For the first nine months of 1998, Karisoke staff had no access to the Parc National des Volcans. Negotiations to visit the gorillas took place from late August, and these led to the first visit on September, 29 permitted and facilitated by military escorts. When Karisoke trackers began making weekly visits to the three research groups, it was reassuring to find the gorilla population in apparently good health. Only one of more than 80 individuals remains to be accounted for. She may have transferred out of Pablo’s group, or she may have died; she is over 30 years old. In December, Gitebe was seen carrying her dead infant. We did not have sufficient access to the park to recover the body and try to determine the cause of death. At least seven births have occurred since August 1997.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the most serious threats to mountain gorillas were poaching and habitat encroachment. In the 1990s, periods of conflict have had both direct and indirect impacts on the population. Both pose severe threats to the mountain gorilla population. Unable to monitor them regularly, we feared that gorillas would become accidental victims of snares, however, we have recently established that at least 99% of individuals in the three research groups are visibly in good physical shape. Thankfully there has been no loss of limbs or life to snares.

Having come through the last 18 months intact, the most serious threat to the gorillas may be the acquisition of human parasites and diseases. Large numbers of people have deposited potentially infectious faecal matter and other waste in the forest. Aspects of the gorillas’ health will be investigated and monitored by the veterinary team.

As for the habitat and evidence of degradation or human impacts, the trackers are not able to gather much information when they visit gorillas. Since late September, the anti-poaching team has been accompanying the gorilla trackers, and they collected snares visible from their route but can not deviate from main paths. During 19 days in the park towards the end of 1998, 113 snares were removed: 92 antelope snares and 11 buffalo snares. Ten monkey traps were also found. Traps for primates have not previously been seen in the Karisoke region and indicate that poachers are from coming from, or have acquired skills, in the D.R.C.

To assist Karisoke staff and their families during this difficult period, houses were rented for them in Ruhengeri town. Despite this action, by the end the year the number of active staff had been reduced to 18. The trial of six members of Karisoke staff began in August. Nemeye et al were given life sentences against which they are appealing.

Whilst unable to enter the Parc National des Volcans, Karisoke staff have been involved in activities elsewhere in the region. Several sessions of guide and guard training took place in Nyungwe, where conservation efforts are supported by WCS. Karisoke trackers also assisted with chimpanzee habituation in Nyungwe Forest, and gorilla habituation in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, at both Ruhija and Buhoma.

Credit: Liz Williamson, Director, Karisoke Research Centre, DFGFI, BP 1321 Kigali, Rwanda.