When we start monitoring a new group, direct observations can be fleeting as the apes are typically suspicious of people (with good reason – interactions between the chimpanzees and villagers are at times hostile). Therefore, for the first few months, we use remote camera traps (like the footage above) to help identify individuals and determine the size and composition of the group. It took two months of camera-trapping to establish that the Kiraira-Kasunga chimpanzees comprise just 16 members, including a clique of five adult males together with five adult females and their youngsters. All individuals are unique, and there are certainly some great characters in this small but hardy band of chimpanzees!
Camera-trap image of Aliana, from the Kiraira-Kasunga group peering closely at the camera © BCCP
These chimpanzees were once part of a bigger group that ranged within a thick old-growth forest, hidden among steep valleys within a range of hills. Sadly, over the past 10-15 years their forest home was sold off to investors and converted to farmland and exotic timber plantations. The small size of the Kiraira-Kasunga group today hints at the struggles these chimpanzees likely endured during the process of forest conversion. Indeed, three of the surviving chimpanzees exhibit the tell-tale signs of past encounters with traps and snares.
At BCCP, we’re committed to securing a future for the Kiraira-Kasunga chimpanzees – and for all the chimpanzees living in unprotected habitats in western Uganda. We’re very grateful for the enduring support of Born Free for our Chimpanzee Monitoring programme!