The endangered eastern chimpanzees of Kibale National Park in Uganda are under threat.
Despite the protected status of Kibale National Park, local hunters still enter the forest illegally to poach animals to supply meat for their families.
Poachers use hunting practices such as snaring or net hunting, though snares are one of the biggest threats as they represent a major hazard for chimpanzees, who step in them on the forest floor.
Snares leave chimpanzees vulnerable to poaching and can maim them for life with the wire often cutting the flesh to the bone. Recent examples include one male chimp losing both feet while a female lost a hand due to snare injuries.
Furthermore, the Kibale National Park is increasingly being encroached as agricultural fields keep getting closer to the forest.
For chimpanzees inhabiting areas of Kibale next to the fields, borders are risky areas that can leave them vulnerable to conflict with humans – especially if they enter the fields in search of food.
Though regular patrols are made of the park, the government of Uganda needs to do more to ensure the long term survival of this endangered species by protecting its habitat and doing more to stop poaching.
Please sign and share the petition to demand the government of Uganda takes action to help save the chimpanzees of Kibale National Park.
