In Uganda’s Hoima District, 300 chimpanzees (including the Bulindi community) cling to survival in the face of enormous pressure from their human neighbours. Monitoring these chimpanzees is essential for their health and survival.
As well as our long-term monitoring of the Bulindi chimpanzee community, this year we started monitoring two other chimp communities in Hoima and we aim to begin monitoring a fourth community later this year.

As volunteer Field Operations Manager, Georgia says: “Chimpanzee monitoring isn't easy! It requires basic tracking knowledge, a good understanding of chimpanzee behaviour, and a lot of patience. Our chimpanzee monitors are in constant contact with local villagers and often have to act as ambassadors for the chimpanzees as well. At BCCP we believe in strengthening the skills and abilities of field staff through capacity building. Our tiered training program not only provides junior staff with the necessary tools to perform in a complex social and ecological landscape, it also encourages senior monitors to develop strong leadership skills.”

These images show Vincent (who monitors the Wagaisa chimpanzee community) mentoring our newest chimpanzee monitor, Isaac.

Big thanks to Idea Wild for donating much-needed field equipment to the Bulindi Chimpanzee & Community Project.

​In the photo, chimpanzee monitor Vincent and researcher Georgia are using a new GPS receiver to mark the position of nearby chimpanzees. Vincent is also wearing binoculars to help him identify individuals. These and other items supplied by Idea Wild are a enormous help to our field team who are monitoring several new chimpanzee communities in areas adjacent to Bulindi in Uganda's Hoima District, as part of our project funded by EOCA European Outdoor Conservation Association.