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At Mikongo scientists are in the early stages of habituating Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) to human presence so that it is possible to observe and study them for long periods of time without it significantly altering their behaviour.
The process takes several years. Researchers have to identify specific groups of gorillas, learn their distribution, and begin regular contacts. It is particularly challenging with Lowland gorillas which are often in small groups, difficult to find, and with wide ranges. This is why so few people have seen this elusive species.
At dawn, habituation teams (local trackers, scientists) head into the forest and begin looking for signs of gorillas in zones where they, or their tracks, were last seen. If fresh tracks are found the trackers begin the 'follow', which often requires leaving the main paths to move through undergrowth.
The trackers will follow signs such as faint hand prints in the soil, scattered leaves, half eaten marantace leaves or fruit, gorilla faeces, or old 'nests'.
Having located a group, teams try and approach to a distance of 30-50 meters, stand still, and make a clicking noise to signal the teams presence. Gorillas' responses to a team will vary greatly, from indifference to resonating alarm calls, charges and displays. In thick forest it may only be possible to hear gorilla vocalizations, chest beats, ground slapping, or see moving bushes or trees.
Depending on the response of the gorillas the trackers will decide whether they should be followed or left until the next encounter. During all contacts, data are taken using hand-held GPS units (Cybertrackers) and traditional observation methods.
When our groups of gorillas have been sufficiently habituated visitors will be welcome to join the habituation team.
Gorillas are more often seen during the wet seasons (mid-September to December, and March to mid-June) when many trees are fruiting and finding tracks is easier.
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