Responses of chimpanzees to habituation and tourism in the Kibale Forest, Uganda

This study monitored the impact of habituation and tourism on a community of chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest, Uganda. From February 1992 to June 1993, chimpanzees' initial reactions to contacts with human observers were recorded together with other factors such as numbers of observers present and the method used to locate the chimpanzees. On 54 occasions with various numbers of observers (and/or tourists) present, activity rates were recorded for the observed individuals. Numbers of observers present (up to five) had no impact on the chimpanzees' initial reaction, and the only significant change in activity caused by higher numbers of observers (up to 15) was an increasing vocalisation rate. As visitor satisfaction declines with groups of more than six to eight people it is suggested that tourist groups viewing chimpanzees should be kept at a maximum number of 10 (including guides). Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited