Through two collaborations we have been able to further support our project partner, The Congo Biotropical Institute, in the DRC.
Apenheul Primate Park in the Netherlands kindly supported the purchase of 12 two-way radios to the team in the DRC to support their wildlife surveys. The team at the Biotropical Institute is currently conducting wildlife monitoring surveys of two sites in the region where species such as bonobos and gorillas have been known to inhabit. By developing a more robust survey of the population numbers of endangered species such as these, we are in a better position to be able to protect them.
The CBI team are working to protect the biodiversity of this region through promoting sustainable agriculture, creating a forest presence through field work to deter poachers and traffickers, campaigning against deforestation, working with local communities to improve living conditions and promoting alternatives to forest products to relieve the pressure on the forests boarding human settlements.
To further aid this work we have developed another collaboration with Spanish wildlife NGO SOS Primates. Based in Barcelona, SOS Primates provide resources and support to rescue centres that care for orphaned or displaced primates. Wilder International have been able to work with SOS Primates to send uniforms and PPE to the team in the DRC ensuring they are well equipped for field work protecting the wildlife of the DRC.