Honoring Our trackers: Guardians of gorillas, biodiversity and forests

At the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, we are dedicated to the protection of endangered gorillas, monitoring them 365 days a year, a mission that depends on the tireless efforts of our 200+ dedicated and courageous trackers and anti-poachers in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As we celebrate World Ranger Day this month, […]

Story

As we celebrate World Ranger Day this month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to these men and women, who are the true heroes of gorilla conservation, doing work that also helps protect other important biodiversity and entire forests.

Today, we shine a spotlight on a few of our exceptional trackers whose stories inspire us and highlight the profound impact they make. At the same time, we remember all those who have gone before and those who have given their lives in this important cause.

Three decades of gorilla conservation

For more than 30 years, Jean Damascene Hategekimana has been a cornerstone of the Fossey Fund’s tracker team and has dedicated his life to the protection of the mountain gorillas. Starting as a tracker, he has monitored various gorilla groups throughout the years, including the historic Shinda, Pablo and Ntambara groups. Jean Damascene’s commitment and expertise have since elevated him to the role of field operations coordinator. In this position, he supports our anti-poaching team in deactivating snares and assists other trackers in gorilla monitoring.

From left: Long-time trackers Jean Damascene Hategekimana and Fidele Mugiraneza

"Gorillas are not just animals; they are a crucial part of our ecosystem. Protecting them is a duty I hold dear."

Jean Damascene

Similarly, Fidele Mugiraneza has shown unwavering dedication throughout his 28 years with the Fossey Fund. He has been integral in monitoring and protecting gorilla groups such as Isabukuru, Mafunzo, Pablo and Kuryama. Currently, he is responsible for monitoring the famous Titus group. Fidele’s passion for conservation is evident in his meticulous tracking and observation skills, which are also invaluable in our efforts in training newer trackers.

"Each day in the forest is a step towards securing a future for gorillas. It’s a responsibility I am proud to bear."

Fidele Mugiraneza

From cook to tracker: Daniel Basabose

Trackers not only protect gorillas but also advocate for them, inspiring their communities to embrace conservation. Basabose’s journey with the Fossey Fund is a testament to this passion and dedication. Starting in 2007 as a cook for trackers’ camps, he was inspired by their stories and the critical need for gorilla conservation. This led him to undergo training in gorilla behavior and tracking methodologies. Today, Basabose has transitioned into the role of a tracker, contributing significantly to gorilla protection.

"Cooking for the trackers was just the beginning. Now, being a tracker myself, I am fulfilling a dream to protect these incredible animals."

Daniel Basabose

Women on the frontlines too

In a field traditionally dominated by men, we now proudly also celebrate our women trackers. Currently, Claudine Niyigena, Jacqueline Ntakirutimana, Aline Dufitumukiza and Peroline Umudahogora are breaking barriers and leading the way in gorilla conservation. Their presence in the field is not only a testament to their individual determination and strength, but also an inspiration to other women and girls who aspire to make a difference in wildlife conservation.

From left: trackers Claudine, Aline, Peroline and Jacqueline: pioneers in a field traditionally dominated by men

"The journeys of these young women reminds us that conservation is a collective effort. They are demonstrating that conservation is a field where anyone, regardless of gender, can make a significant impact".

Felix Ndagijmana | Fossey Fund Country Director in Rwanda

Tracking Grauer’s gorillas unseen in Congo

Our trackers in Rwanda monitor mountain gorilla groups that are habituated to the presence of human observers, so we are able to track each individual and group visually. But the critically endangered Grauer’s gorillas we protect in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are not habituated to humans and live in extremely remote areas of the forest. So our trackers there camp in the forest for weeks at a time and follow the gorillas’ trails and signs from a day behind. In this way, they are providing crucial protection in the forest and collecting lots of important information on the gorilla groups there.

This work is extremely challenging and strenuous, says Akilimari Bokongo, who started tracking Grauer’s gorillas with the Fossey Fund in 2016. As a former hunter for food in the forest, he knows the landscape extremely well and acts as an expert navigation guide, as well as identifying signs of many types of animals, plants and even human activities, in addition to details about the gorillas.

"We – the community around the forest – know its value and now in my job as a tracker, I can contribute to conservation while also being able to support my family. I am proud to be a tracker and contribute to this important cause."

Akilimari Bokongo

From all of us at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and in honor of World Ranger Day, we send our deepest gratitude to all the rangers protecting wildlife around the world, and to the families of those who have lost their lives while doing this critically important work.