Bili Forest

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The Bili Forest is located in a remote north central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa, the former Zaire. The region, east of the Ubangui River near the town of Bili on the Uele River, is very unstable and virtually lawless, due to a lack of governmental services as the country recovers slowly from civil warfare. Human encroachment into the region, other than annual burning of the savannahs, is minimal.

The forest comprises a complex mosaic habitat, consisting of savannah, savannah-woodland, regenerating forest and gallery forest. The area is rich in African fauna typifying both savannah and forest habitats, including: elephants, lions, hyenas, leopards, giant forest hogs, giant pangolin, baboons, grey-cheeked mangabeys, red-tailed guenons, and buffalo.

In addition, a population of great apes living in the Bili Forest has intrigued experts. Known as the 'Bili Apes' or 'Bondo Mystery Apes', they appear to blend characteristics of chimpanzees and gorillas. Initial results from mitochondrial DNA analysis indicate that they are chimpanzees.

There is a very serious problem of bush meat poaching in the Bili Forest, affecting the elephant and chimpanzee populations. If the forest's chimpanzees and habitat are to be protected effectively, a serious conservation project is imperative.