Habitat Ecologique et Liberté des Primates – a case study of chimpanzee reintroduction in the Republic of Congo

Abstract

First paragraph: Chimpanzees are endangered, and while conservation efforts have concentrated on habitat protection, some attempts to re-introduce chimpanzees have been made. They have focused primarily on islands as release sites, but only one project, Rubondo island, Tanzania, initiated in 1966, which was an introduction, has led to an ecologically self-sufficient population (Borner, 1985). The first attempt to re-introduce chimpanzees into mainland habitat showed initial promise since the chimpanzees demonstrated increasing selfsufficiency, but was abandoned following attacks by wild conspecifics (Brewer, 1976). In an attempt to find a longterm solution, in 1991 Habitat Ecologique et Liberté des Primates (H.E.L.P), Republic of Congo, placed wild-born orphaned chimpanzees initially onto three islands in the Conkouati Lagoon (180 km from Pointe-Noire) where they lived for several years (ranging from four to 10) prior to being re-introduced. The islands provided the opportunity for the chimpanzees to forage on natural vegetation, build nests, and develop social bonds. Additionally, observers could assess individual suitability for reintroduction and decide who should be released with whom.