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Protecting the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga
2012 Virunga Mountain Gorilla Census - Rugendo Family Found
Innocent, Diddy, Sikibibi and the rest of the Mikeno Sector rangers completed the 2012 mountain gorilla census in December and are happy to report that it brought some much needed good news. After four months of intense war and uncertainty, all habituated families were found alive. The Rugendo family, which had been unaccounted for the entire time, was finally located. Not only were all in good heath, there was a new baby born into the group. Finding them alive and well was a huge relief to everyone because this family has suffered so much in the past.
For those of you new to Virunga National Park, in July 2007, Silverback Senkwekwe and three females (one of which was pregnant and another nursing an infant) were shot at point blank range by individuals involved in the illegal charcoal trade. This despicable event sent shock waves around the world and became the image seen on the covers of magazines such as Newsweek and National Geographic and the feature of programs such as 60 Minutes. With the outbreak of the M23 war and increased lawlessness, the possibility of something terrible happening to this family again had Virunga’s staff on edge since the Rugendo family was last seen in June 2012.
Rugendo Silverback Mastaki and one of his kids along for a ride
Janja of the Rugendo family relaxing with her newborn
The Kabirizi family, named after its dominant Silverback, remains the largest family in the gorilla sector and Kabirizi is now the proud father of four more babies. This is particularly impressive because earlier in the year, the one other Silverback in the group fiercely challenged Kabirizi’s reign and managed to make off with several females. It looked as though a new group would be formed, but Kabirizi has been able to regain control of the group. Having already exceeded the average tenure of a dominant male and with his silverback challenger still in the group - along with three blackbacks — Kabirizi’s remaining days at the top will undoubtedly be marked by further challenges. Sub-adult female, Rubaka, is also a standout in the family. She has given birth four times — her latest baby coming into the world at the height of the war. Bigohe, Ruzizi, and Mafuko gave birth to the other three infants that arrived during the conflict. The Kabirizi family now stands at 37 members.
Silverback Kabirizi - Still the Boss
Newborn in the Kabirizi family sticking close to Mom
Family time in the Kabirizi group
The Mapuwa family is the next largest with 18 individuals, followed by the Humba family at 16, Lulengo at 9, and Munyaga at 8 individuals. Of the four solitary Silverbacks, only Karateka and Mereru were seen during the census. Innocent and his team will continue their search for Ruzirabwoba and Makunda. The following table gives the status of each family:
|
FAMILY NAME |
Number in Group |
Observations |
| Habituated Families: | ||
| Rugendo
|
8 |
All observed to be in good health
|
| Mapuwa |
18 |
All observed to be in good health |
| Lulengo |
9 |
All observed to be in good health
|
| Kabirizi |
37 |
4 new births in the family:
|
| Humba |
16 |
Two instances of illness:
|
| Munyaga |
8 |
All observed to be in good health
|
| Solitary Silverbacks: | ||
| Ruzirabwoba |
1 |
Not yet found |
| Mareru |
1 |
Observed to be in good heath |
| Mukunda |
1 |
Not yet found |
| Karateka |
1 |
Observed to be in good health |
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10 Responses to “2012 Virunga Mountain Gorilla Census - Rugendo Family Found”
Thank you for the update! Your courage and good deeds are commendable and a wonderful example for the rest of the world. My deepest regards, Kay J
Wonderful news, Emmanuel. With regard to the two females showing signs of illness, will they need MGVP assistance or treatment?
Thanks for the update! Many thanks to Virunga’s staff and rangers for their dedication.
So happy to hear such a good news ! Thank you for all you do
Wonderful news! To many of us your work means so very much and our admiration and greatfulness is indeed heartfelt.
I am so excited — I have followed the blog so long and what greatnews!
Fab news re the familes, their health and new babes. Well done rangers, as ever. You are star men. Fingers crossed for Ruzirabwoba and Mukunda.
I cannot say what it means to me that there are such dedicated teams watching over these families. It takes special people such as yourselves to do what you do. I do understand the compassion that is exspressed daily by the Doctors that do what they do. Keep up the awesome work and thank you all.
I really liked to read “all observed to be in good health” so many times
What an amazingly wonderful good news story. A great story for 2013!