La conservation du gorille de montagne

This paper gives an update on mountain gorilla (Gorilla gorilla beringei) population in 1993. Two geographically separated populations are still living in their natural habitats ; one inhabits the Bwindi lmpenetrable National Park (Uganda), and the other is to be found in the Virunga Volcanoes. straddling over three different countries (Rwanda, Zaïre and Uganda). The overall population is about 600-650 individuals. After a short historical background (distribution, systematics, risk factors. actions taken by local and international communities. as well as their success), the paper focuses on current situation ( 1990- 1993). Emphasis is particularly laid on the civil war raging in Rwanda since October 1990 on the one hand, and the socio-political col lapse prevailing in Zaïre since September 1991. These two events are negatively affecting the long-term conservation of mountain gorillas. A list of current conservation projects is provided, for each of the three countries and at the regional level. Future perspectives are analysed with special reference to two particularly original initiatives : the international Gorilla Conservation Programme, aiming at developing regional cooperation ; and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Trust Fund, which will enable the long term funding of integrated activities. Given the recent events monitored in the area. it is believed that mountain gorilla conservation will still rely on international assistance over the coming years.