Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation

Mbarara University of Science and Technology   The Albertine Rift montane forests of SW Uganda are home to some of the most unique biodiversity in Africa, including more than half of the world’s mountain gorillas.  The Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation (ITFC) is the lead organisation undertaking conservation-orientated research and training in these important forests, in particular Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Echuya Forest Reserve.  The institute was established in 1991 as a semi-autonomous branch of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.   ITFC’s mission is: to lead in the implementation of biological and socio-economic research and training that furthers conservation and management of Albertine Rift forests and biodiversity   ITFC’s main sources of support currently are the Wildlife Conservation Society, the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Royal Netherlands Government, United States Agency for International Development and Mbarara University. The Institute is based at Ruhija, on the east side of Bwindi, where it maintains accommodation, offices, a library, a small herbarium and a conservation education centre.  ITFC currently has 4 staff scientist (PhD or MSc), with expertise in primate behaviour and ecology, botany and forest dynamics, aquatic ecology, mammal ecology and conservation planning and impact assessment, and can access and contract other experts from within Ugandan and internationally as need arises.   The work of ITFC in contributing to forest conservation include:   ·        Initiating and implementing research and monitoring projects in collaboration with Uganda Wildlife Authority and other conservation partners working in the region.  Major focuses of the research are on the dynamics and viability of forest island habitats (e.g. edge effects, gap dynamics, long term vegetation changes) and the effectiveness of conservation strategies (in particular integrated conservation and development).   ·        The Ecological Monitoring Programme (EMP) is one of ITFC’s major activities, and includes baseline research and establishing systems for monitoring general changes in forest health, including fire damage, water quality, and forest gap dynamics.  EMP also assesses the impacts of specific management actions, especially the establishment of multiple use zones with national parks, where local people are allowed access to harvest controlled quantities of medicinal plants and weaving materials.   ·        A major focus of ITFC’s work is the conservation and management of mountain gorillas.  This includes regular censuses to monitor changes in the population dynamics, ecological requirements and habitat dynamics, as well as the impact of human disturbance on the population, through both tourism and other (illegal) forest use.   ·        Training of Ugandan researchers and conservationists. To date, 25 Ugandan research students have worked at ITFC. The Institute plays an important role in field supervision and support to these students, and many have gone on to occupy important positions in conservation in Uganda.   ·        Providing scientific advice and expertise to Uganda Wildlife Authority and other conservation partners in the area (the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, CARE Development through Conservation Project, and the Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Conservation Trust).   ·        Providing a base for visiting associate researchers, both national and international. The mountain gorilla research group, habituated and monitored by ITFC, has generated much international interest.   For more information about ITFC, please contact:                                                                         Alastair McNeilage Director Institute of Tropical Forest Conservation PO Box 44 Kabale, Uganda Tel : +256 77 709753 Fax : +256 77 215753                                                                                                                       Email: mcneilage@itfc.org