Grauer's Gorilla Population Grows to 6,800 in DRC's Itombwe Reserve

The Grauer’s gorilla population in the Itombwe region of South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, has grown from fewer than 4,000 individuals in 2016 to approximately 6,800 in 2026. This increase is largely attributed to the co-management of the Réserve Naturelle d’Itombwe by the local NGO Strong Roots Congo, a transition that marks a new chapter for conservation in the area. The co-management arrangement, which began in July 2026, was announced on October 15, 2026, and is regarded as a progressive step for regional biodiversity. The Itombwe Reserve was established in 2006 and covers 5,000 square kilometers of habitat for the critically endangered Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri). The decision by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) to share management responsibilities is seen as a model for involving local communities in the protection of their environment.

Dominique Bikaba, the founder of Strong Roots Congo, noted that the partnership strengthens conservation by combining the ICCN’s institutional leadership with the technical expertise of his organization. The approach taken by Strong Roots Congo focuses on environmental sustainability while addressing the practical needs of local residents. The organization has established reforestation projects near Kahuzi-Biega National Park, using agroforestry to provide resources to nearby communities and reduce pressure on the park’s land. These efforts use native forest species to restore degraded areas and improve agricultural productivity. This collaboration reflects an increasing recognition of the role local people play in making conservation strategies effective.

Environmental activists have welcomed the co-management agreement as a way to empower local communities to participate in conservation. Seth Tsongo, a Congolese environmental activist, observed that involving local and indigenous people is essential because of their ancestral knowledge and their reliance on forest ecosystems. He suggested that this model could be applied to other protected areas in the country, such as Virunga National Park, where the relationship between park management and local communities has often been characterized by conflict.

The outlook for gorilla conservation in the Itombwe region is supported by the fact that Strong Roots Congo has secured land titles for more than 600,000 hectares for local communities. This initiative is intended to protect the gorilla population while fostering a sustainable relationship between conservation goals and community livelihoods. As this co-management model continues, it may serve as an example for other initiatives in the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere, illustrating how wildlife and local populations can coexist sustainably.