A team of scientists has found that nearly 300 gorillas are still living in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A similar number (290-310) had also been found during the period of 1987 to 1993 when all groups were identified and monitored by Thomas Butynski and his team.

The new census, conducted in October and November 1997 by WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society), IGCP (International Gorilla Conservation Programme), ITFC (Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation) and UWA (Uganda Wildlife Authority), resulted in 292 gorillas from 28 groups, along with 7 lone silverback males. The researchers followed trails and counted nests. To reduce the possibility of missing groups or counting them twice, more survey teams were used than in the past, and the counting took place over a shorter period of time. They also collected hairs from every nest for DNA fingerprinting, to confirm that no groups were counted twice, and to understand the genetic differences between the populations in Bwindi and the Virungas. Teams consisted of national park staff from Uganda, Rwanda, and D. R. Congo as well as visiting scientists from conservation organisations.

Update: During a new census in January to March 2002, a team of researchers counted about 320 gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.