Kahuzi-Biega National Park: Trackers Rediscover the Mpungwe Gorilla Family After Nearly Two Years Without Monitoring

Trackers from Kahuzi-Biega National Park rediscovered the eastern lowland gorilla family led by Mpungwe on November 4 and 5, 2026, near Mount Bugulumiza in South Kivu. Monitoring had been suspended in February 2025 because of insecurity; the team observed 14 gorillas, including two juveniles, compared with 16 at the last count. The mission also uncovered facilities attributed to poachers and used for illegal logging and sawing. The park is gradually resuming gorilla monitoring and broader wildlife and habitat protection.