Mountain Gorilla Protection
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International's Karisoke trackers and anti-poaching patrols monitor parts of Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans for poachers and destroy thousands of snares each year. They have received paramilitary training and can carry arms as they patrol. We also work with others in the region to share our knowledge and experience in this area, and to promote the use of common gorilla monitoring protocols and practices. The Fund is also a sponsoring member of the Bushmeat Crisis Task Force, working to help halt the alarming levels of bushmeat traffic throughout Africa. Since the operations of the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda began in 1967, DFGF International has acquired an unequaled amount of field expertise and data about mountain gorillas and their habitat. This includes demographic and behavioral data, for example, that is useful in conducting scientific studies on numerous aspects of gorilla life, such as socialization and food preferences. Studies regarding the status of the gorillas' habitat and the biodiversity of the region are also under way. We also expect to begin a census of mountain gorillas in the Virungas and to establish a tourism impact study. In its research endeavors, the Fund partners with other major scientific institutions, such the Georgia Institute of Technology, Clark Atlanta University, the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, the National University of Rwanda and others. All research proposals are reviewed by a scientific advisory committee of internationally recognized scientists.
One very exciting component of our work involves the use of cutting-edge technologies in pursuit of conservation solutions. For example, DFGF International has established a multi-faceted project with Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University and the National University of Rwanda to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) center in Rwanda , with emphasis on remote sensing technology. Scientists from DFGFI and these universities are using these new tools to study the gorillas' fragile habitat, to help determine how many gorillas the land can support, to assess habitat loss and better manage protected areas. This work involves creating virtual environments for training students in Africa and in the United States on how to use the technology, and finding ways to replicate this scientific model in other parts of Africa where endangered species live.
Beginning this year, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is initiating a coordinated conservation outreach effort, under the direction of Dr. Patrick Mehlman. The Conservation Action Program aims to spread our expertise and resources to other gorilla habitats, through conservation science, education, gorilla protection advancement, training, ecosystem health, and emergency support. In each of these areas, the Fund will apply its expertise and resources toward furthering conservation goals, both in Rwanda and elsewhere in Africa. For example, we will provide gorilla tracker training based on the Karisoke model to other countries where gorillas live. To help stop the transmission of parasites between humans and gorillas, our ecosystem health program will aid African health agencies to improve the health of communities near wildlife reserves and national parks.
DFGF International supports education in many ways, and in many areas. Our partnerships with major universities on research, conservation and technological projects play an important role in our educational efforts. For example, we are forming partnerships among students at Georgia Tech and the National University of Rwanda to work on our conservation technology projects, such as marking park boundaries. Student interns are also key to the success of building in-country scientific capacity. The children of our trackers also benefit from our programs. Stipends help subsidize the cost of uniforms and fees for primary and secondary school students, and scholarships for older students. In the United States, schools often partner with the Fund to raise awareness about gorillas while raising funds to help protect them. Elementary and middle schools in New Jersey, Washington and Colorado have all recently created special displays, printed their own newsletters and read extra books to learn about gorillas and to raise money for their protection. We maintain a website with information on gorillas and their status, and participate in various media projects to help spread information on gorilla conservation as widely as possible. We are also contributing to the construction of Rwanda's new public library in Kigali. The library will house a special conservation section named after Dian Fossey.
In cooperation with local organizations, DFGF International encourages and aids small-scale development activities in communities near gorilla habitat, to help the social, physical and economic well being of local people. Recently we made a commitment to purchase goats for the wives of Karisoke trackers, who will then breed and manage them for the benefit of the local community. The Fund also arranged for the purchase of soccer uniforms for a Rwandan women's organization, which has named itself the "Dian Fossey Nyiramacibili project for the bravery of women and youth in Ruhengeri." This group, which organizes sporting events for women and children, adopted Dian Fossey as their icon, representing courage, bravery and success. |
Conservation Action
Community Support