Conducting Critical Science
As the world’s longest-running gorilla research program, we combine our extensive and unique datasets with cutting-edge science to advance our understanding of gorillas and their habitats and to develop effective conservation strategies.
Studying Gorillas in Rwanda and Congo
Science is a critical part of our work because it provides important information about the gorillas as well as the other animals and plants in the forest ecosystems they all share. This guides effective conservation strategies for the gorillas and helps us understand the best ways to protect their critical forest habitats, which are important to the health of the whole planet.
Our research on mountain gorillas began in 1967 when Dian Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Center. Since then, our team in Rwanda has spent thousands of hours annually collecting data on mountain gorilla behavior, ranging patterns, social dynamics, wellbeing and forest biodiversity. These insights support conservation efforts and inform partners, including the Rwandan government and global scientists.
Grauer’s gorillas, found only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remain less studied than their mountain gorilla counterparts. Through research in the Nkuba Conservation Area, we are uncovering critical data on their movements, genetics, diet and population density. Our work also highlights the rich biodiversity of the Congo Basin, aiding conservation strategies.
Studying Other Animals and Plants in Gorilla Habitat
Gorillas in Rwanda and the DRC live in areas that have some of the richest biodiversity in the world, with many important species found only in these places. The Fossey Fund has been actively monitoring and studying many of these other animals and plants for years. Some of the biodiversity we study includes:
- Golden monkeys – the only other primate living with the mountain gorillas
- Key food plants for mountain gorillas, Grauer’s gorillas and golden monkeys
- Amphibians and wetlands – good indicators of overall ecosystem health
- Common bird species – a reliable sign of biodiversity
- Plants and animals on our Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Rwanda
