Field Conservation
Protecting wild populations in the Albertine Rift
Conservation Program
Sanctuaries are only a short-term solution to the problem facing chimpanzees. Sensitization and education of local communities, and community development through alternative livelihood provision are essential. This encourages people to value their wildlife and to ensure that they remain in the wild where they belong. The Trust has therefore developed and maintained conservation programs to protect and conserve wildlife, with an immediate focus on the chimpanzee ranging areas in the Albertine Rift.
Habitat Restoration
We lead massive tree-planting initiatives to restore degraded forest corridors. By planting indigenous tree species, we reconnect fragmented habitats, allowing chimpanzee populations to move freely and maintain vital genetic diversity across the landscape.
- Indigenous tree nurseries
- Reforestation of degraded corridors
- Monitoring forest health
Human-Wildlife Conflict
As human populations expand, conflicts with wildlife increase. We implement mitigation strategies such as training farmers in alternative livelihoods and establishing buffer zones to reduce crop raiding and protect both people and primates.
- Farmer sensitization & deterrence training
- Buffer crop planting (e.g., tea)
- Rapid response teams
Community Monitoring
We empower local communities to become guardians of their environment. By training community monitors to track chimpanzee movements and report illegal logging, we create a powerful grassroots network of conservationists who own the protection process.
- Training local forest monitors
- Data collection on chimp movements
- Reporting illegal forest activities
Our Operations Area
The Chimpanzee Trust actively works across the Northern Albertine Rift, focusing primarily on the highly fragmented forest corridors connecting major reserves in the Hoima, Kikuube, and Masindi districts. This intensely agricultural landscape requires dedicated collaboration with private forest owners and local farmers.
