Gorilla Trekking

Recent conflict in the DRC has pushed many refugees over into Uganda. Problem is that these refugees bring harmful viruses which in the end, could affect the locals + mountain gorilla population. Whilst many have crossed over, it is still safe to visit Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the majority of refugees just looking for a safe haven.

Ruhondeza, the silverback from the  MUBARE gorilla group in Bwindi forest, Uganda has been kicked out.  

Ruhondeza was the first silverback to be habituated in the rain-forest. It is believed he is over 45 years of age. This is old for a gorilla, especially a habituated one.

His son, Kanyonye has kicked him out. Its clearly time for Kanyonye to be taking over the small group.  At around 13 years, a black-back will reach maturity and get the silver hair on its back. This is the sign that he is a silverback and ready to lead his own group. He most likely has challenged his father for head position of his group.

It is said that Ruhondeza, (meaning who sleeps a lot) is staying close to the cultivated land by Dr. Scott’s area, or Ibare Hill. (Place of stone)

The rest of the group have moved deeper into Bwindi with Kanyonye, their new leader.

Whilst its very sad to lose the kind of Bwindi, its also exciting in that Kanyonye see’s its time to begin a new family group in Bwindi. Lets hope he forms his own beautiful band of gorillas.

I live in a really beautiful part of the world – Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. One thing I have noticed is that many detest birds, especially when they are pooping all over and nesting atop apartment blocks and those fancy houses. From past experience, doves also carry lice which I have found to be inside of my apartment.

Companies have come up with numerous Dove and bird deterents. From those stupid looking pyramid shaped things that swivel atop many rooftops supposedly the birds dont like its reflection?  Then there’s the machine which emits a low volumn frequency – horendous for ones ears if sleeping close by.

Having personally had a dove breeding problem in my indigenous plants, I’ve come up with a dove friendly idea. Place small small pieces of tin foil onto the leaves of your plants. Firstly, the  shine or reflection seems to keeps the birds away, secondly, the pieces are un-obtrusive and dont hurt anyone or animal.

Will keep you posted on my latest bird invention. Maybe I can patent it it with all pet lovers?

A-J and Fred birding in Bwindi

Today has been called Big Birding Day in Uganda. On this day, all birders show their respect to all birds of East Africa and in particular, Uganda.

Uganda is home to over 1008 species of birds and has been called by many a twitcher, the birding paradise of Africa.

Fred Tugaruriwe, one of Bwindi’s top birders was out there today celebrating the day by, amongst other things: recording the calls of birds and compiling a list thereof. The compilation or list of birds was then sent on to UWA and Nature Uganda.

Although it was raining today in the forest, hope the list of birds was successful and the day was enjoyed by all!