Research as a Component of Tourism Development for Western Gorillas in Loango National Park, Gabon

The purpose of this project is to support conservation of the critically endangered western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) in Loango National Park in Gabon by facilitating research and tourism activities.

The project intends to address the impacts of poaching and illegal activities in the park by acting as a deterrent and detection system for park authorities, providing baseline information, and generating revenue.

Specific activities include: (1) continued habituation of one group of western lowland gorillas for tourism and monitoring of the impact of tourism; (2) assessment of behavior change, ranging patterns, diet, and stress levels on gorillas to monitor impacts of habituation and initiation of tourism; (3) use of non-invasive techniques to systematically sample populations and conduct genetic analysis; (4) use of camera traps to record presence of gorillas, chimpanzees, and other large mammals in the study area; (5) collection of data on diet, habitat utilization, and social behavior to enhance understanding of the behavioral ecology and population dynamics of western gorillas; (6) regular surveillance and routine data collected to serve as an effective deterrent to poaching; and (7) training of Gabonese field assistants, gorilla trackers, and national park staff to develop national capacity for science-based conservation and adaptive management.