KIGOMA: AHEAD of the World Chimpanzee Day ( WCD), the Senior Researcher who visited the Gombe National Park in Kigoma region and researched the life and behaviour of chimpanzees, Dr Jane Goodall, has turned 90 years old, while her research on these animals turns 64 years old.
The WCD is being commemorated on every July 14 and in this year’s celebrations, Dr Goodall under his Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is as well celebrating her major efforts in conducting research on chimpanzees since 1964 and made it the longest research in Tanzania.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday at the Science and Technology Commission (COSTECH) Dr Goodall, noted that Gombe National Park has been recognised as the reserve with most of chimpanzees in the country.
However, due to various reasons including outbreaks of disease and presence of human activities the number has decreased to 85 from between 120 and 150.
The researcher said as the human population increases and the forests decrease, the large number of chimpanzees is divided and reduces the genetic diversity and the possibility of living for a long time for each community.
Also read:Africa to dilate its energy labour market
“The Jane Goodall Institute believes that the best way to protect healthy habitats is to focus on actions that not only protect endangered animals and their habitats, but also benefit the local people whose lives depend on a healthy environ- ment,” said Dr. Goodall.
