Gorilla comeback in Uganda shows conservation can succeed
Conservation efforts in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park have helped mountain gorillas recover from near extinction to more than 1,100 across Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park's gorillas draw tens of thousands of tourists annually and support local jobs, while researchers say the species' comeback shows that sustained protection and community involvement can work. The feature contrasts this success with a broader 73 percent decline in global wildlife populations.
Bwindi lies in southwest Uganda, close to the Rift Valley and the DRC border. Each visitor pays $800, and up to 40,000 come annually, sustaining lodging, carved crafts, and ranger or guide work. In the 1980s, mountain gorillas were heading toward extinction; now over 1,100 remain in Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC.
Conservationists attribute the turnaround to long-term guarding, management guided by research, and local participation. WWF's Living Planet Report records a 73% average drop across tracked animal groups over 52 years, but also notes gains for green turtles, bluefin tuna, tigers, and Southern African elephants.
The gorilla recovery may strengthen local livelihoods tied to tourism and park work, while reinforcing arguments that long-term protection and community involvement can yield results. It could also shape how governments, donors, and conservation groups approach similar efforts, though benefits may depend on steady visitor numbers and how gains are shared. For global audiences, the story may offer a counterpoint to widespread wildlife decline without implying every species can follow the same path.