Protecting gorillas on the front line
How Viva! helps HUGO volunteers – the frontline defenders of Bwindi’s gorillas
In Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, HUGO volunteers play a vital role in protecting critically endangered mountain gorillas. These dedicated community conservationists work on the front line every day – helping to monitor gorillas, reduce conflict and support peaceful coexistence between wildlife and local communities.
Protecting gorillas and communities
HUGO volunteers carry out practical, hands-on conservation work, including:
- Patrolling forest areas to help prevent poaching and reduce conflict between people and gorillas
- Monitoring gorilla health, movements and behaviour
- Guiding gorillas safely back to the forest when they wander into farmland
- Working with local communities to build understanding and encourage coexistence
Providing the equipment they need
To help volunteers do this work safely and effectively, Viva! UK has raised £33,000 to equip more than 160 HUGO volunteers with essential field gear.
This support has helped provide:
- Protective clothing including jackets, raincoats, waterproof trousers and sturdy gumboots
- Field and tracking equipment such as tents, backpacks, torches, water bottles, lunchboxes and data-collection tablets
- Safety and health supplies including first-aid kits and surgical gloves
- Documentation tools such as journals, pens, printers and cameras
This equipment helps volunteers patrol safely, collect important information and respond quickly when gorillas and people come into contact.
Training for lasting impact
Equipment is only part of the story. Training helps HUGO volunteers build the skills and confidence they need to protect gorillas and support their communities.
Training includes:
- Human-wildlife conflict prevention
- Gorilla behaviour and wildlife ecology
- Safe rapid-response techniques
- Data collection and monitoring
- Community engagement and awareness-raising
Volunteers also receive ongoing support, mentoring and the chance to learn from each other, helping strengthen conservation efforts across Bwindi.
Why this matters
By combining equipment, training and community engagement, HUGO volunteers help to:
- Reduce conflict between people and wildlife
- Protect gorilla habitat
- Prevent harm to gorillas and other wildlife
- Support long-term coexistence between communities and nature
This work is a vital part of gorilla conservation, helping Uganda’s mountain gorillas not just survive, but thrive in the wild.
