Science

Better understanding for better protection. Research and monitoring of wildlife and ecosystems are an integral part of the Park's conservation strategies. Science guides protection methods. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is world-renowned for the observation and study of the behavior of great apes and mammals in their natural habitat.

The Park's biomonitoring team plays a key role in collecting and analyzing scientific data essential for conservation. It conducts regular biodiversity surveys and uses advanced methods such as camera trapping and genetic sampling to monitor the health of animal populations. Using line transects to collect both direct and indirect observations, the team assesses the presence, distribution, and abundance of species, while monitoring anthropogenic pressures such as poaching and deforestation.

The biomonitoring team uses rigorous protocols to track iconic species such as Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) and eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) and many other threatened species. This data is used to adapt Park management strategies, strengthen protection measures, and raise awareness among local communities about the importance of biodiversity.

The use of conservation software, SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) and EarthRanger, has modernized data collection processes to optimize conservation efforts in the field. Every action taken by the biomonitoring team contributes directly to the Park's conservation mission, ensuring a sustainable future for the unique wildlife and ecosystems of this exceptional region.

The Kahuzi-Biega National Park One Health project integrates human, animal, and environmental health to strengthen the resilience of ecosystems and local communities. This project contributes to the following objectives:

  • Epidemiological surveillance: monitor the health of wildlife, particularly great apes, to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases. The protocols strictly follow IUCN Best practice Guidelines (Gilardi et al. 2015; Gilardi et al. 2025).
  • Capacity building: train Park teams, local health workers, and communities on good health practices and wildlife-related health risk management.
  • Community health promotion: conduct awareness campaigns on hygiene, disease prevention, and animal welfare.
  • Integrated ecosystem management: combining biodiversity conservation with public health interventions, with a focus on reducing human-wildlife conflict and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Through this holistic approach, the One Health project contributes to both the conservation of the Park's flagship species and the improvement of the living conditions of local communities, while strengthening their capacity to respond to potential health crises.

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GORILLA DOCTORS 

Gorilla Doctors deploys specialized and dedicated veterinarians within the Park to monitor the health of habituated Grauer's gorillas. It is also one of the few organizations in the world with the expertise to provide veterinary care to this subspecies of gorilla.  Find out more: www.gorilladoctors.org
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PRIMATE EXPERTISE   

Primate Expertise (PEx) has been working in the Park for many years, specifically in primate research, and promoting research among younger generations. PEx also supports efforts to restore degraded forest areas and community development initiatives, in collaboration with and for the benefit of local communities living around KBNP. In order to promote the Park's natural resources and raise awareness among communities about the importance of conservation, Primate Expertise has set up a medicinal plant garden at the Kahuzi-Biega National Park Headquarters in Tshivanga. This garden is expected to contain more than 60 species of medicinal plants, as well as "ape trees," plants grown from seeds found in gorilla droppings that are still viable.  Find out more: https://primatexpertise.com

Kahuzi-Biega National Park works closely with the Lwiro Natural Sciences Research Center (CRSN) to protect biodiversity and conserve ecosystems. This collaboration involves several key activities:

  • Scientific research: the CRSN provides expertise in data collection, scientific analysis, and publication of research results. This helps to strengthen scientific knowledge about threatened species and their habitats.
  • In situ and ex situ conservation: the partnership includes conservation projects aimed at protecting critically endangered species, with a particular focus on the rehabilitation of captive primates in Lwiro and their potential reintegration into the wild.
  • Training and capacity building: joint training courses are organized for eco-guards, researchers, and students to promote best practices in ecological research, wildlife monitoring, and conservation.
  • Awareness-raising and environmental education: Together, KBNP and the CRSN conduct awareness campaigns among Indigenous Peoples and local communities to promote harmonious coexistence with wildlife and encourage sustainable practices that protect the Park's biodiversity and provide long-term benefits to local populations.

Since 2023, the CRSN Lwiro has developed a One Health laboratory that actively contributes to scientific research through projects implemented across the region, including the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The laboratory represents a critical tool for conservation, reinforcing the collaboration between CRSN Lwiro and the Park, supporting integrated One Health research at the interface of wildlife, human, and environment.

This strategic partnership strengthens the effectiveness of the Park conservation actions while contributing to the scientific and educational mission of the CRSN in Lwiro. The CRSN also has a well-stocked library of old publications on the biology and zoology of the region. Find out more: www.lwiroprimates.org