INTRODUCTION

The need for effective conservation in Africa is urgent because of ever-increasing human pressures on Africa's forests and other ecosystems. The presence of long-term research programs can be one way to promote and support conservation.

Scientific research has been a constant presence in Kibale Forest, Uganda for nearly 40 years. From 1970–1988 I developed and managed a biological research and conservation field station in the forest. This chapter looks at the ways in which our presence in the forest contributed directly to its conservation both during those 18 years and in the 20 years since. It also examines the conservation lessons learned from my experience in Kibale and considers general strategies for conservation that can be applied to other protected areas.

Researchers working in Protected Areas, almost invariably, quickly become involved in the conservation of their field sites. Initially, the primary activity of the Kibale project was pure research on non-human primates. Within the first 2 years, however, we expanded the research to examine the effects of logging on forest regeneration, primate populations and other animal groups, and community ecology in general. The threats to the forest from poaching, timber theft, and illegal encroachment were obvious and led us to assume a far greater role in assisting the game and forest departments in protecting the forest. This assistance ranged from logistical and financial support to lobbying for National Park status for Kibale.