Gorilla Journal Journal of Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe No. 54, June 2017

A Population Survey of the One of the Biggest A Tribute to Colo Estimate of Great Cross River Ape Traffickers of Apes in Itombwe Gorilla at Tofala Africa Arrested Hill BERGGORILLA & REGENWALD DIREKTHILFE

Authors of this Issue returned to Cameroon to collect data CONTENTS for his doctoral thesis on the Cross D. R. Congo 3 Gedeon Banswe is the GIS and data River gorillas. Conservation and Sensitization base officer with the WWF Itombwe Dr. Miki Matsubara took part in the Activities at Sarambwe 3 Program. gorilla census of Kahuzi-Biega in 1996 A Population Estimate of Great Andrew Dunn is Project Manager for and of Petit Loango in Gabon in 1998. Apes in Itombwe 5 the WCS biodiversity research program She studied social relationships of Community Development Projects in southeastern Nigeria. He has been juvenile gorillas in the Howletts and near Mount Tshiaberimu 13 working on biological survey and con­ Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks. Now Community Conservation for the servation projects in Africa since 1989. she is an adjunct lecturer of Chukyo Park and Local Communities 14 Prof. Colin P. Groves wrote his University. Rwanda 17 Ph.D. thesis on gorilla osteology and Menard Mbende is the WWF DRC Cantsbee – a Gorilla Legend 17 taxonomy. After working at American protected areas Program Manager. He Death of Three Silverbacks 17 and British universities, he emigrated has been involved in the 2015 Itombwe Cross River 18 to Australia in 1974. Now he is retired, survey. Update on the Proposed after teaching primatology and human Dr. Angela Meder studied the be­ Superhighway 18 evolution at the Australian National haviour and development of captive Survey of the Cross River Gorilla Uni­versity for 40 years, but he is still lowland gorillas for 10 years. Today she at the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary 19 doing research on various animals. works as a book editor. Since 1992 she Gorillas 22 Charlotte Houpline completed de­ has been part of the Board of Directors One of the Biggest Ape Traffickers grees in ecology, wildlife manage­ment of Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe. of Africa Arrested 22 and nature protection. She is involved Audra Meinelt is the assistant curator A Tribute to Colo 23 in conservation and anti-poaching ac­ of the Congo Expedition region at the The Dream of the Forest 24 tivities in several West African count­ Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. She 2017 Members’ Meeting 25 ries. In 2010, she founded the NGO has worked with the gorillas for more Vast Peatland in the Congo Basin 25 WARA Conservation in France. than 20 years. She also manages the Reading 26 Dr. Inaoyom Imong has conducted Colobus SSP population and is the vice Berggorilla & Regenwald research on Cross River gorillas since coordinator for the bonobo SSP. Direkthilfe 27 2004. He is the Director of the Cross Gentil Kisangani Milinganyo works River Gorilla Landscape Project of for the Institut Congolais pour la Con­ WCS in Nigeria. servation de la Nature (ICCN-RNI). He Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 John Kahekwa Munihuzi was a gorilla has been involved in the 2015 Itombwe Editor: Dr. Angela Meder habituation officer in Kahuzi-Biega survey as the deputy chief warden in Augustenstr. 122, 70197 Stuttgart, 1983–2004. In 1992 he founded the charge of law enforcement. Germany Pole Pole Foundation, POPOF, in order Dr. Leonard K. Mubalama manages Fax +49-711-6159919 to link the local communities to the the WWF South Kivu Program in E-mail [email protected] conservation of the park. He regularly eastern DRC and is one of the IUCN Translation and Proofreading: Ann visits the park as a consultant. World Commission on Protected areas DeVoy, Bettina and Andrew Grieser Sebastian Linnarz studied biology in as well as African elephant specialist Johns, Colin Groves Bonn, Germany. When he read about group member. He has been involved in Cover: Rangers in Itombwe the volunteer program of ERuDeF on the Itombwe participatory gazettement Photo: ICCN-RNI the internet, he travelled to Cameroon process since 2010 in 2012, where he visited ERuDeF and Claude Sikubwabo Kiyengo conduct­ Organization Address: the Lebialem Highlands. In 2014 he ed a gorilla survey in the Maiko National Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe Park from 1989 to 1992. He worked for c/o Burkhard Broecker Bank Account: the ICCN and for the IUCN. From 2006 Juedenweg 3 IBAN DE06 3625 0000 0353 3443 15 to 2007 he was the chief conservator 33161 Hoevelhof, Germany BIC SPMHDE3E of the Parc National des Virunga, E-mail [email protected] Switzerland: central sector. In 2004 he became the Website: IBAN CH90 0900 0000 4046 1685 7 coordinator of the NGO VONA and http://www.berggorilla.org BIC POFICHBEXXX since 2008 he has been our assistant.

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Conservation and been maintaining the tracks required for monitoring. Sensitization Activities at Camp maintenance: The camp Sarambwe Reserve: April has been maintained by the trackers 2016 to March 2017 at regular intervals and is in good and clean condition. In June, the trackers In the Sarambwe Reserve, conservation constructed a latrine and a mud-walled and sensitization activities have been kitchen for the Sarambwe post, which carried out mainly by the trackers and has improved the sanitary conditions the troops based in Sarambwe (a of the camp. These constructions are, special unit that is collaborating with however, temporary solutions until the ICCN), with support from ICCN. The post can be reconstructed with dura- trackers have collaborated with FARDC ble materials; the construction of toilets soldiers in patrols and in making and the kitchen from durable materials observations of the fauna and of illegal should be planned. Maintenance of the reserve human activities or encroachments of Limitation of conflicts with the lo- boundary with the highly visible the reserve. They have been working cal population: Potential conflicts con- Erythrina for an average of 22 days per month, cerning the reserve borders have been Photo: Jean Paul Kambere i.e. 264 days during the one-year avoided by the construction of perma- period. In addition, the trackers have nent border markers between the fields from the fields of the local population been maintaining the guard post, of the local population and the reserve. so well that no boundary conflict arose including small construction projects. During the 12-month period, the track- during the past 12 months. They have also been maintaining the ers regularly maintained the 7-km long, On one occasion, a banana planta- demarcation between the reserve and 4-m-wide boundary track; this served tion was observed to have been dam- the communities’ fields, and they have its purpose of separating the reserve aged, but this did not cause a con- flict because the plantation was located within the reserve. Maintenance of tracks for moni- toring: All the reserve’s tracks have been maintained at least four times, resulting in a total of approximately 120 km of maintained track. Observations of the fauna: Amongst large mammals, bushpigs and 6 primate species are regularly ob- served in the reserve namely black- and-white colobus (Colobus guereza), the diademed or blue monkey (Cerco- pithecus mitis), the red-tailed monkey (Cercopithecus ascanius), chimpan- zees (Pan troglodytes), baboons and gorillas. The reserve has also been vis- ited by elephants from Bwindi Impen- etrable Forest, a national park on the Ugandan side of the border, and by kob antelope. The trackers have also reported a hyena – but this might have been a genet or a civet. Of all the large mammals, red- Trackers and soldiers on patrol tailed monkeys were seen most often Photo: Jean Paul Kambere (48 times), followed by bushpigs (31

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times), baboons (25 times), chimpan- to set traps and to fish in the Evi Riv- Nine pit-sawing sites were disman- zees (23 times) and black-and-white er, agriculture, and pit-sawing. The two tled, with 15 boards confiscated in ad- colobus (22 times). These animals, and latter activities are carried out by the dition to crosscut saws. 13 traps were the gorillas, can be viewed as charac- Ugandan population with the support of found, nine of which were construct- teristic of this reserve. Other species of soldiers stationed on the country’s bor- ed from metal wire, whereas four were large mammals were observed at most der or in the neighbourhood. In addi- made from lianas to catch rats and one or two times. tion to the known plantations of beans, small rodents. The red-tailed monkeys move in manioc and wheat, people are also Capacity-building activities: In groups consisting of 6–42 individuals; growing marrows and fruit trees such April 2016, the trackers were trained baboon groups number between 9 and as the Japanese plum. The growing of in GPS handling. They are now able to 38 individuals. The highest number of bananas, which had decreased, has collect geo-referenced data. Data on individuals in a group of chimpanzees recently enjoyed increased popularity trails and other boundaries are avail- was 17. Two gorilla families and one again. On one occasion, the cutting of able and await processing such that a solitary gorilla male visited the reserve timber for construction was observed. map can be produced. during 10 of the last 12 months: in April, A total area of 249 ha is used for Sensitization and negotiation ac- May, June, July, September, November agriculture according to the trackers’ tivities: Regarding the new encroach- and December of 2016, and in Janu- estimates. Of these, 49 ha are used ments of the reserve by the Ugandans ary, February and March 2017. The two for the growing of beans, manioc, ba- – who claim to be in Uganda and not in groups are the Mukali family with 12 in- nanas and eucalyptus and 200 ha for the Democratic Republic of the Congo – dividuals including 2 juveniles, and the wheat. These are the areas that are a small team of two trackers and two Gahanga group with 10 individuals. encroached regularly. By contrast, no local chiefs have travelled from Sar- Illegal human activities: Illegal hu- areas are known where the forest has ambwe to Uganda to coordinate with man activities observed in the reserve been cleared to make way for new the local chiefs and with the troops included illegal movements of people fields. based near the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. The consulta- tion took place in April 2016, with the support of Berggorilla & Regenwald Di- rekthilfe. Although all parties acknowl- edged that the Sarambwe Reserve had been encroached, particularly by the Ugandans, it took over six months to organise a larger meeting to discuss the problem with all the stakeholders – representatives of the Congolese ad- ministrations (Governor’s office of North Kivu Province and the Rutshu- ru territory) and Ugandan represent- atives, as well as representatives of the ICCN, UWA, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, the Congolese and the Ugandan army. The encroach- ment of the Sarambwe Reserve by the Ugandans was known to all but there is a demarcation problem as the Ugan- dans seemed ignorant of the Interna- tional border’s exact location. We have every reason to be happy about this meeting as it facilitated the arrest of These two Ugandans were arrested for growing Japanese plums and certain farmers and Ugandan poachers tobacco in the Sarambwe Reserve. in the reserve. Photo: Faustin Byarufu Kasiribindi Claude Sikubwabo Kiyengo

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On the Road to ed since 1996, therefore, there was a effectiveness of conservation efforts. need to have an accurate estimate of Gathering baseline information on the Extinction? A Population the entire population. Thus, there was population size and long-term monitor- Estimate of Great Apes in an urgent need to confirm the current ing of a major great ape and umbrella Itombwe status of the great ape populations by or keystone species should be a prior- carrying out a systematic survey of the ity for developing further management Periodic censuses of threatened wildlife Itombwe Nature Reserve. programmes that emphasize harvest- populations of high profile species As good conservation practice ing or habitat manipulation. help us to understand their population aims to preserve as much ecologi- The Itombwe Massif, located in east- dynamics, assess the success of con­ cal, morphological, behavioural and ern DRC, to the west of the northern tip servation programmes aimed at en­ genetic diversity as possible (Oates of Lake Tanganyika, holds the largest suring their survival, and ensure that 2006), the conservation of subspecies and most remote block of intact mon- they receive continued attention from and populations is important. An es- tane forest (> 1,500 m elevation) in Afri- the global conservation community. timate of the size of various popula- ca, and is one of the most diverse sites During the IUCN World Conservation tions throughout their historical distri- of the Albertine Rift. It extends between Congress in September 2016, updates bution in the Itombwe Massif is there- 2° 51.286’ and 4° 0.690’ south, and be- in the Red List of Threatened Species fore crucial. The conservation of the tween 28° 09.889’ and 28° 58.511’ east. were made public. Not surprising world’s primates demands basics, elu- The Itombwe Mountains are thought to was that the Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla sive and hard-to-get information. Enor- be one of the most important sites for beringei graueri) – the largest living mous efforts are underway to accumu- biodiversity conservation in Sub-Saha- primate – is now listed as Critically late this information. Besides a basic ran Africa (Stuart et al. 1990) and have En­dangered, the highest category, understanding of the status and dis- been identified among DRC forests as while the eastern chimpanzee (Pan tribution of primates, we need to know a focus for the conservation of biodi- troglo­dytes schweinfurthii) remains where they live; their geography and versity and ecological processes (Dou­ categorized as Endangered on the habitat requirements, and in what num- menge 1990). IUCN Red List. These two subspecies bers. Only with such data is it possi- Itombwe’s vegetation is very var- have full legal protection under the ble to identify and evaluate the threats ied, ranging from low altitude to the law n° 14/003 governing wildlife con­ to their continued existence. Field re- highest summits (Doumenge & Schil- servation and the ministerial decree search on particular aspects of primate ter 1997, Mubalama et al. 2013). A di- n° 20/CAB/MIN/ECN-EF/2006 ascert­ ecology, behaviour, reproduction and versity of vegetation types contributes aining the list of totally protected spe­ demography provide an understanding to Itombwe’s richness. Its forests in- cies in the Democratic Republic of the of how great apes respond to these clude a continuum from lowland for- Congo (DRC). threats and what conservation meas- est (less than 1,200 m), transitional for- Grauer’s gorilla and the chimpan- ures will be possible, effective and ap- est (1,200–1,500 m), montane forest zee have been severely affected by hu- propriate. Baseline density estimates (1,500–2,200 m), bamboo forest and man activities, most notably poaching and subsequent monitoring of primate afro-montane forest vegetation (over for bushmeat associated with artisa- populations are essential for assess- 3,000 m). Above 1,500 m, approximate- nal mining camps and for commercial ing the impact of particular threats and ly 8,500 km2 of Itombwe is covered by trade. This illegal hunting has been fa- measuring whether conservation pro- montane forest, 1,500 km2 by bamboo cilitated by a proliferation of firearms grammes are succeeding. Much has and 500 km2 by gallery montane forest due to widespread insecurity in east- been done in recent years to improve and grassland. Gallery montane forest ern DRC for the past 20 years. The for- protection and management to avoid and grassland hold some of the most est has suffered considerable human the Itombwe great ape populations be- beautiful and unique habitats of the re- disturbance in the past in the form of coming doomed to extinction. gion, including high elevation alpine mining, timber extraction, firewood col- The aim of the survey carried out in meadows inter-digitated by tongues lection, charcoal production, human-in- December 2015 was to assess chang- of forest, and large areas of upland duced fire and poaching. The full im- es in the population since 1996 and savannahs which are nearly devoid of pact of civil strife, political turmoil and to increase our understanding of go- trees (Butynski et al. 1996). recent poaching events was unknown; rilla population dynamics in Itombwe, Because of the sharply varied topog- due to insecurity in this region, a com- and the levels of human disturbance raphy and the extent of the Itombwe plete census had not been conduct- and their impacts on the gorilla and the Mountains, it is not simply a case of

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travel through a designated area and to survey areas. Tracks and signs were record as much as possible of the large classed as fresh and old, and as single mammals and their signs as well as animal or group (> 1). A method used pertinent habitat, topographic features was the reconnaissance walks termed and human activity found along the recce (following the path of less resist- path of travel. ance), and every effort was made to fol- The survey field teams’ staff re- low trails in different locations. Survey ceived hands-on data collection train- routes followed wildlife trails and hu- ing on large mammal abundance and man tracks to survey a large area thor- distribution. Initial reconnaissance was oughly. Cutting disturbance of vegeta- made to contact local authorities, and tion along reconnaissance walks was to recruit and assemble the team in minimized to increase the distance that Mwenga for training. Surveys in all the could be covered on a given day. Most sectors lasted 3 weeks in December reconnaissance routes followed paths Field team survey effort in the 2015, and were conducted by one or that looped back to or near the starting Itombwe Nature Reserve in more field teams that included a princi- point, and in many cases it was neces- December 2015 pal investigator, a field team leader and sary to cut paths so that the reconnais- Map: ICCN, WWF a total of about 53 locally hired porters sance route could achieve this config- and guides who contributed occasional uration. On those occasions when it a single basic climate. There are con- observations of animal signs. proved necessary to cut a path, team siderable variations in rainfall patterns, Overall, the inventory was focused members chose the route of least re- humidity and temperature across the on the northern area of Kikuzi River sistance (i.e. least undergrowth or oth- range, thus giving rise to numerous mi- with an emphasis on Zombe area, the er obstacles) in the general direction croclimates, which in turn have influ- south of Ulindi River, with an emphasis in which they were heading (Wilson et enced the high biological diversity of on Kakanga and Mount Ngusa/Mount al. 1996). the range. The hydrology of the moun- Nolabi, and the area surrounding the Each sector was searched by walk- tains is complex, with an abundance of Mwana River, especially Ibachilo-Ngo- ing an irregular network of reconnais- streams. The region is also ecological- miano areas. A total of 1599 segments sance routes across the area. The ac- ly important as a watershed, with the of 200 m divided into 14 cells of 25 km2 tual route was determined largely by majority of the area falling within the was completed, thus covering an over- the terrain and the availability of exist- catchments of the Ulindi and Elila riv- all distance of 285 km of recce surveyed ers (Doumenge 1990). while using 911 men days protection effort. Field teams spent approximate- Great Ape Survey Techniques ly 4.9–6.8 hours per day investigating As a matter of principle, protected the reconnaissance paths and record- area management should be based ing data at a pace of 4.17 km per day. on appropriate levels of information Fieldwork encompassed both the core (evidence-based if possible). A first step zone and the multiple use zones of the will be to determine the distribution and reserve in Basile and Wamuzimu chief- abundance of species in order to help doms, and the Itombwe sector. orient the patrols and to determine the A simple data sheet was designed most appropriate location of eco-guard to enable standardized data collection posts in the various sectors of the on wildlife and habitat variables. As the reserve. In order to comply with such surveys aimed to carry out a reconnais- a requirement, WWF along with ICCN sance, it was decided that all signs, di- launched a field expedition to conduct rect sightings of focal species and indi- a biological survey in the Itombwe rect evidence such as tracks and signs Reserve in December 2015; the survey (including dung/pellets, night nests, was a follow-up of a pre-inventory evidence of feeding, trails, debark- exercise carried out in November 2015. ing) would be used to estimate relative Rangers in the Itombwe Reserve The objective of each expedition was to abundance of large mammals in the Photo: ICCN-RNI

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ing trails, while ensuring that the routes lar size were found in close proxim- a large portion of the reserve and pro- were sufficiently dense so that no area ity to each other, and the dates of the vided an opportunity to collect data was missed that could have been large nest sites did not allow them to be con- on signs of human disturbance. Such enough for a gorilla group to spend firmed as different groups, they were signs were recorded, with the GPS loc­ more than one week in. Total distance assumed to be from the same group. ation and estimated age of each. These walked on each trail was measured us- At each nest site, nests were count- included snares, paths and tracks of ing a combination of a hip chain (topofil) ed and dung size measurements, along people, poachers’ camps, bamboo and with biodegradable thread, topographic with the presence of silvery hairs, were woodcutting, and any other signs of maps, and global positioning system used to establish the age-sex com- people using the forest illegally. Ages (GPS) readings. Each team mapped position of the group as: silverbacks, were categorised as recent, old, and as accurately as possible all paths tak- “mediums”, adult females, juveniles, very old. These survey methods were en and gorilla trails followed. We used and infants. Young individuals con- the same as those used for the pre-sur- the grid method of area of occupancy structing their own nest were always vey in November 2015, so that direct representation and calculation, where- considered as the combined catego- comparison could be made in the fre- by a grid of individual cells of 5 x 5 km is ry juveniles⁄subadults, and assigned to quency and distribution signs of human overlaid on observation points. By cov- the dung size class “juvenile”. Smaller disturbance over this period. Signs ering the area in this way, mapping and dung found within the nest of an older were analysed as encounter rates per dating all gorilla trails and nest sites individual was recorded as that of an km of reconnaissance trail walked. To- and by marking nest sites once they infant. In the absence of infant dung, tal distance walked on each trail was had been counted, it was possible to adult female nests could not be dis- measured using GPS readings. ensure that all groups were found and tinguished from those of a compara- For each sighting, the time, GPS that no one was counted twice, and to ble sized (blackback) male, and were position, altitude, mammal species or distinguish similarly sized but distinct therefore classified as “medium”. type of human sign identified, meth- gorilla groups found close to each oth- The reconnaissance trails walked od of identification (sight, sound, dung, er. Where signs of two groups of simi- while looking for gorilla trails covered or nest), number of individuals iden-

For the Protection of Itombwe The Itombwe Nature Reserve is a But this is only a first step. Much more We promised to support the key site for biodiversity in Africa. is needed to control and protect such a Itombwe Nature Reserve as Although Grauer’s gorilla numbers huge reserve to fight against poaching much as we can, but we need have declined drastically, there and other illegal intrusions. These are extra funds. Please help us to is still strong evidence that the a few of the needs: secure the conservation of the Itombwe population will recover. Itombwe Massif and its gorillas! The reserve was created in 2006, – forest equipment for the rangers but the boundaries were not – community project support identified then; now they have – environmental education been established, together with – vehicles for the reserve You are also welcome to donate the communities, and conservation – border demarcation via PayPal if you prefer this: activities have started. This means – construction of a patrol post http://www.berggorilla.org/en/help/ that various activities need funding. donate/ We agreed to support the fol- lowing most urgent activities: Address: Bank Account: Berggorilla & Regenwald – support for patrols IBAN: DE06 3625 0000 0353 3443 15 Direkt­hilfe – training of rangers in data col- BIC SPMHDE3E c/o Burkhard Broecker lection and use of Cybertracker Switzerland: IBAN: CH90 0900 0000 Juedenweg 3 – support for community meet- 4046 1685 7 33161 Hoevelhof, Germany ings BIC POFICHBEXXX www.berggorilla.org

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tified, and sometimes habitat type were obtained by following recent an- of 0.3 gorillas and 0.4 chimpanzees where the species or sign was detected ecdotal information in different loca- per km2 in the Itombwe Massif 1996 were noted. Sight was the most com- tions. Groups of nests differing in nest (Omari et al. 1999); thus, the status of mon method of identifying some mam- number were considered to belong to Grauer’s gorilla is of particular cause for mals, including many primates. Clearly, different groups of gorillas, especially concern. The considerable survey effort however, with shy mammals such as because they build nests, both day and under­taken and supporting information chimpanzees, or nocturnal mammals night nests, which can be counted in- pro­vided by socio-economic research such as bush pigs, sound, dung, tracks stead of live animals. all provide additional confidence in or nests were more common indica- Habitat quality was assessed using the estimate. While the population tors of the species’ presence (Plumptre a developed protocol. When walking has plummeted, the results should be et al. 2002). Throughout the study, our along the transect, a botanical team viewed with caution, not only because field teams consisted of experienced recorded observation on forest types, all known reduction during the last staff and several guides from the local canopy cover, understorey, regenera- decade can be attributed to one subset community. Some guides were hunt- tion, and ground cover. Water availa- of the population, but also because ers, and their skills contributed a wealth bility was noted whenever it occurred the region is still plagued by political of local natural history knowledge that along the transect. Information was unrest. provided the necessary foundation for systematically recorded on standard- Building upon the calculated densi- making the assessment successful. ized daily log forms designed by WWF/ ties, 9 subpopulations of Grauer’s goril- Levels of human pressure on the Protected Areas Rehabilitation Pro- la (Gorilla beringei graueri) were iden- habitat and wildlife were assessed by gramme (PARAP). tified across its geographic range and recording distance to the nearest vil- the estimated total population stands lage, evidence of agricultural use in Results and Discussion approximately at a minimum of 218 in- the vicinity, hunting signs (fresh and The density of great ape populations dividuals. It is noteworthy to state that old), currently used paths through the was calculated and set respectively at Grauer’s gorilla was recorded with low- study area and signs of recent mining. 0.038 Grauer’s gorilla per km2 and 0.21 er frequency during the inventory done Signs of large mammals included fresh chimpanzee per km2 in the Itombwe on established paths across the for- tracks, faeces, feeding, digging or terri- Nature Reserve. These densities are est. While some individuals may avoid torial markings, animal parts, and other very low compared to encounter rates paths, and other signs may be oblit- tangible evidence that mammal spe- that were associated with a density erated by human passage, the low- cies were present. Animals were some- times identified through vocalizations heard fortuitously. Some guides were adept at mimicking the calls of many lo- cal mammals, which allowed us to elicit responses or lure animals into a posi- tion for visual identification (Mubalama et al. 2008). General information on the past and present status of large mammals’ spe- cies and hunting methods was gath- ered in villages by interviewing hunters. Surveyors attempted not to ask leading questions and also verified the identifi- cation of species by asking for descrip- tions. Skins, trophies and other evi- dence were also examined whenever possible. An attempt was also made to assess the extent of hunting and trade in wildlife by talking to well-known hunt- ers and local chiefs. Additional data on great ape group sizes and numbers Rangers in the Itombwe Nature Reserve Photo: ICCN-RNI

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er rates of sightings are likely due to those in many other areas of the spe- threat by human pressure (Omari et a more rapid pace of travel and less cies’ range. Successful conservation of al. 1999). This argues strongly for con- careful searching for signs by observ- Grauer’s gorilla populations will neces- servation efforts aimed at ensuring the ers walking on a well-established track. sitate a multi-disciplinary approach, in- survival of as many Grauer’s popula- Our Grauer’s gorilla estimate is at cluding the exploration of creative alter- tions as possible and the maintenance odds with an estimate performed re- natives to protect other forested com- of potential corridors of forest habitat cently with patrol data that came from munal lands. Surveys to assess the between them (Hall et al. 1998). eco-guards as well as local communi- status of currently inaccessible popu- Great apes live in groups that num- ties in Itombwe (Plumptre et al. 2015). lations, also focusing on the remote, ber between 10 and 40 individuals. Although a substantial part of the re- steep hillsides that the Grauer’s goril- Dealing with groups and what you serve was covered, we believe that las seem to prefer, including those in measure along line transects and rec- some gorillas could have been over- the Elila-Kiliza and Kiliza-Bitongo ba- ce is tricky when making surveys of pri- looked because detection probability sins, as well as in Malenge area in mates because different studies have and reporting rate by villagers were not the most southern part of the reserve used different methods and there has taken into account. In addition, some where eco-guard presence is minimal, been no test of which method performs of the villages visited during the sur- should be carried out as soon as secu- best (Sterling et al. 2013). In addition, vey reported a daring foray by gorillas rity permits and survey funds are avail- some species are very hard to detect into a farm of ripe maize, feeding on able. from observations on the ground as banana pith; widespread and recurrent The population of eastern chimpan- they flee and hide when they observe complaints about crop-raiding gorillas zees in the Itombwe Reserve was es- you coming, especially during patrol and chimpanzees typically viewed as a timated to be about 1,204 individuals deployment. The great apes belong to “pest”, “weed”, or “ecological dislocate” at the time of the survey. This figure this category, and despite their large (Else 1991) reflect their abundance in is consistent with recently estimated body sizes they can be remarkably elu- the region, mostly solitary adult males chimpanzee numbers from the occu- sive, partly because their densities are in search of cultivated highly palata- pancy analysis, set at 1,241 individu- low in forests and partly because they ble crops. Ameliorating crop losses in- als (Plumptre et al. 2015). From that spend time on the ground and are hard curred by primates and elevating local prospect, it is clear that the chimpan- to observe when there. tolerance for wildlife incursions will re- zee population has fared better in the How many populations of a target quire a sophisticated blend of techni- Itombwe Reserve, increasing by about species are needed to sustain that spe- cal, social and economic interventions. 9.4 % (between 1996 and 2015) in cies within the planning region over the The total population size estimated numbers compared to a 74.6 % loss long term? Given that gorillas have ap- at 218 gorillas can be pooled into 5 of Grauer’s gorillas. This is likely due proximately a 4-year inter-birth interval hotspots of confirmed occurrence, and to the social system of chimpanzees, (Watts 1991), population growth will be one additional area of probable occur- which do not move in cohesive groups, inherently slow even at its maximum rence in the area surveyed, that are re- but have a fission fusion social system potential rate, and because each cen- productively isolated from each other and usually occur in small parties or sus requires a considerable investment by large rivers (Mwana, Elila, Kiandjo, alone. This makes it harder for poach- of time and money, population census- Kikuzi and Ulindi). The most frequent- ers to track and find them, so they have es to monitor changes should normal- ly recorded gorilla signs were tracks, not declined as rapidly (Plumptre et al. ly be carried out approximately every nests and feeding signs. These results 2015). On the other hand, the associa- 5 years. Based on demographic data show a 74.6 % decline in Grauer’s go- tion of Grauer’s gorillas with inhabited from the Virungas, under optimal con- rilla numbers between 1996 and 2015. villages and their near absence in ad- ditions gorilla populations are capable The overall impression is that gorilla jacent mature forest supports the ob- of a 3–4 % annual growth rate (Mill- populations in Itombwe are well be- servations of Emlen & Schaller (1960) er et al. 1998, Steklis & Gerald-Steklis low their ecological carrying capacity, and Hall et al. (1998) that undisturbed 2001, Robbins & Robbins 2004). Re- and in many areas there are no appar- montane forests represent low-quality cent analyses suggest that an effective ent geographical or ecological impedi- habitat for Grauer’s gorillas. The occur- population size of about 1,000 individ- ments to their increase in both numbers rence of gorillas across such degraded uals is ideal to allow continued evolu- and range. The total Itombwe gorilla habitat, including recent fallow fields in tion, prevent the accumulation of harm- population therefore could be signif- the immediate outskirts of human set- ful mutations (Allendorf & Ryman 2002) icant for conservation, in contrast to tlements, could obviously increase the and avoid the negative effects of in-

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breeding depression and genetic drift In order to improve the ability to de- ing, loss of habitat, and deterioration (Soulé 1980). tect more subtle changes in the popu- of habitat quality caused by expanding Planners should exercise great lation size, a myriad of suggestions can human populations as well as ongoing caution when using this sort of rule of be made, including civil unrest and lawlessness in the ge- thumb, however, because genetic rules ographic range of this taxon (Plumptre ignore uncertainty arising from a con- 1) increasing the number of transects et al. 2015). sideration of environmental and de- to ensure that at least 20 are sam- From a pragmatic standpoint, and mographic factors. As a result, there pled in each study area; to overcome this challenge, there is are cases where viable populations will 2) spatial modeling of line transect data a crucial need to get personnel in the need to be much larger than suggest- allowing shifts in the distribution of right place at the right time for catch- ed above. We still do not have data populations to be identified; ing law breakers and deterring others on the inter-birth intervals, birth rates, 3) repeating the counts along the tran- from even considering illegal activities. or mortality rates of the Itombwe go- sects to ensure that at least 60–80 % Not only does the manager need to rillas to predict what the growth rate sightings of great ape groups are know where the animals are, but he of the population could be. Obtaining made, bearing in mind that, when also needs to know where poachers such information requires decades of analyzing repeated counts in dis- may be found, thus making better use monitoring known individuals (Miller tance, it is important to ensure that of the limited human resources. In ad- et al. 1998, Steklis & Gerald-Steklis the repeated data from the same dition to local hunters who trap and 2001, Robbins & Robbins 2004). Pos- transect are entered as data from shoot wildlife for personal consumption sible factors that could constrain popu- that transect and not as a new tran- or local trade, well-armed renegade lation growth include the availability of sect, and groups operate throughout much of the good gorilla habitat, disease and hu- 4) focusing on one species would Itombwe Massif and are known to ille- man disturbance. Little is known as yet make it possible to stratify the sam- gally kill protected species. Although about the quality of the vegetation in pling across the study area so that enforcement effort has been inconsist- Itombwe for gorilla foraging; so there is more transects are placed in an area ent since the creation of the reserve a need to carry out research aimed at where the density of that species is due to the current minimal presence mapping the vegetation and investigat- highest and fewer transects in areas and ineffectiveness of the eco-guards, ing the gorillas’ ecology and habitat re- where it is rare. access and resource use by local peo- quirements; this will provide us with a ple are inadequately prohibited by anti- better understanding of the number of This can only be used on a species-by- poaching units. The primary means of gorillas Itombwe could support. species basis unless two species show poaching in the reserve is through the Great apes are critically threatened the same pattern of abundance. In this use of wire snares. Snares are rela- and it is therefore important that their regard, there is a need both to improve tively inexpensive, readily obtainable in populations are monitored over time to the rigor of existing methods and to de- most markets, and may be set up un- assess how they are changing. Studies velop new methods to improve the sur- der cover of darkness, which reduces show however that the errors around vey estimates of great ape populations the chances of detection. There is a primate survey data are such that it can as well as to determine group home crucial need to recruit and train more be difficult to detect significant changes range size depending on a thorough eco-guards, relocate the reserve head- in the population unless they are fair- understanding of the extent of overlap quarters from Mwenga to the reserve ly large. Plumptre (2000) showed that between groups. borders and establish a network of pa- standard line transect techniques allow The negative effects of habitat clear- trol posts from where informed patrols a change of only about +/– 10–30 % of ance and fragmentation, as well as will be launched. the population to be detected in sub- hunting pressures, will increase for all By making good data immediate- sequent line transect surveys. In the Grauer’s gorilla and chimpanzee pop- ly useful, the Spatial Monitoring and case of surveys of indirect signs, such ulations. Thus, the optimism offered Reporting Tool (SMART) will be boost- as nests, only +/– 30–50 % of changes by our remaining population size es- ing motivation, increasing efficiency, in the population could be detected. In timates as a core for conservation of and promoting credible and transpar- other words, the population would have the subspecies should not be accom- ent monitoring of conservation efforts. to be almost halved before the results panied by complacency. Continuation In this regard, both ICCN and WWF would reach significance at the 5 % lev- of the population reduction is expected are committed to providing effective, el (Sterling et al. 2013). because of the high levels of poach- legal, and safe support to wildlife law

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enforcement in order to deliver on the Itombwe Reserve conservation goals through Zero poaching strategy. There are 6 pillars to the achievement of Zero poaching, including:

1) assessment implying conducting regular effectiveness assessments; 2) technology in using the best avail- able tools and technologies; 3) capacity by increasing field staff ability to protect wildlife; 4) community through engagement with local communities; 5) prosecution by improving approach- es for prosecution; and 6) cooperation through sharing infor- mation regionally and nationally.

It must be mentioned that past experiences from around the world have shown that these 6 pillars must be addressed simultaneously in order to be successful. The increase in great Rangers in the Itombwe Nature Reserve Photo: ICCN-RNI ape populations can be directly traced to the sheer dedication of field staff 2007). Until poachers perceive that the with local communities to discourage operating on the ground. Therefore, costs, recounted here as potential in- illegal use of forest resources. Com- there is a need to assess the ef­fect­ juries, fines, and prison sentences, to munity scouts might also get more mo- iveness of LEM (Law Enforcement be higher than the financial benefits, tivated to do their best, part of a new Monitoring), based on regular ranger poaching will likely continue unabated culture of accountability that ensures patrols, compared with targeted patrols in Itombwe. It bears keeping in mind, higher quality personnel, more produc- based on intelligence information. however, that although outside the tive patrols, and fewer opportunities Such long-term monitoring of keystone scope of this study, bushmeat demand for corruption. With more security and species should be an integral part of could plausibly increase if poverty de- prospects for higher income, the com- the development of a comprehensive creases in the region giving house- munity that established the reserve fi- conservation programme for great holds more access to revenue. Such a nally has a chance to realize the ben- apes in the Itombwe Massif. Without scenario would likely affect the current efits they hoped it would bring. This ap- such monitoring, it is impossible to costs and benefits a poacher faces. proach is intended to reduce a great assess the effectiveness of current The increased levels of human dis- deal of the strain in the relationship be- conservation strategies and to plan for turbance found during this survey are tween the reserve and local people in future interventions. clearly a cause for concern. While the hope that one day great ape popu- Law enforcement is vital to curb ille- more detailed analysis of the impact of lation will become self-sustaining in the gal exploitation of wildlife populations. human disturbance on gorillas, as well Itombwe Massif. If poverty stands as the major driver as the capacity of the available habitat The long-term effectiveness of these of illegal hunting as households vie for within Itombwe to support numbers of measures depends heavily upon the income and sustenance while human gorillas, is needed before we can firm- interplay of three factors: the likelihood population densities continue to grow, ly conclude that disturbance is a seri- of detecting and arresting poachers, it is unlikely that such a relatively lu- ous constraint on population growth, the severity of the punishment doled crative enterprise as poaching will sub- these findings highlight the need for in- out, and the pecuniary and/or protein side, even if significant increases in creased law enforcement effort as well reward that the poachers may reap anti-poaching efforts are made (Knapp as developing further ways of working (Bennett et al. 2006). If the rewards

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poachers face are significantly greater funding becomes available, we intend tailored to the local settings and con- than the financial, physical, and - psy to complete a census using the “sweep servation challenges. chological risks involved, it is unlikely method” to estimate the population The law enforcement world is mov- that the level of poaching in Itombwe size and distribution of the gorilla in the ing more and more to the use of cam- will decrease appreciably. Understand- large tracts of potential gorilla habitat eras to monitor sites. The technology is ing the magnitude of these factors is that are located in proposed communi- now available to have remote cameras therefore critical to understanding and ties’ forests of different chiefdoms. This that beam images in real time to the predicting future success of conserva- is an effort to complete our current pic- reserve headquarters, and these cam- tion initiatives. ture of great ape distribution. eras can have a whole suite of sophis- While patterns in the distribution ticated devices to reduce the chance of Conclusion and Conservation Impli- of large mammals are beginning to them being stolen or destroyed. There cations emerge, the distribution and status of is a need to investigate the uses of Grauer’s gorilla numbers have declined essentially all other taxa remain to be such methods including fixed cameras. drastically, but there is still strong discovered. Given the region’s high an- This would complement the eco-guard evidence that the Itombwe population nual rainfall and range in elevation, a patrols and enable monitoring to take will be recovering despite persistent high diversity of plants including en- place at night as well as during the day. gloomy rumours about their fate demics is to be expected. Of particular It is crucial to monitor progress to see following the recent drastic reduction in interest will be the vegetations of the where difficulties arise so that they may wildlife range. It remains unclear how massif that is preferred by great apes be tackled swiftly. A robust monitoring great ape status and distribution will throughout the reserve. There are still and evaluation system should be de- change over the forthcoming decades many issues to be addressed and test- veloped to ensure proper and timely given the obvious continuing tensions ed to improve great ape survey meth- roll out of Zero Poaching. There is a in the Great Lake region. Without ods. Ideally, methods would be tested need to measure the deterrence effect significant and sustained conservation on a population of known size, includ- of patrols at a site and to be able to as- efforts, the opportunity to ensure ing how to deal with groups in the field- sess the frequency of ranger patrolling the conservation of the great ape testing methods that treat each individ- that can effectively deter different ille- populations will be lost, especially if ual detected separately versus those gal activities. the decline at an average rate of 5 % that record the location of a group or In summary, the census shows that per year continues (Plumptre et al. subgroup center and multiply group it is possible for conservation efforts to 2015). A number of practical actions density by an average group size – or succeed even under difficult conditions, in support of the conservation of the lure count methods for groups that re- while at the same time emphasizing the critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla spond to playback calls. Overall, there continued threats and challenges that have taken place in recent months with is a need both to improve the rigor of this critically endangered population the ongoing participatory elaboration existing methods and to develop new faces. These findings further highlight of the Reserve Management Plan methods to improve the survey esti- the need to strengthen conservation process. mates of great apes. efforts as we look towards the future In the near future, it is imperative A crucial part of our programme, of improved reserve management and that in-depth research continues as an which often dovetails with the reserve peace building in the region, and inter- essential monitoring service. The im- creation focus, is our conservation ed- national support to provide increased pact of poaching on the stability of the ucation activities. Last year, we initi- protection for this unique, critically en- family social structure of great apes ated an awareness campaign through dangered Grauer’s gorilla population. should be investigated in order to un- radio broadcasting with work in remote For many species, the only hope of derstand the dynamics. Our study em- villages surrounding the reserve, and maintaining such large populations is phasizes the need for coordinated sur- in early 2017 we will be extending this to increase the connectivity among ge- veillance and research efforts. Such a programme to other communities close ographically isolated populations (Al- study requires a clear understanding to the reserve. Activities will be con- lendorf & Ryman 2002). of the social organization of Itombwe ducted by our “outreach team” in both Last but not least, bottom-up com- great apes, long-term observations, schools and general community set- munity-based initiative (CBI) pro- combined with a thorough knowledge tings, with the support of local organi- grammes have made advances in com- of most individuals and groups and zations. We are contemplating to de- munity engagement and incentives for should be a clear research priority. As velop a number of materials that are conservation, although there is a gap

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between these programmes in terms of tude to all team members and support ICCN Omari, I. et al. (1999): The Itombwe Massif, wildlife crime. Therefore, enforcement staff, guides and porters who worked long hard Democratic Republic of Congo: biological sur- hours under difficult conditions to complete the veys and conservation with an emphasis on programmes need to have positive en- survey. A tremendous thank you, as well, to the Grauer’s gorilla and birds endemic to the Al- gagement with communities and col- bertine Rift. Oryx 33, 301–322 acting Administrator of the territory of Mwenga Plumptre, A. J. (2000): Monitoring mammal laboratively work to identify problems for his commitment and FARDC and police of- populations with line transect techniques in Af- and solve them together. ficials for all their help and hard work. Finally, a rican forests. Journal of Applied Ecology 37, deep thank you to WWF donors (Netherlands 356–368 While community-based initiativ­ and USAID) for their faith, encouragement, Plumptre, A. J. et al. (2002): Biodiversity Sur- es are well-intentioned, poverty re- and assistance; with­out their support this pro- veys of the Nyungwe Forest Reserve in SW ject would not have been possible. Rwanda. WCS Working papers No. 19 mains at the root of poaching in west- Plumptre, A. J. et al. (2015): Status of Grauer’s ern Itombwe. Lifting poachers and their References gorilla and chimpanzees in eastern Democrat- respective households out of poverty Alendorf, F. W. & Ryman, N. (2002): The rule ic Republic of Congo: Historical and current of genetic in population viability analysis. In: distribution and abundance. Unpublished re- through employment is essential for Beissinger, S. R. & McCullough, D. R. (eds.): port to Arcus Foundation, USAID and US Fish long-term conservation viability. For Population Viability Analysis, pp. 50–85. Chi- and Wildlife Service cago, II (University of Chicago Press) Robbins, M. M., & Robbins, A. M. (2004): Sim- conservation to succeed in the short Bennett, E. L. et al. (2006): Hunting for Con- ulation of the population dynamics and social term, however, a maintained presence sensus: Reconciling Bushmeat Harvest, Con- structure of the Virunga mountains gorillas. servation, and Development Policy in West American Journal of Primatology 63, 201–223 of anti-poaching enforcement should and Central Africa. Conservation Biology 21 Robbins, M. et al. (2008): Gorilla beringei ssp. accompany such efforts to lift house- (3), 884–887 graueri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened holds out of poverty. For this to hap- Butynski, T. M. et al. (1996): Preliminary Re- Species. Version 2015.4. www.iucnredlist.org. port on Survey of the Southern Itombwe Mas- Downloaded on 21 January 2017 pen, local communities need to be part sif. Gorilla Journal 13, 13–17 Soulé, M. E. (1980): Threshold for survival: of developing strategies to reduce and Doumenge, C. (1990): La conservation des maintaining fitness and evolutionary potential. écosystèmes forestiers du Zaïre. IUCN, In: Soulé, M. E. & Wilcox, B. A. (eds.): Conser- prevent wildlife crime through address- Gland, Switzerland vation Biology, pp. 151–170. Sunderland MA ing the following needs: Doumenge, C. & Schilter, C. (eds., 1997): Les (Sinauer Associates) Monts Itombwe. D’une enquête environne- Steklis, D. & Gerald Steklis, N. (2001): Status mentale et socio-economique à la planifica- of the Virunga mountain gorilla population. In: 1) increasing the effectiveness of CBI tion d’interventions au Zaïre. IUCN, Brazza- Robbins, M. M. et al. (eds.): Mountain gorillas, ville, Congo pp. 391–412. Cambridge, UK (Cambridge Uni- in terms of reducing wildlife crime; Else, J. G. (1991). Non-human primates as versity Press) 2) improving and strengthening the re- pests. In: Box, H. O. (ed.): Primate Responses Sterling, E. J. et al. (2013): Primate ecology lationship and sense of service of to Environmental change, pp. 155–165. Lon- and conservation. A Handbook of techniques. don (Chapman and Hall) Oxford University Press enforcement programmes to com- Emlen, J. T. & Schaller, G. B. (1960): Distribu- Wilson, D. E. et al. (1996): Measuring and Mon- munities; tion and status of the mountain gorilla (Gorilla itoring Biological Diversity: Standard Methods gorilla beringei) – 1959. Zoologica 45, 309– for Mammals. Washington, DC (Smithsonian 3) using the best available science for 323 Institution Press) understanding crime and criminal Hall, J. et al. (1998): Distribution, abundance Wilson, M. L. et al. (2008): Pan troglodytes and conservation status of Grauer’s gorilla ssp. schweinfurthii. The IUCN Red List of behaviour, and (Gorilla gorilla graueri). Oryx 32, 122–130 Threatened Species. Version 2015.4. www. 4) moving toward poaching prevention. Knapp, E. J. (2007): Who poaches? House- iucnredlist.org. Downloaded on 21 January hold economies of illegal hunters in western 2017 Serengeti, Tanzania. Human Dimensions of Under current circumstances, the Wildlife 12 (3), 195–196 continued support of local traditional Miller, P. et al. (1998): Population biology and simulation modelling working group report. In: Adoption of Community authorities for conservation activities is Werikhe, S. et al. (eds.): Can the Mountain Go- critical. Itombwe Nature Reserve has rilla survive?, pp 71–105. IUCN/SSC Conser- Development Projects vation Breeding Specialist Group, Apple Val- been through many ordeals, and has ley, Minnesota, USA by the Population near survived them all. Like the forest, its Mubalama, L. et al. (2008): Using GIS to as- sess the status and conservation considera- Mount Tshiaberimu great ape populations have remarkable tions of large mammals in the Itombwe Massif capacity for recovery and renewal. Conservation Landscape, Democratic Repub- Adoption of projects: The term Léonard K. Mubalama, Menard lic of Congo. Nature & Faune 23 (1), 43–50 ‘adoption of projects’ is understood to Mubalama, L. et al. (2013): L’approche cadre Mbende, Gentil Kisangani Milinganyo conjoint comme stratégie de délimitation par- mean the acceptance of the projects and Gedeon Banswe ticipative du massif forestier d’Itombwe et du and their integration into local and Bushema. In: Mwapu, I. P. et al.: Gouvernance The survey was a large collaborative effort, des Ressources Naturelles Collectives des daily activities on the ground. At Mount only made possible through the help, support Ecosystèmes Fragiles dans la Région des Tshiaberimu, the project promoting and participation of a large number of people. Grands Lacs, République Démocratique du Congo. Les Editions du CERUKI pp. 246–258 the growing of passion fruit as part Special thanks to the traditional authorities and Oates, J. F. (2006): Is the chimpanzee, Pan of reforestation and to improve the people of the Itombwe Massif for their hospi- troglodytes, an endangered species? It de- tality, warmth, and support throughout the field pends on what endangered means. Primates population’s likelihoods has become trip process. We also extend profound grati- 47, 102–112 well integrated in terms of generated

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third parties are not included in this re- turn. Claude Sikubwabo Kiyengo

Community Conservation Is More Beneficial for the Park and Local Communities This is a quote regularly heard among communities around the Kahuzi- Biega National Park (KBNP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after experiencing the approach of conservation and development by the Pole Pole Foundation “POPOF”. The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is surrounded by 7 different communities: Shi, Lega, Kano, Tembo, Twa, Nyanga and Havu. Although they have some shambas (small fields) to grow crops on to feed themselves on a subsist- Claude Sikubwabo during a meeting with the local NGO SAGOT ence level, they still rely on natural re- sources from within the protected area revenue and in terms of the population’s During our trip to Mount Tshiaberimu, of KBNP. The natural resources are commitment to the project (see Gorilla at the end of January 2017, we held a composed of fauna, flora and miner- Journal 52). The reforested areas are meeting to evaluate progress with the al mines. The fauna is used for eating maintained and the individual passion pond project. One fish farmer informed bushmeat and for sale. fruit plantations are becoming more us that he had already earned US$ The flora is being devastated by the and more visible. 1,500 by selling the fry, and four oth- demand for fuel, charcoal, poles, and The fish farming project funds- ter er people had earned about US$ 200 timber; it is removed in order to cre- minated in June 2016. Currently, the each. Such a return is exclusively gen- ate arable land and farms. Medicinal project includes six pilot sites with six erated by the sale of fry, and the house- plants, mushrooms and honey are col- pilot ponds. While the management of hold’s own consumptions and gifts to lected. Mineral mining leads people to the pilot ponds mostly benefited the lo- enter the park for ores (cassiterite, col- cal authorities, the population has cre- tan, and gold) through the process of ated family ponds or individual ponds – artisanal mining. The KBNP’s law en- currently, a total of 64 small ponds are forcement was established in 1970, un- being managed. Between September der the control of the Congolese Wild- 2016 and the end of February 2017, life Service (the Institut Congolais pour another 17 families were added, result- la Conservation de la Nature, ICCN). ing in a total of 81 family ponds. They Anti-poaching guards are recruit- are distributed among the eight villages ed from the youth of the communities of Vulambo, Kitolu, Ndekere, Luseke, around the site. Patrols are carried out Kasimi, Kasundi, Kitvya and Kisanga. daily and some are done during the What purpose do all these ponds night to try to secure the park. Com- serve? As they are small, their prod- munities from both the highland sector ucts are for the consumption only of and the lowland sector know the park the families themselves. The fry alone Claude Sikubwabo tastes fish that well and watch the movement of the is sold in the market, and only on order. grew in one of the ponds. guards closely.

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in the surroundings of the park very rely on the park for their survival con- secretively. A whole smoked hog will tinue to encroach on the park’s natu- be sold for US$ 100, or, when sold ral resources. There are some people separately, a limb costs US$ 25. An who had been arrested more than ten antelope male will cost US$ 70–80 or a times inside the park for different of- limb US$ 10–15. fences. Although they were released Rangers ambush and arrest people upon paying the fines, or after a longer who enter the park and then lead them period if they had not paid the fine, they to the headquarters of the park to put returned into the park again. them in jail. At times the number of ar- The non-governmental organiza- rested people may reach 45–50. They tion Pole Pole Foundation, “POPOF”, are all kept in a small room where it is a local NGO created by rangers of the hard to live together; the room has one KBNP in 1992, approached the com- Bushmeat killed and smoked in the tiny window and air for breathing is lim- munities in the highland sector in order park ited. They are given limited food, rely- to alleviate conflicts existing between Photo: POPOF ing on family members to bring them park managers and surrounding com- extra sustenance. Every morning two munities. POPOF has begun several In general, if teams of rangers patrol or three rangers with guns take them to different activities through different de- in the eastern sector, people will move do labour, such as to cut grass, to car- partments such as community conser- into the western sector to avoid them. ry stones for building, or to work in gar- vation, environmental education, sci- Anyone who is found or arrested in- dens until late afternoon. entific research, eco-tourism and the side the park is automatically called a It has been a great issue for the department taking care of women, chil- “poacher”. communities living around the park to dren and family. Among the activities Poachers use cables or wires to find the money to pay fines due to the and the approach, POPOF has begun make traps for catching or killing ante- poverty they face. In general, when the mobilizing people to plant trees in their lopes and hogs or other game; unfortu- jail term was finished and the guilty per- own villages instead of being arrested nately, young gorillas may get caught in sons were not able to pay fines, they for entering the park to collect wood. these wire traps. Some die, while oth- were released by the park authorities. The majority of people agreed with ers lose limbs and survive. In spite of the risk of jail and fines, peo- the POPOF team’s ideas and the tree People who enter the park also cut ple who have no other option than to nurseries started in 1993 in four group- trees and bamboo, and set fires to clear areas and spur new grass growth Park regulations on poacher penalties related to infractions in the 1980s, to graze their cattle; they drop faeces 1990s and 2000s as they have no proper sanitation in the park. During the patrols, rangers Type of infraction in the park Jail sentence Amount in US$ collect information on infractions, such to pay as fine as identifying and destroying snares Collecting dry wood, mushrooms, 2 weeks 10 stretched by poachers, and seeing medicinal plants where bushfires have been made and Cutting down trees and bamboo 1 month 50 where tree cutting is taking place. Bushfire 6 months 200 Who Is Entering the Protected Trapping and killing an antelope or hog 3 months 300 Area? Hunting by using dogs, nets, etc. 3 months and 300 A number of categories of people enter killing the dogs the park illegally. Most of the women and girls who enter do so to collect Land encroachment for farming and 6 months 300 wood, mushrooms and medicinal cattle grazing plants. Men and boys enter to cut trees Digging for coltan 6 months 500 and bamboo, for bushmeat trapping Digging for gold 6 months 600 and for artisanal mineral digging. Bushmeat is sold to the local markets Selling trophies 1 month 50

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pressus sp., etc. Eucalyptus, Grevillea and Cupres- sus, once mature, are used for planks, charcoals, poles, and firewood while Markhamia lutea and Spathodea are used for wood carvings and fertilizers. Each tree nursery produced 300,000 seedlings that were distributed to in- habitants who planted those in their fields, gardens or to make boundaries with their neighbours’ fields. After sev- Eucalyptus trees distributed by en years (in 2000), inhabitants who POPOF used by inhabitants benefited from the seedlings started Photo: POPOF to use these trees that had been do- nated to them by POPOF. They made A woman with a pig she had ings surrounding the five habituated planks, charcoal, poles and firewood received from POPOF gorilla territories in the KBNP. Those or sold a whole tree for US$ 20. They Photo: POPOF groupings are Mudaka, Miti, Bugorhe, were able to earn money which could and Irhambi Katana. Trees take 7 years be used for buying food, clothing, to poses to be sold to tourists. However, to grow until they can be used in the pay school fees for their children and to the lack of tourists in the area due to highland sector. Every time POPOF create small businesses. Other inhab- war and the ongoing post-conflict peri- met with villagers and they discussed itants who planted the tree species for od means there is a shortage of buyers which tree species to plant in their ar- carving were able to sell them to wood for these wood carvings. eas. They said according to the domi- carvers who are former poachers con- This model approach created by nance of red soil, the best option was verted to carvers by POPOF. One tree the Pole Pole Foundation as a local to plant Eucalyptus, Grevillea robusta, was sold for US$ 5 and carvers made NGO was created with input from the Spathodea sp., Markhamia lutea, Cu- gorillas sitting or walking in different rangers of the KBNP and members of the surrounding communities. This is Utu 28° E Musenge the model preferred by the communi- ties in the neighbourhood of a protect- Itebero Parc National ed area rather than locking up hungry, de Kahuzi-Biega Hombo DEMOCRATIC poor people in jail and making them REPUBLIC OF pay fines when they are facing pover- THE CONGO ty. However, the lack of funds prevents POPOF from doing its effective work Luhoho to involve communities in the common 2° S task of protecting KBNP, a world herit- Kalehe age site in peril, by benefiting surround- ing communities to reduce threats to Luka Lake Kivu the park’s flora and fauna. It is said that Kahuzi “if you give a man a fish he will eat for Tshibati a day, but if you teach him how to fish Tshivanga he will eat for the rest of his life”. We Biega Cyan- should all know that “it is not the hand national park border Lugulu gugu which gives but rather the heart gives”. road If we can support surrounding commu- Nzovu Ruziz river Bukavu nities rather than criminalising them, Ngoma mountain we can achieve much better conserva- i 0 20 km Lubimbe Walungu tion outcomes. John Kahekwa Munihuzi Kahuzi-Biega National Park Map: Angela Meder

16 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 RWANDA

Cantsbee – a Gorilla day provided evidence that Cantsbee would affect the group dynamics! was leading one of the subgroups – to- In March 2017 we were informed Legend gether with Gicurasi – involved in an that Cantsbee was missing again. Of Those who are familiar with the Virunga intense interaction with intruders. He course everyone hoped that he might gorillas and read Dian Fossey’s book seemed to be in fine shape, running, return from the mist once more … But Gorillas in the Mist surely know the displaying and smashing vegetation to on 12 May, trackers spotted a partial- silverback Cantsbee whose life was show strength. After about an hour the ly decomposed gorilla body in a river observed closely since his birth in the whole group started to move away, with while on their daily patrols. Examina- Volcanoes National Park 38 years ago. the females and youngsters following tions showed that it was very likely He was the last surviving silverback Cantsbee, just like they used to in the Cantsbee. We will keep his legend in originally studied by Dian Fossey. The past. Nobody knew what happened our minds. way he received his name is legendary. and why he returned, where he went Meanwhile, the group split into two: The researcher was startled when she and whether he was back to stay. How- 18-year-old Kureba is leading a new heard about his birth – she exclaimed: ever, the researchers were extremely group of his own and 22-year-old Gi- “It can’t be!” because she had thought happy to see Cantsbee back in his fam- curasi leads the remaining members of his mother to be a male. Meanwhile, ily and that he was received enthusi- the original group. after 50 years of gorilla research, this astically without any aggression. What Summary of blog entries of the Dian sounds astonishing, but small wonders an opportunity to study how his return Fossey Gorilla Fund still happen. One Monday in October 2016 track- ers reported that Cantsbee was not in Death of Three Silverbacks his group when they arrived for daily monitoring. Since he was elderly and Ndahura, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda). On 18 December, the group has been traveling a lot, it 2017, Ndahura, a 28-year-old silverback and leader of Bitukura group, was was possible that he had been left be- reported having fallen from a tall tree. The fall had occurred while Ndahura hind. He was already far beyond the was feeding on fruits and the tree branch he was perched on broke under average life expectancy for gorillas his weight. Unfortunately, he failed to maneuver and grab other branches that is somewhere in the 20s. Several in order to break his fall. A broken tree branch also fell on top of him. His teams conducted extensive and wid- condition quickly deteriorated and he died after 30 minutes. er searches, but did not find evidence Isabukuru, Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). Silverback Isabukuru of his whereabouts or condition. No died on 26 March, 2017. He was the 24-year-old half-brother of Cantsbee sign of him! At the Karisoke Research and caregiver to several orphaned juveniles in his group. Isabukuru had Center they knew that his disappear- battled intermittent diarrhea for many months, but over the last few months, ance would have a big impact on Pab- his condition deteriorated. A postmortem examination showed severe le- lo’s group (still named after the former sions in the gastrointestinal tract. Kubaha, the second silverback of the head of the group) leading to the for- group, has taken it over and is now helping to take care of the three or- mation of subgroups. phaned gorillas. When an important silverback is lost, Giraneza, Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda). After going missing from there are always many changes to ob- his group for three days, trackers finally found silverback Giraneza on 7 serve and study. As expected it started May, 2017. By then he was already showing signs of being ill. On 12 May, with the emigration of two young silver- trackers found him moribund in the morning, and he died shortly after. backs who were previously supported Based on the examination, the gross diagnosis is pneumonia with severe by Cantsbee, subgrouping took place. pleuritis. Giraneza led a challenging and rather aggressive life. He was Nevertheless, the staff hoped that his born in Pablo’s group. During his solitary life, he interacted with established son Gicurasi would be able to keep the groups a number of times. In 2014, he had a severe fight with Bwenge’s group together and to form a strong group (leading to Bwenge’s death) and in 2015 with Ugenda’s group (after team protecting it from threats, such as which Ugenda died). In August 2015, Giraneza interacted with Gushimira’s attacks from lone silverbacks or neigh- group, followed by the silverback’s death, and finally gained the females to bouring groups. form a small group. Suddenly, on 4 January 2017, he Summary of blog entries of Gorilla Doctors and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund was back. A closer look on the next .

17 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 CROSS RIVER

A Brief Update on the gorilla habitat in Afi Mountain Wildlife Cross River State Government finally Sanctuary. But the route as proposed began to listen to these concerns and Proposed Superhighway was still due to pass through some im- to consult with stakeholders. Options in Cross River State portant community forests on the edge for the superhighway were discussed of Cross River National Park – com- including re-routing around these for- In March 2016 the Federal Ministry of munities such as Ekuri and Iko Esai, ests, even though such modifications the Environment issued Cross River as well as Ukpon River Forest Reserve would make the highway slightly long- State a stop work order pending approval and Cross River South Forest Reserve. er and would increase the overall cost. of an environmental impact assessment However, as international and local me- At a stakeholder forum convened by (EIA) for the superhighway. Since then, dia campaigns gained momentum, the the Federal Ministry of Environment three different versions of the EIA have been submitted by the consultants on behalf of the Cross River State Government, and each one has been rejected in turn by the Federal Ministry of Environment. Such strict practices are almost unheard of in Nigeria and testament to the recent progress made in the country under President Buhari and in particular the strong personal leadership provided by the Minister of the Environment, Amina Mohammed. It is also likely that the vociferous inter­ national campaign against the super­ highway helped convince the Federal Ministry of Environment that this was an issue of international importance which could not be easi­ly overlooked. Although Amina Mo­hammed was re­ cent­ly appointed as the Deputy Secret­ ary-General of the United Nations, her successor – the Minister of State for Environment, Ibrahim Usman Jibril – has shown himself to be equally de­ termined to see that the environment­ al laws of Nigeria are fully respected. Without an approved EIA, tension mounted and, amidst threats to resume work on the superhighway without ap- proval by the federal government, in February 2017 the Cross River State Government announced that it was dropping all plans for the 10 km corri- dor either side of the highway. Such an immense corridor had always been our major concern since it would have po- tentially destroyed huge areas of rain- forest including important Cross Riv- er gorilla habitat. Getting the corridor cancelled was a major achievement – safeguarding important Cross River Route of the proposed superhighway, April 2017 Map: WCS

18 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 CROSS RIVER

or farms destroyed, and there has been Anape protected area Butatong very little public consultation. It is im- Akwaya gorilla distribution perative that the NGOs continue to stand together so that our campaign Afi Mountain national border Wildlife Okwangwo remains steadfast and resolute. With Sanctuary Mbe our support, the Federal Ministry of En- Mountains vironment can continue to insist on im- Afi River Takamanda Cross River Mbulu Forest provements to the EIA, and we remain Forest Reserve National National CAMEROON Park Park hopeful that an improved EIA will yet Basho include substantial measures such as Kagwene an Environmental and Social Manage- Gorilla Sanctuary ment Plan to mitigate potential impacts, Takamanda as well as a biodiversity offset as part NIGERIA Mone of an overall Biodiversity Action Plan. Manyu (Cross) River Andrew Dunn and Inaoyom Imong, Mone River April 2017 Forest Reserve Mamfe Survey of the Cross River Tofala Hills Gorilla at the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Cameroon Cross River gorilla distribution and protected areas in Nigeria and In January 2014 I started to study the Cameroon Map: Angela Meder, with information from Richard Bergl ecology of Cross River gorillas at the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary (THWS) in Calabar in March 2017, Governor in the deep seaport and superhighway in collaboration with the local NGO Ben Ayade announced the willingness project, possibly as a long-term invest- ERuDeF (Environmental and Rural of Cross River State Government to ment. Development Foundation), which has re-route the highway around the Ekuri To date, no communities have been been responsible for the research in community forest. While this was wel- compensated for any of the trees felled the area since 2004. The aim was come news, stakeholders continued to demand for the re-routing of the high- way away from the Ukpon River For- est Reserve and Cross South Forest Reserve which border the Ekuri for- est to west and to the north. Finally, in April 2017, the Cross River State Gov- ernment agreed to re-route the high- way away from most of the remaining forest. This is indeed a big win for our campaign, even though our preferred outcome was the rehabilitation of the existing highway. The source of funds for the super- highway is still shrouded in secrecy and has not been disclosed. Although some potential investors are reported to have recently pulled out amidst the controversy, it appears that a number View on the central part of the Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary of Chinese investors are still interested Photo: Sebastian Linnarz

19 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 CROSS RIVER

to find information about the nesting ary, which makes it more easily acces- that there was and still is much illegal and feeding behaviour of Cross River sible for people, and all signs of goril- farming and poaching inside the gorillas and to calculate their population las were found in the central part of the forest. 42 gun shells were found on 5 size and density. THWS, in an area of 6.5 km2. Because expeditions in 2014. In 2015 there was The Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary the gorillas are rare and elusive, the a decrease in hunting with rifles with became a protected area in September data were collected based on following only 20 gun shells found in the same 2014, prior to which the area had no their trails. area, but at the same time hunting with status of protection. This population of snares increased from 40 snares found Cross River gorillas was discovered in Poaching and Farming in 2014 to 55 snare traps in 2015. 2004 during a survey by ornithologists. There are ten villages surrounding Talking to local hunters showed that It is a very special population because the area, hence, it is not surprising most of them do not shoot gorillas be- it marks the most southeastern occur- rence of the Cross River gorilla range; it is located 40 km from the next known gorilla population in the Mone Forest Block, and it was estimated that be- tween 20 and 30 individuals were living in the sanctuary. Among the 14 Cross River gorilla subpopulations, the Tofala population is the only one about which no scientific data have been available, and the anthropogenic pressure exert- ed upon the gorillas living in the exam- ined area is very high because there are ten villages adjacent to the area. The area of the THWS is 8,087 ha. There are steep mountains rising from the western edge of the reserve to the eastern side of the area; ele- vation varies from 250 m around the villages of Besali and Bechati (in the West) to 1,900 m in Fossimondi (in the East). The vegetation is mainly trop- ical rainforest, changing into mon- tane forest above 1,400 m, and above 1,800 m there is anthropogenic grass- land. There is a long rainy season from March until November with an average rainfall of 2,420 mm. There were 12 two-week expedi- tions to the THWS in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Data were collected from the early dry seasons (November) to the mid rainy seasons (June). It seemed that gorillas avoided the southern part of the reserve, since there is not much forest left; also the northern area of the sanctuary showed no signs of gorillas. The northern part is less hilly and does not have the steep and high moun- ... the loggers moved in and the timber soon disappeared! tains of the central part of the sanctu- Photo: WCS Nigeria

20 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 CROSS RIVER

cause of traditional beliefs of the peo- las at the THWS is three. Compared to field for 76 days. ple who are living west of the THWS. other Cross River gorilla populations The only image of a gorilla at the Some hunters from the highlands on this number is very small, although the THWS was recorded in January 2014, the eastern side of the sanctuary do average group size of Cross River go- so nest counts were used to calculate not share that view and do not hesitate rillas in general is between four and the population size and density. The to kill gorillas. In March 2013, a silver- seven individuals. population size was calculated with the back left the THWS and walked 14 km program “Presence”. The results were northeast. When it came close to the Feeding Ecology of Gorillas at the shocking, indicating that there are only village of Pinyin, it was killed by an an- THWS two to four gorillas left in the sanc- gry crowd of people. Law enforcement The Tofala population of gorillas showed tuary, at a population density of just is difficult in a remote area like the Leb- some special adaptions in their feeding 0.03 gorillas per km2. The numbers ialem Highlands, with low risk of pros- behaviour compared to other Cross seem to be realistic because the maxi- ecution. River populations. Normally Cross mum nest group size was three nests Farming was another problem in the River gorillas show a diet comparable and because no camera trap was able THWS. Before the area became a wild- to the diet of western lowland gorillas. to picture a gorilla during the survey life sanctuary, people were establish- The gorillas of the THWS mainly fed on period. There have been three very ing new farms inside the forest at very terrestrial herbaceous plants (61.5 % short direct observations of gorillas by high rates, using the slash and burn of all feeding signs); fruits constituted the guides and volunteers in 2014 and method to transform the rainforest into 22.5 % of the diet; and leaves were 2015; they saw one or two gorillas at farmland. Since January 2014, at least consumed in 16 % of all feeding cases. these sightings. 77 new farms were created within the Gorillas at the THWS generally reserve, with an average size of 1.8 ha. looked for food on farms that had been Outlook Most of the farms were located close to illegally established in the forest, and The Tofala Hill Wildlife Sanctuary the communities, but people are start- they frequently raided farms inside the still houses a small population of ing to make their farms deeper and forest to eat the stems of banana plants gorillas. The feeding and nesting eco­ deeper inside the forest, so that even (Musa spec.), which was the most con- logy was quite unique compared to the most remote areas of the sanctuary sumed plant species in Tofala during the other known Cross River gorilla are affected by farming. Many farmers the study period. It might be possible populations, and shows that there do not know its boundary since there that fruits make up a higher portion of are special adaptations for each go­ are no marks even today to show were the gorillas’ diet during the late rainy rilla population in Cameroon and Ni­ the sanctuary begins. season, but there were no expeditions geria. Understanding the behaviour between July and October. and ecology of all Cross River gorilla Nesting Ecology It was in particular farms far away populations is essential to prevent their There are different factors that affect from the communities that were regu- extinction. The creation of the THWS the nest site choice of gorillas. Food, larly visited by gorillas. Farmers placed might have come too late, given that preferred nesting trees and predation human-looking puppets on the farms to the number of individuals is just two to risk can influence the selection of nest prevent gorillas from raiding them, but four, and it seems very unlikely that the sites. 31 nest sites with a total of 52 the puppets seemed to have no impact, population will survive within the next gorilla nests were found. The gorillas at and did not stop gorillas from entering 10–20 years. The sanctuary is very the THWS preferred to build their nests the farms. isolated and far away from other Cross on steep slopes, with an angle of more River gorilla populations, which makes than 45°. 74 % (22 nests) were built Population Size and Density any connection to other gorilla groups on steep slopes, 23 % (7 nests) were A three-month camera trap survey was not very likely. Nevertheless, there is found at moderate slopes (25–45°) and conducted from January to April 2016 still a forest corridor between the Mone only one nest was made in a flat area to calculate the population size and population and the Tofala population, (3 %). Steep slopes protect the gorillas density of gorillas at the THWS. The but the human pressure in the corridor from getting surprised by poachers, camera traps were placed in a 2 x 2 km area might be too great to allow any who mostly hunt during the night. grid in the central part of the sanctuary, migration between the two populations. The number of nests per nest site and there were eight stations of camera Sebastian Linnarz varied from one to three nests, show- traps inside the forest. No gorilla was ing that the largest group size of goril- recorded while the cameras were in the

21 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 GORILLAS

One of the Biggest Ape investigation, we learned that he was zees, manatees, many other primates to pass through Guinea. One Satur- and birds. Traffickers of Africa day night we went to his home with the Only a few weeks after the father’s Arrested Interpol team, arrested him, and then arrest, the criminal family was hit again: brought him directly to Conakry Cen- on 7 March Abdoul Salam Sidibé was Abdourahamane Sidibé, a major wild­ tral Prison. arrested in Conakry. He is the son of life trafficker of Guinean nationality, Ansoumane Doumbouya had been Abdourahamane Sidibé. Abdoul Salam was arrested on 18 February 2017 convicted on the basis of overwhelm- is a key element of the Sidibé network, in Conakry in a special operation by ing evidence and after issuing a CITES and an international arrest warrant had Interpol NCB and the NGO WARA via permit to a trafficker just before his ar- been issued against him. its EAGLE-Guinea project. One of the rest, even though he had no longer For a few years Abdoul Salam had most important ape traffickers on the been a CITES official since 2013 and been living in Ghana and his father in African continent, Abdourahamane Si­ Guinea was suspended by CITES. Ivory Coast, and they had both trav- dibé was head of a crime family which During his trial he always denied hav- elled to many African, Arab and Asian had been operating for over 30 years. ing issued CITES permits to Abdoura- countries. Following their conviction, In July 2016, Abdourahamane Si­ hamane Sidibé for the export of chim- they were on the run abroad knowing dibé was condemned in absentia to 5 panzees to China, despite the fact that that they were the subject of an arrest years in prison at the same time as hidden files were found on his comput- warrant. his son Abdoul Salam and the former er containing these permits. After his After the father had been arrested, corrupt CITES chief of Guinea Ansou- arrest, Abdourahamane Sidibé con- we quickly travelled to Ghana with an mane Doumbouya, who was arrest- firmed that he received all these per- agent of Interpol Guinea NCB to or- ed in August 2015 following a WARA- mits from Ansoumane Doumbouya. ganize the son’s arrest and extradition EAGLE investigation. For years, An- The Sidibé network has been active in collaboration with the CID of Ghana soumane Doumbouya had fraudulently in international trafficking for 30 years, Police. Because of our long-term inves- issued CITES permits to Abdouraha- amassing a lot of money; they export- tigations, we knew his habits and our mane Sidibé, facilitating the illegal ex- ed many protected animals worldwide investigators located him on the spot. port of many endangered species in- in violation of national laws and the Unfortunately, he fled by road to Burki- cluding 130 chimpanzees and 10 go- CITES Convention, including chimpan- na Faso and Mali, heading for Guin- rillas to China, using CITES permits which falsely stated that the apes were bred in captivity. The WARA investigation had con- tinued tracking the Sidibé family for 5 years, as it was spread across the continent creating a vast and effec- tive criminal network. Finally, the team managed to net the father and head of the criminal network. Abdourahamane Sidibé had spent the last year hiding in several African, Arab, and Asian coun- tries. His arrest, of one of the most im- portant traffickers of wildlife and great apes on the African continent, is a land- mark in the fight against ape trafficking. Abdourahamane Sidibé had been under an international arrest warrant issued by the Guinean Judiciary. An Interpol red notice was issued a few weeks before the arrest. He was hid- ing outside of Guinea since his convic- tion in absentia in July 2016. During our Abdourahamane Sidibé after his arrest Photo: WARA

22 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 GORILLAS

trade in apes. WARA, the group behind to the main gorilla enclosure for visits The WARA Conservation Pro- the arrest, worked hard for 6 years with with her parents. In 1958 Colo was ject was founded and is direct- the Guinean authorities to put behind paired with a 19-month-old (estimated) ed by Charlotte Houpline and has bars the biggest of these traffickers and wild-born male named Bongo. active projects in Guinea, Sen- the highest corrupt officials that helped Colo and Bongo became parents on egal and soon in Ivory Coast. An him. But there is still much more to be 1 February 1968 with the birth of a EAGLE Network member, WARA done. Several organized criminal fami- baby girl. The pair produced two more is a wildlife law enforcement NGO lies are driving great apes to extinction. offspring together, before losing inter- that works with governments to Charlotte Houpline est in breeding. Although she was not investigate, arrest, prosecute and allowed to rear any of her offspring, imprison major wildlife traffickers. Colo exhibited excellent maternal skills www.wara-enforcement.org A Tribute to Colo towards her granddaughter, Cora. She officially became a surrogate mother EAGLE – Eco Activists for Gov- On 22 December 1956, the Columbus in 1987 when she raised Macombo II ernance and Law Enforcement – Zoo made history with the birth of and Mosuba, the first gorilla twins to be is a network across Africa of the first zoo-born gorilla. Eventually born in the western hemisphere. Colo members who are replicating ef- named Colo in honor of her birthplace, also acted as a surrogate for her grand- fectively a program and opera- this 3 ¼-pound baby sent a wave of son, named J. J. after Columbus’ own tional model to undertake wild- excitement through the zoological Jungle Jack, the former director of the life law enforcement. The EAGLE community. Over a million visitors came Columbus Zoo, as they share the same Network currently operates in 9 to see Colo during her first year and birthday. Although Colo had never had African countries and keeps ex- many more followed her story through experience carrying an infant on her panding. It is credited with bring- daily updates in the New York Times. back, she allowed J. J. to climb on her ing more than 1,500 major wild- Her story was featured in both Life and she carried him around the habi- life traffickers to arrest and im- and Time magazines. During the first tat. Colo equally enjoyed her role as a prisonment and is now doing that years of Colo’s life she was dressed in great-grandmother and was regularly at a rate of one major trafficker frilly outfits with hats and treated like seen caring for her great-grandsons, arrested, prosecuted and impris- a princess. Though she spent most of often carrying them into and from the oned per day. her time in a nursery that had been built outdoor habitat each day. www.EAGLE-enforcement.org especially for her, she was taken over After many years of group life, in her mid-40s, Colo chose to leave group life behind by seperating herself. She was ea; finally, Abdoul Salam was arrested kept next to her “chosen group” and in Conakry and brought directly to the enjoyed interacting with them through central prison. the barriers, often adding her voice to In 2013, when we started our inves- their disputes and even sharing items tigations on Abdoul Salam, he was try- with her great-granddaughter. Over ing to get an order from a buyer to sell a the years she would enjoy occasion- manatee. He worked with Balla Doum- al visits from her daughter Toni and bouya, the boss of DOUMBOUYA PET a male named Mumbah, but she was COMPANY IMPORT-EXPORT, who happiest to spend her time alone. Colo was on the run after the arrest of the adored her keepers and regularly in- former CITES chief; we located and structed them in the proper ways to do arrested him in April 2016. A total of things. She also thoroughly enjoyed in- 5 international traffickers were arrest- teracting with the visitors and would ed and convicted in this judicial case: strut back and forth modeling her latest Ansoumane Doumbouya, Thierno Bar- baseball cap for them. ry, Balla Doumbouya, Abdourahamane Colo lived well beyond the medi- Sidibé and Abdou Salam Sidibé. Colo an life expectancy for a female gorilla, For a long time, Guinea has been a Photo: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus turning 60 years old in 2016. The zoo central junction in the organized illegal Zoo and Aquarium celebrated the occasion with a birthday

23 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 GORILLAS

party in her honor highlighted by many celebrity tributes. She currently holds the world record as the longest lived gorilla. After a full day delighting her visitors, Colo passed away peacefully in her sleep on 17 January. Her legacy lives on through her three children, 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and mil- lions of fans. Her life helped to educate people about the struggles gorillas are facing in range countries and the ac- tions we can take to help. She was an amazing ambassador for her species A view of Chisato Abe’s exhibition Photo: Miki Matsubara and friend to her keepers. Her impact will continue to be felt by those who her detailed observations of over 800 bo family in Apenheul, baby Aliki and knew her best. attractive gorillas and their family his- meerkats in Artis, curious Bokito with Audra Meinelt tories. These deeply felt and lovingly red peppers and a cat, lovely Koko and presented drawings went beyond the her kitten, Kibabu in Taronga Zoo and classical image of gorillas, showing his sons Haoko and Shabani on loan to The Dream of the Forest adoring eyes cast at the family mem- Japan, and also eastern lowland goril- bers and even visitors. The largest and las, one of the world’s 25 most endan- Chisato Abe’s exhibition of paintings of most eye-catching of the paintings was gered primates 2014–2016: Mushamu- gorillas called “The Dream of Forest” a portrait of a silverback gorilla, Ha- ka and his family in the Kahuzi-Biega was held at the Art Gallery located in oko, and his daughters Komomo and National Park of the Democratic Re- the newly opened mega-department Momoka in the Ueno zoo, oil on can- public of the Congo. store, Daimaru Tokyo, in Japan from vas, 162 by 162 cm with silver back- On 2 December, the traditional Jap- 30 November to 6 December 2016. ground. Visitors enjoyed the portraits anese wrestler (Likishi) Tosa-Yutaka Chisato Abe is an artist who has of Colo, who passed away at age 60 visited the gallery with his wife. He was specialized in gorillas for about 35 in January in the Columbus Zoo, Kifu called “Gori-chain” by his fans, dressed years. Her drawings were the result of likes a prince in Howletts, the Jam- in a traditional decorative costume with a gorilla face with open mouth on red background for ceremonies, and is now retired and re-named Ajikawa-Oyakata (Master). He loves gorillas, and always visited the silverback Taro in the Japan Monkey Center before his matches in Nagoya to pray for good results. Mas- ter Ajikawa visited the Japan Monkey Center to introduce his wife to Taro in July 2016. He received one of Chisa- to’s gorilla drawings as a memento of his retirement. Chisato was excited to shake hands with him, and even forgot to take a photo with him! Chisato said that seeing the gorillas all over the world is the most wonderful event for her, so she would like to keep on drawing gorillas long into the future. The gorilla painter Chisato Abe (left) in her exhibition that was shown at Miki Matsubara the end of 2016 in Tokyo. At the right gorilla researcher Miki Matsubara

24 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 GORILLAS

2017 Members’ Meeting The meeting of Berggorilla & Regen­ wald Direkthilfe in Krefeld Zoo was a resounding success, both for the Board, who had the opportunity to meet new members and touch base with old ones, and for the participants, who were privileged to listen to interesting talks and enjoy the warm hospitality of the zoo. However, the highlight for our organisation was a surprise cheque of euro 2000 for gorilla protection, which was handed over by the Zoo Director Wolfgang Dreßen. We thank Krefeld Zoo very much for this generous support of our work! Peter Zwanzger organised the event perfectly. We commenced on Saturday Johannes Refisch explains GRASP’s work Photo: Angela Meder afternoon with a welcome address from Wolfgang Dreßen and short updates from our projects. This was followed Vast Peatland Discovered in the Congo Basin by a talk by Johannes Refisch, head of the UN’s Great Ape Survival Partner- A team of British-Congolese scientists has discovered huge peatlands in ship (GRASP) on “The conservation of Central Africa’s Congo Basin. With an area of almost 150,000 km2 – an area apes: challenges and chances”. After larger than England – the Cuvette Central peatlands are the largest ones this talk, it was time for a coffee break. in the tropics. Subsequently, curator Cornelia The researchers of the British University of Leeds used data from US Bernhardt presented a history of apes and Japanese satellites to map the swamp area and analyzed the soil with in Krefeld Zoo and Yvonne Baur intro- field measurements. The average depth of the peat layer is 2.4 m, but at its duced her work on gorilla personalities. deepest it reaches 5.9 m. According to the scientists’ results the peat has After a short introduction to our first re- been building up under the waterlogged forest for more than 10,600 years gional group – Ostwestfalen-Lippe – and locked up more than 30 billion tonnes of carbon, three times as much Johannes Refisch gave a second talk as the annual carbon monoxide emissions set free by fossil fuels. The new- entitled “Apes – Their Fate is Ours“, ly discovered peatlands hold nearly 30 % of the world’s tropical peat carbon. including many photographs of apes Peatlands are only a resource in the fight against climate change when he had taken during his travels. During left intact. But because the Cuvette Central peatlands were discovered only dinner, which – like the coffee break – recently, they do not feature in conservation plans. They could face threats we were able to enjoy in the open air from drainage for agricultural plantations, especially for oil palms, as is hap- in front of the meeting room, we had pening in Southeast Asia. The peat’s preservation is also prone to climatic opportunities for many interesting con- changes through lower rainfall or if rising temperatures increase evapora- versations. tion. The peatlands in the Congo Basin should be protected not only for We were also very lucky with the ecological reasons, but also because they are vital refuge for many endan- weather on Sunday morning, when we gered species like the western lowland gorilla or forest elephant. enjoyed our guided tour through the ape houses. We are very grateful to Dargie, G. C. et al. (2017): Age, extent and carbon storage of the central Congo Benjamin Harr and Daniel Schmidt, Basin peatland complex. Nature 542, 86–90 who answered all questions patiently and had many interesting stories to tell. The peatland is in danger of being logged! Angela Meder www.rainforestfoundationuk.org/norway-carbon-bomb-in-congo

25 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 READING

John E. Cooper and Gordon Hull reader will find many overlaps. Both FAO Gorilla Pathology and Health, with authors quite obviously have great re- State of the World’s Forests 2016. a Catalogue of preserved Materials. spect for, even love of gorillas, and Forests and agriculture: land-use London (Academic Press) 2017. 666 want to share their knowledge with challenges and opportunities. Rome pages. Hardcover, US$ 140. ISBN 978- readers, for the benefit of the species 2016. 126 pages. ISBN 978-92-5- 0-12-802039-5 and each individual in it. 109208-8. Download PDF (5.39 MB): This is a monumental achievement, Colin Groves www.fao.org/publications/sofo/en/, a book of 637 pages. In the first of http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5588e.pdf two sections, John Cooper describes Richard J. Reid the diseases that gorillas get, and dis- A History of Modern Uganda. Cam­ United Nations Security Council cusses why, and illustrates with colour bridge (Cambridge Univ. Press) 2017. Midterm report of the Group of photos their anatomical and histologi- Paper­back, 426 pages. ISBN 978-1- Experts on the Democratic Republic cal appearance. There are X-rays, CT 107-67112-6, £ 18.99. Hardcover, of the Congo. Document S/2016/1102. scans, and illustrations of how to col- 328 pages, ISBN 978-1-107-06720-2, UN 2016. 90 pages. Download lect and handle samples, with detailed £ 64.99. PDF (8.33 MB): http://reliefweb.int/ instructions. This makes the book an sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/ absolutely indispensible source for all J. Oloka-Onyango and Josephine N1640170.pdf medical and veterinary practitioners Ahikire working with gorillas, both in the wild Controlling Consent: Uganda’s 2016 Kahana Lukumbuzya and Cassian and in zoos. Election. Africa World Press 2016. Sianga In the second section, Gordon Hull Paperback, US$ 39.95. ISBN 978- Overview of the Timber Trade in provides what must be an exhaustive 1569025024 East and Southern Africa: National list of all preserved material. Mostly this Perspectives and Regional Trade concerns skulls, skeletons and skins, Linkages. Cambridge, TRAFFIC and but it includes also anatomical and path- New on the Internet WWF, February 2017. 53 pages. ological specimens, microscope slides, ISBN 978-1-85850-415-5. Download and so on. All relevant information is The Interactive Map of Artisanal PDF (1.79 MB): www.trafficj.org/ given: locality of collection, collector, Mining Areas in Eastern DR Congo – publication/17_Timber-trade-East- taxonomy (including type status), indi- 2015 Update. www.ipisresearch.be/ Southern-Africa.pdf vidual identity and history (mainly in the mapping/webmapping/drcongo/v4 case of zoo gorillas), and any recorded The Belgian research group IPIS Global Witness measurements (height, girth, arm span collected data on 2026 artisanal mining Under-Mined. How corruption, mis­ and so on). When, in the early 1960s, sites in eastern DRC. IPIS observed management and political influence is I was going around Europe and the an armed presence in more than half undermining investment in Uganda’s USA measuring and observing gorilla of the mines. In an interactive map, mining sector and threatening people skulls and skeletons for my PhD, I was IPIS provides information about the on- and environment. June 2017. 88 proud to have amassed a dataset of site presence of armed groups and the pages. https://www.globalwitness.org/ over 700 male and 400 female skulls – Congolese army. It also shows whether en/campaigns/oil-gas-and-mining/ but this listing just about doubles that. mining sites have been ‘validated’ (li- uganda-undermined/. Download PDF How I wish I had had access to such censed to operate) by the Congolese (3.33 MB): https://www.globalwitness. a list then! Exciting for the taxonomist, government or if they are covered by org/documents/19074/Undermined_ but very sobering too: in the late 19th supply chain control mechanisms. Report_Low_Res.pdf and early 20th centuries, every univer- sity zoology and anatomy department, Rainforest Foundation UK Amnesty International and every little local museum, wanted Logging in Congo’s rainforests: Report 2016/17. The state of the to have its own gorilla skull or skeleton, A “carbon bomb” about to be primed world’s human rights. London (Amnesty and the consequent massacre of goril- by the Government of Norway? June Inter­national) 2017. 409 pages. ISBN las was appalling. 2017. 16 pages. Download PDF 978-0-86210-496-2. Download PDF The two sections of the book might (2.9 MB): www.rainforestfoundationuk. (1.95 MB): https://www.amnesty.org/ seem to sit uneasily together, but their org/media.ashx/drc-carbon-bomb- en/latest/research/2017/02/amnesty- combination is amply justified, and the briefing-2017.pdf international-annual-report-201617/

26 Gorilla Journal 54, June 2017 BERGGORILLA & REGENWALD DIREKTHILFE

Finances ger, Hartmann Knorr, Stefan Koch, Bri­ gitte Kranz, Sabine Krummenerl, Al­ Income in 2016 brecht Kühn, Karin and Manfred Linke, Subscriptions 23,033.00 euro Maaß In­dus­trie­bau, Andreas Maenz, Donations 47,179.22 euro Lore Marholdt,­ Hannelore Merker, Nico Sales 557.10 euro Nae­ve, Jörg Neidhardt, Oliver Nevi, Total 70,769.32 euro De­nise Nierentz, Manfred Paul, Anne Pfis­te­rer, Alicia Pichlmeier, U. and K. Expenses in 2016 Rathfelder, Klaus Reigber, Birgit Rei­ Refund for meeting 190.60 euro me, Geraldine Reischl, Wolfram Riet­ Administration 3,548.58 euro schel, Alfred Roszyk, Erika Rüge, Gorilla Journal 2,302.43 euro Peter Sailer, Colette Schwegler, Elke Items for sale 83.59 euro Seeger, Frank Seibicke, Sozial-Aktien- Postage 1,467.58 euro Gesellschaft Socialbay, Hartmut Sta­ Presenting the 5th vintage of gorilla Pay/top-ups 6,936.00 euro de, Hermann Starik, Heinz Stelter, wine: Wolfram Rietschel, Angela Maiko National Park Hans-Christian Ströbele, Andreas Meder and Thomas Seibold, Training Park Director 3,950.00 euro Stroh­maier, Thomas Tiede, Tiergarten Fellbacher Weingärtner, who Sarambwe Hei­delberg, Paul Vandendael, Hans- handed over a symbolic cheque Support of patrols, Jörg Walther, Christof Wiedemair, equipment ... 16,914.61 euro WIGWAM Naturreisen & Expeditionen, sending Christmas gifts to the custom- Mt. Tshiaberimu Jörg Wilhelm, Wilhelma, Zoo Krefeld ers of their company. Apart from sever- Border demarcation and Heinz and Elisabeth Zaruba. al zoos, the pupils of the Martin Luther monitoring ... 11,141.35 euro Moreover, the Schrempp family sup- School in Rimbach collected donations Kahuzi-Biega ported us with a donation instead of for us. And the winemakers Fellbacher Tree planting 1,800.00 euro Weingärtner donated 1,000 euros from Bwindi the sale of their gorilla wine. ITFC employees 8,000.00 euro Many thanks to everybody, includ- Cross River area, Nigeria ing all the donors that could not be list- Radio program environ- ed by name here. We are grateful for mental education 8,826.90 euro any support! Mbe Mountains, community educ. 8,867.61 euro Total 76,029.25 euro Wolfgang Dreßen (in the middle), ­ Director of Krefeld Zoo, and curator Cornelia Bernhardt (left) hand over Our Donors a checque to us during our From November 2016 to April 2017 members’ meeting we received­ major donations by Ste­ Photo: Petra Schwinn fan Ablasser, ajoofa, Arkon Metall­ bau, Marion Arnoldi, Fredrik Hendrik Ba­kels, Nicole Benak, Martin Bett­ Do You Want to Become a Lifetime Member? mann, Marc Beyer, Manuel Blatter, Ger­da and Andreas Brunner, Monika For the first time we offer the opportunity to become a lifetime member of Daub, Angelika Dickmann, Sybille Eck Berggorilla & Regenwald Direkthilfe to overseas supporters. The lifetime and Jens Rott­acker, Michael En­ders, membership fee is US$ 1,000. As the regular transfer of membership fees Marianne Famula, Thomas Fesser, Bir­ from most countries to German bank accounts is not easy, this may be a git Gläser, Gorilla Gym Ham­burg, Jens good alternative if you want to support us and make sure that you receive Hadler, Dietmar Hekers, Marieberthe­ our journal. If you are interested, please contact Burkhard Broecker at our Hoffmann-Falk, Helga Inner­ho­fer, organization address (see page 2 of this journal) or at Rolf Jochen Kaiser, Götz Kauschka, [email protected] Chris­tian Kleineidam, Susanne Klin­ .

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