This is one of numerous chimpanzees in Kibale national park, Uganda, who have lost legs, arms, toes and fingers through human use of wire snares. Did you know that 15-25% of chimpanzees in Uganda are disabled because of conflict with humans? Wire snares or “landmines of the forest” have resulted in chimpanzees losing lives and limbs. As chimpanzees rely on climbing and traveling long distances to find food, injuries can severely impact their survival. The snares can also impact on forest ecology. For example, if vital seed disperser populations (such as chimpanzees) fall – this could change the structure and species richness of the forest.
The Kibale Snare Removal Program is a conservation initiative run by the Kibale Chimpanzee Project and funded by several Jane Goodall Institute branches. Rangers find and remove hundreds of snares per year and identify areas where hunting and other illegal activities occur within the national parks. In order to combat snaring in the long-term, the organization also believes education and reaching out to the community is just as important as disarming these “landmines”. We agree and think as much as we can involve local areas, the more we can create protectors and ambassadors for local species whether plant or animal.
Photo: Andrew Graham-Brown