The Dzanga Sangha Protected Area (DSPA) in the Congo Basin is home to over 2000 western lowland gorillas – two thirds of the world population.
This is the only place in the world where it is possible to visit habituated western lowland gorillas. Visits are made from the research centre at Bai Hokou. A handful of permits are available each day. There are three habituated gorilla groups at this current time.
Gorilla tracking revenue makes up about 50% of tourism revenue in Dzanga-Sangha. As Terence Fuh from DSPA said: ” The habituation programme is a major source of employment for the local population, employing over 60 local people including over 40 Indigenous Ba’Aka.It generates significant revenue and strengthens the vital link with the community, hence acting as an important conservation tool.”
It was devastating news for the conservation programme when two habituated silverbacks, Mata and Mayele, were both lost within a month of each other last year.
Both silverbacks had very different personalities. Mata was known as a gentle giant but fussed over his family keeping a close eye at all times. Mayele had a more relaxed leadership style with his family often spread out across the forest. Mata was discovered by the tracking team at the end of August. He had broken bones and looked to have died after falling from a tree. Mayele died in September after a savage fight, probably protecting his family from a rival silverback. The vet administered care but Mayele’s injuries were too severe and he could not be saved. Then came news of tiny Mossika – taken and killed by a silverback attempting to take over the Mata group after the loss of its silverback, Mata.
The success of the gorilla habituation programme at Bai Hokou is incredibly important to the area, providing jobs and revenues through tourism and contributing to the protection of the gorillas and their forest habitat.
So, we share the delight of the DSPA team when news of a baby filtered through this week. The baby, born to Mabor from the Makumba group is a sibling for Mabor’s first offspring, Mbindjio, born in 2019.
The team will be keeping a close eye on Mabor and we look forward to bringing you further updates.
Image at top: Stef da Betune
