Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Summer 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Primate Behavior
Committee Chair
Lori K. Sheeran
Second Committee Member
Mahi Puri, and Crickette Sanz
Third Committee Member
Jessica Mayhew
Fourth Committee Member
David Morgan
Abstract
Western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are Critically Endangered. Habituation facilitates research and tourism, but factors influencing the speed and efficacy of habituation in different habitats remain poorly understood. This study examined environmental factors influencing habituation and community perceptions at the newly established Imbalanga research and tourism site in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo. I aimed to: (1) assess habitat impacts on contacts and time with gorillas during habituation, and (2) evaluate local perceptions of tourism’s economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts, including opportunities for integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge into conservation. Behavioral data were collected during daily gorilla follows from 2024 to 2025, yielding 282 observer–gorilla contacts. Community data were obtained through surveys of 215 residents from eight villages surrounding the park. Gorilla behavioral responses varied significantly by forest type (χ² = 23.5, p = 0.024), year (χ² = 34.8, p < 0.001), and age-sex class (χ² = 68.1, p < 0.001). Aggressive and nervous responses declined over time, while calm and tolerant behaviors increased, indicating substantial habituation progress. The silverback displayed the highest frequency of defensive behaviors. Community perceptions differed significantly among sustainability dimensions (Friedman χ² = 375, p < 0.001). Perceptions were assessed using Likert-style statements rated from strongly disagree to strongly agree, coded on a scale from −2 to +2, where 0 = neutral. Environmental impacts were viewed most positively (mean score M = 1.00), followed by socio-cultural impacts (M = 0.36), whereas economic impacts were perceived less favorably (M = –0.48) during this early phase of the Imbalanga gorilla habituation and tourism project I relate progress in gorilla habituation and findings from community surveys to the opportunity for local participation, benefit sharing, and sustainable tourism certification within the unique conservation context of Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
Recommended Citation
Teberd, Prospere, "Gorilla Habituation: Opportunity for Conservation and Local Development in the Northern Republic of Congo" (2026). All Master's Theses. 2371.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/2371
Comments
This thesis was completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Primate Behavior at Central Washington University. Data were collected at the Imbalanga research and tourism site, Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo, in 2024 and 2025.