have given birth Behaviour ranging that can be studied using indi- to their second offspring since the start rect evidence such as feeding trails, of the study, while some of those whose The fi rst pilot study at Mbeli Bai, a nutritional analysis and nest counts. offspring died in early infancy have now

22 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 GORILLAS

given birth to their third infants, allowing counters recorded are dyadic in nature, for high-school age children and the us to monitor infant development and but analysis will also be performed on setting up of a children's conservation reproductive parameters. The number encounters that affect more than one club. A pilot launch of this project at of individuals and groups known to the member of each group. Observations the local school has generated consid- study has already enabled us to com- are also analyzed temporally to under- erable interest throughout the region, pile the most complete demographic stand to what extent gorillas of various and we hope to expand these activities data set for the sub-species yet extant; ages observe a form of "etiquette" in considerably in the future. a resource that becomes increasingly their interactions with each other. Are Richard Parnell important with each year of unbroken there set rules governing the behaviour monitoring. of different age and sex classes, or While attempts have been made to does the form and outcome of interac- describe western gorilla social struc- tion depend more on past experiences ture, data on individual gorilla social or the proximity of a silverback from interactions are absent, with the ex- either group? ception of isolated anecdotal evidence. So far, observations are taken only In previous studies examples of intra- at the bai and no attempt has been group interaction have occasionally made to habituate groups to being fol- been witnessed, but such opportunities lowed into the forest, though it is ex- are rare and likely to be limited in their pected that this may become the logi- context, by poor observation condi- cal next step with one or more of the tions and an incomplete knowledge of groups that visit the bai. The philoso- the individuals involved. At Mbeli Bai, phy of the study is that, wherever pos- we often witness two or more groups sible, long-term research of vulnerable using the clearing simultaneously and species such as gorillas should not be intergroup interactions are not uncom- divorced from concerns about their mon. A signifi cant characteristic of conservation status. Though a full- these encounters is the high degree time research project, this philosophy of tolerance shown by group silver- has led us to undertake conservation backs. When agonistic encounters do education efforts in the Upper Sangha occur, they are frequently initiated by, region, through the creation and dis- and confi ned to other group members tribution of a conservation newspaper such as black-backs, subadults and juveniles. By recording all aspects of these encounters, whether agonistic or affi nitive, we are beginning to uncover layers of complexity and social aware- ness that are all too often hidden using more traditional study methods. Our data so far hint at the ways in which young animals gain the social skills required of them later in life, or even create "friendships" or animosities that may later affect the likelihood of female transfer or of tolerance between group silverbacks. Data are also taken on the form of these interactions, which will enrich wild gorilla ethograms and provide in- formation in areas such as gestural and vocal communication as well as posi- tional aspects of interaction. Most en- Gorillas feeding in Mbeli Bai Photo: Richard Parnell

23 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 READING

Joanna Haworth bles. Hardcover £ 50.00, ISBN 0-521- (The Johns Hopkins Press) 1999. US$ Life after Logging: The Impacts of 62044-9. Paperback £ 18.95, ISBN 55.00. ISBN 0-8018-6012-1. Commercial Timber Extraction in Trop- 0-521-62967-5. ical Rainforests. Friends of the Earth Phyllis Dolhinow and Agustin Trust 1999. 72 pages, 4 pages with H.D. Rijksen and E. Meijaard Fuentes (eds.) coloured photos. ISBN 1-85750-327- Our Vanishing Relative – The Status The Nonhuman Primates. Mountain 9. of Wild Orang-Utans at the Close of the View (Mayfi eld) 1999. Paperback. This is a review of studies (including 20th Century. Kluwer Academic Pub- US$ 28.95. ISBN 1-55934-974-3. some unpublished papers) that exam- lishers 1999. 486 pages, hardcover, ined the effects of logging activities in £ 114.00, US$ 195.00. ISBN 0-7923- John G. Robinson and Elisabeth the tropics, a good overview of the most 5754-X. Bennett (eds.) important fi ndings, especially useful for Hunting for Sustainability in Tropical beginners. It analyzes the impact on Rosamond Halsey Carr and Anne Forests. New York (Columbia Universi- the forest habitat, on certain animal Howard Halsey ty Press) 1999. 100 pages. Hardcover groups, on the physical function of the Land of a Thousand Hills. My Life in US& 75, ISBN 0231109768; paperback ecosystem, on society (including for- Rwanda. New York (Viking Penguin) US$ 29.50, ISBN 0231109776. est-dwelling people) and economics. 1999. Hardcover, US$ 24.95. ISBN Further effects of the logging methods 0670887803. Ludo de Witte like fi re, road construction etc. are also De moord op Lumumba. Leuven, described. With these results, the au- Denise D. Cummins and Colin Allen Belgium (Van Halewyck) 1999. 496 thor discusses how the adverse effects (eds.) pages. of logging could be reduced and if sus- The Evolution of Mind. New York tainable logging is possible at all. The (Oxford University Press) 1998. 272 Birgit Steck, Wolfgang Strasdas references of the original studies are pages. US$ 35. ISBN 0195110536. and Evelyn Gustedt also very helpful. Tourism in Technical Co-operation. Hostile to Democracy. The Move- A Guide to the Conception, Planning Christopher Boehm ment System and Political Repression and Implementation of Projects Ac- Hierarchy in the Forest. The Evo- in Uganda. Human Rights Watch 1999. companying Measures in Regional lution of Egalitarian Behavior. Cam- Available from the internet at http:// Rural Development and Nature Con- bridge (Harvard Univ. Press) 1999. www.hrw.org/hrw/reports/1999/ servation. Eschborn (TZ-Verlags- 320 pages. £ 24.95, US$ 39.95. ISBN uganda/zack.html. gesellschaft) 1998/99. DM 15. Avail- 0-674-39031-8. able in German (134 pages, ISBN 3- J. Swarbrooke 933984-10-6), English and Spanish. Cas Besselink, Peter Sips (eds.) Sustainable Tourism Manage- The publication can be downloaded The Congo Basin: Human and Natu- ment. Wallingford (CABI Publish- in .pdf format in German (http://www. ral Resources. Amsterdam (Nether- ing) 1999. 384 pages. Paperback, gtz.de/toeb/pdf/tourismus.pdf), ISBN lands Committee for IUCN) 1998. 214 £ 24.50, US$ 45. ISBN 0-85199-314- 3-933984-10-6, English (http://www. pages. £ 16.75, US$ 25. ISBN 90- 1 gtz.de/toeb/pdf/tour-e.pdf), ISBN 75909-04-7. 3-933984-17-3 and Spanish (http:// Sue Taylor Parker (ed.) www.gtz.de/toeb/pdf/tour-sp.pdf), Sophie Higman et al. The Mentalities of Gorillas and Oran- ISBN 3-933984-18-1. The Sustainable Forestry Hand- gutans. Cambridge (Cambridge Uni- book. London (Earthscan) 1999. versity Press) 1999. 428 pages, 30 line T. Hofmann, H. Roth and H. Ellen- 304 pages. Paperback, £ 25. ISBN diagrams, 29 half-tones. Hardcover, £ berg 1-85383-599-4. 50. ISBN 0-521-58027-7. Game Meat in West African Moist Forest Regions. Eschborn (TZ-Ver- John G. Fleagle, Charles Janson Sue Taylor Parker and Michael L. lagsgesellschaft) 1998/99. DM 10. F- and Kaye Reed (eds.) McKinney V/7 (German, ISBN 3-933984-12-2), Primate Communities. Cambridge Origins of Intelligence. The Evolu- F-V/7e (English, ISBN 3-933984-29-7), (Cambridge University Press) 1999. tion of Cognitive Development in Mon- F-V/7f (French). 339 pages, 105 line diagrams, 48 ta- keys, Apes, and Humans. Baltimore

24 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 READING

action to halt the trade in bushmeat. working on it, the Dian Fossey Gorilla The rest of the proceeds will be used Fund Europe now also has a web site: to sponsor a similar education pro- http:/www.dianfossey.org. Their gram in Africa as well as other PCWS newsletter Digit News can be found programs including their Orangutan there in the "newsletter" section. Poster Project and a proposed Primate In September, the famous British Education Center. If you are interested animal park Howletts launched a vir- in ordering this poster, please down- tual zoo at http://www.howletts.net. load the poster order form at the PCWS Six cameras enable the internet user website and send your check or money to observe the world's biggest gorilla order to: colony, African elephants, Siberian ti- gers and bongos. The Primate Conservation & Welfare The National Geographic Maga- Society zine's site features Michael Fay's P.O. Box 2101 year-long trek through the Congo Port Townsend, WA 98368 basin – the "Central African Mega- USA transect Project" – that started in 1999. News from the forest and a lot For further information, e-mail Hope of interesting information is available Walker ([email protected]). at http://www.nationalgeographic. A Poster to Fight the com/congotrek and at the WCS (Wild- Bushmeat Trade life Conservation Society) site at http:// News from the Internet www.wcs.org. The Primate Conservation & Welfare The Ape Alliance is a cooperation of A dicussion paper for the next Society (PCWS) has recently pre- conservation organizations concerned CITES meeting on BUSHMEAT as a miered a poster regarding the trade in with the great apes, including Berg- Trade and Wildlife Management Is- bushmeat in Africa. This poster has gorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe. Now sue can be downloaded in .pdf format been designed to educate the public the Ape Alliance has its own web at http://www-esd.worldbank.org/ about the issues surrounding commer- site at http://www.ndirect.co.uk/ wwf and at http://www.cites.org/ cial deforestation and the hunting/kill- ~virunga/apal. After a long time of CITES/eng/cop/11/docs/44.pdf. ing of primates in Africa. The poster images have been donated by world famous photographers Steve Bloom Gorilla Art Exhibition The exhibition will take place at: and Karl Ammann. In addition to the poster PCWS has From 30 October to 4 November Gallery Inoue also designed a detailed Bushmeat 2000, the artist Chisato Abe will 3-5-6 Ginza Action Kit which offers concerned in- show 20 large oil paintings with go- Chino-ku dividuals ways in which they can help. rillas. She is specialized in drawing 104-0061 Japan You can download it as .pdf fi les from and painting gorillas. Tel. +81-3-3562-1911 http://www.primates-online.com/ bushmeat.html). PCWS has also be- gun a "Bushmeat Petition", copies of which are available by writing to PCWS or from their website. The bushmeat poster is available for US$ 10.00each (plus $ 4.25 for poster tube and postage – international post- age is $ 6.50). A large portion of the proceeds of the poster sales will go directly toward primate conservation organizations whose objectives include

25 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 BERGGORILLA & REGENWALD DIREKTHILFE

Helping Hands for the Mailing of the Journal in America had been shot by poachers. She de- Hope Walker (left) worked in vari- cided to use her new Internet venture, English Gorilla Journal ous fi elds until the end of 1998: docu- Kilimanjaro Adventure Travel (www. Translations mentary fi lm with credits in BBC One, kilimanjaro.com) to promote a Gorilla from German National Geographic, Discovery Chan- Help Site calling attention to the plight and French nel and Animal Planet programming; of these gentle creatures. She created Dr. Bettina Organization Administration including and has been maintaining the web site Grieser Johns corporate real estate; Freelance Writ- for Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe is a freelance writ- ing and Animal Training. In 1998 she as part of this effort. er, translator and founded the Primate Conservation & biologist who has Welfare Society, a charity dedicated to done research in primate conservation and welfare. Donations Uganda, Mada- We thank each person and compa- gascar, Malaysia and Vietnam. She ny who supported us from June 1 to accompanied her husband Andrew to a October 31, 1999. We received lar- conservation job in Vietnam and is cur- ger contributions from Abercrombie & rently pursuing interests in primatology Kent, Elke Bakels, Georges Breny, Ka- and ecotourism development. tharina Hummel, Angelika Kraus, An- gela Meder, Susanne Messmer, Hans Proofreading Preissner, Sylvia Ruoff, Juliana Strö- Ann DeVoy (left) has lived in Ger- bele-Gregor, Cecile Vischer and Karl- many since 1985. She has a degree Otto Weber. Equipment was do nated in English literature from S.U.N.Y. Col- by Hanwag Sport schuh fabrik, Volker lege at Brockport (USA) and a degree Website Management Jährling, Vol canoes Safaris and Klaus in translation from the Fach hochschule Stephanie Hancock (right) found Fenger. Erwin F. Reisch (Gentner Köln, Germany. She has been working out shortly after her fi rst visit to the Verlag, Stutt gart) funded reproduction as a Projects Assistant at the IUCN En- mountain gorillas of Zaire in 1994 that and composition of the journal. Many vironmental Law Center in Bonn since Marcel, the silverback she had visited, thanks to everybody! 1997.

A NEW SAFARI ALTERNATIVE Mgahinga Safari Lodge is a new luxury lodge, perched at the tip of a peninsula jutting into the waters of Lake Mutanda, in southwestern Uganda. The lodge is the ideal setting from which to track the mountain gorilla in nearby Mgahinga Gorilla National Park; venture deep into Bwindi Impenetrable Forest; search for (right) is a lec- savannah antelope in Lake Mburo National Park; or visit Lake Bunyonyi – renowned as the ‘lake of little Dr. Jennifer Scott birds and sweet water fi sh’. turer at the University of Canterbury at The lodge complex consists of a main building – which houses the reception, restaurant, lounge and bar Kent, England, Department of Anthro- – and six spacious, twin-bedded tents. All equipment at the lodge is of the highest European standard. The pology. She is currently doing a study tents are en suite, with hot showers and fl ush toilets, and have continental quilts and pillows. Soft drinks and of Macchiavellian intelligence among laundry service are provided. The restaurant serves a high standard of continental and traditional cuisine accompanied by a selection of local and international wines and spirits. the members of 5 large gorilla groups housed at Howletts Wild Animal Park, For further information contact: near Canterbury. Her PhD research Afrika Adventure Touristik, Kurt Niedermeier involved the study of dominance and Seehaupter Str. 17, D-81476 Munich, Germany P.O. Box 5326 competitive interactions among female Tel: +49-89-75979626 Fax: +49-89-75979627 Kampala gorillas, again at Howletts. E-mail: [email protected] Uganda

26 Gorilla Journal 19, December 1999 Emergency Appeal to Save the Mountain Gorillas

A few months ago, Praveen Moman, Director of Volcanoes Safaris, contacted several conservation organizations that are involved in mountain gorilla conser- vation. He suggested to the NGOs to join with him to ensure the survival of the mountain gorillas. He launched an appeal and designed a leafl et that was fi rst distributed in London at the World Travel Market. The aim of the appeal is to raise US$ 70,000 until March. It will go to projects run by Berggorilla & Regen wald Direk- thilfe, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Europe and the International Gorilla Conserva- tion Programme. The partners decided that $ 12,000 will be spent for basic equipment, $ 28,000 for radio and tel- ephone equipment and 30,000 for tour- ist guides and security. Further information and donations:

Volcanoes Emergency Gorilla Appeal c/o Fauna & Flora International Great Eastern House, Tenison Road Cambridge CB1 2DT Great Britain Tel. (+44) 01223-571000 Fax (+44) 0223-461481 Left: Leafl et of the Volcanoes [email protected] Emergency Appeal

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