Why Kibale?

Amazing Animals. Situated amid the foothills of the legendary Mountains of the Moon, Kibale National Park’s location at the interface of Central and East Africa has led to an immense diversity of plants and animals (Map of Uganda). The park is home to one of the densest populations of primates in Africa, including chimpanzees and at least one other endangered primate, the red colobus. With over 339 bird species, Kibale is classified as an Important Bird Area. It hosts 229 species of trees and shrubs, 77 species of mammals, 75 species of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 12 fish species.

An Involved Community. Local communities have been enthusiastic to cooperate with rangers to combat illegal activities, and previous education programs have been well embraced. However, with a human population that has increased seven-fold since 1920 and that continues to grow at 3-4% each year, the future of Kibale and its surrounding communities is far from secure.

A Need For Wood. Wood and charcoal are the sole sources of energy for more than 98% of the people surrounding Kibale, far above the average reliance on fuel wood in Africa of 40%. (Read more about the problem here) From 1990-2000, Uganda lost an average of 91,000 hectares of forest per year. Much of the forest loss in the region has been immediately outside protected areas, indicating “the front of deforestation is approaching”. It is worrisome that the major benefit of Kibale cited by locals is the illegal collection of wood from within its boundaries, as even small scale logging for fuel wood can severely damage populations of numerous plants and animals. The Ugandan Wildlife Authority has acknowledged that environmentally friendly development must be instituted outside the protected area to reduce pressures on the park, and it is a specific goal of the Ugandan Energy Policy to improve efficiency in the use of biomass. With forests outside protected areas in such intense decline, an alternate source of fuel is an immediate need.