Title
Assessing the Distribution and Habitat Use of Chimpanzees between Budongo and Bugoma Corridors
Author(s)
Samuel Ayebare; P. Kihumuro; M. Leal; Simon Nampindo
Published
2018
Abstract
This report summarizes the findings of a chimp survey conducted in the forest fragments located within Hoima district in the Murchison – Semliki landscape under the Murchison-Semliki REDD+ (MSREDD+) project. A total of 209 chimp nests were observed during the survey with an average encounter rate of 0.76 nests per km per parish. Chimp nests were observed in 11 (Birungu, Budaka, Bulimya, Bulindi, Igwanjura, Katanga, Kibanjwa, Kibugubya, Kiragura, Kiryangobe, Munteme) of the 25 parishes that were surveyed. The highest number of chimp nests (91) were observed in Kibugubya parish with an encounter rate of 8.5 nests per km walked, followed by Bulindi (27) with an encounter rate of 4.8 nests per km walked, Kibanjwa (24) with an encounter rate of 0.92 nests per km walked, Munteme (21) with 0.68 nests per km walked. Other primates that were observed in the corridor forests are Uganda Mangabey (Lophocebus ugandae), Blue monkey (Cercopithecus mitis), Baboon (Papio anubis), Black & white colobus (Colobus guereza), Red tailed monkey (Cercopithecus Ascanius) and vervet monkey (Chlorocebus tantalus). The Uganda mangabey, an endemic species to Uganda was observed in nine of the twenty five parishes that were surveyed and the blue monkey was only observed in the parish of Bulyango. Black & white colobus, red-tailed monkey and vervet monkey were generally common throughout the survey area while the Baboon was observed in six of the twenty five parishes observed. The results of the survey indicate that the forest fragments between Bugoma and Budongo Forest reserves provide connectivity for the movement of chimpanzee and other primate species in the landscape. The number of chimpanzee nest counts showed stabilized populations over three years of the project time frame compared to previous survey results in the landscape. A 2008 chimp survey estimated 154 nests and a survey conducted between 2011 and 2013 estimated a population that ranged between 256 to 357 chimpanzees. There is still tremendous pressure (43% of the recce walks was modified habitat) on corridor forests due to conversion to agriculture. To maintain the functionality of the forest fragments as corridors for chimps and other primates, and increase resilience to climate change in the landscape in the long term, there is need to continue engaging the local governments and communities on reforestation of river banks, conservation farming and agribusiness.
Full Citation
Ayebare, S., P. Kihumuro, N. Leal, and S. Nampindo (2018). Assessing the Distribution and Habitat Use of Chimpanzees in the Corridor Forests Located between Budongo and Bugoma Forest Reserves in the Murchison-Semliki Landscape. Kampala, Uganda: Wildlife Conservation Society, Uganda, 1-15.
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