230 The future of Budongo’s chimpanzees
Table 12.3: Ugandan chimpanzees: threats and conservation priorities (from Edroma et al. 1997).
Site Threats
Habitat loss* Poaching† Disease‡ Political Tourist
instability§ potential**Mt. Kei L 00 H 0
Otzi L 00 H0
Rabongo L 0 LLL
Budongo L 1.3 HLH
South of Budongo L 0 LL 0
Bujaawe–Wanibubaya L 0.5 ML 0
Bugoma L 2.5 MH L
Kasato M? H L 0
Kagombe–Kitechura– M 2.5 HH?
Matiri–Ibambaro
Itwara and surroundings H 2.5 HL L
Buyaga area (N) H? H L 0
Mwenge H 0.5 HL 0
Kibale M 1.3 HLH
Semliki Valley L 0.5 LHL
Semuliki L 5 MH L
Ruwenzori North L 2.5 LH0
Ruwenzori L 2.5 MH L
Dura R., E. Kasese L 0.5 LL0
Kasyoha–Kitomi, L 0.5 LLL
Kyambura
Kalinzu–Maramagambo L 1.3 HLH
Ishasha L 0 LH 0
Bwindi L 1.3 HL L
- (Unprotected areas): L, Low; M, Medium; H, High†
‡Percent of total population annually
§Probability of human-induced disease epidemic: L, Low; M, Medium; H, High
H, High; L, Low
** 0, None; L, Low; H, High
From these data the following areas are designated high priority for chimpanzee conservation in Uganda:
- Budongo; 2. Kibale; 3. Kasyoha–Kitomi; 4. Kalinzu–Maramagambo; 5. Bugoma.
The following areas have a high priority for further surveys and represent potential chimp conservation areas: - Kagombe–Matiri; 2. Kasato and neighbouring unprotected forest areas.
A map of chimpanzee distribution in Uganda was published in the PHVA volume.
It showed the forests and other areas where chimpanzees were known or believed to
live. This map has been superceded by a census-based map (Plumptre et al. 2003),
shown in Fig. 12.3.
The PHVA additionally produced a number of scenarios showing population
projections and extinction probabilities for the chimpanzees of Uganda, based on
varying assumptions of population size, habitat type and number and degree of
threats. It explored the extent to which chimpanzees from one forested area were
able to travel to, and hence mix genes with, other populations, again influencing their
survival probabilities. These initiatives have not so far been followed up; they
deserve to be.