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Mountain gorilla numbers are on the increase
World Conservation Society reveals latest census shows positive figures

According to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), the world’s population of mountain gorillas has risen to 880 which equates to an increase of at least 100 gorillas since 2006.

While some of the increase is due to improved census methods, it's also a reflection of continued collaboration between the Uganda Wildlife Authority with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

The new census has revealed that there must be a minimum of 400 gorillas residing in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park compared to just 302 in 2006. The total figure is obtained by adding the figures from Bwindi to the estimated gorilla population who inhabit the Virunga Volcanoes to the south – the only other locations these gorillas exist.

Despite this promising increase, these apes and many others are still at risk. It appears the mountain gorillas of Bwindi and the Virungas are the only gorilla populations known to be increasing. All other populations are thought to be in decline due to hunting and habitat loss.

Regardless, it has definitely given conservationists a reason to celebrate. Liz Macfie, Gorilla Coordinator for the WCS, commented: “The latest census of mountain gorillas in Bwindi (Uganda) provides the conservation community with much needed good news. The results also show us that enforcement efforts by the Uganda Wildlife Authority there are paying off.”

James Deutsch, WCS's Executive Director for Africa Programs, added: "We commend the census organisers for a well-organised field effort. WCS is proud to be part of what has become the gold standard of effective conservation teamwork in the effort to save our closest of kin."

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."