July 24, 2026

Update: Presence of African manatees confirmed in Tchimpounga Nature Reserve

Photo: Txema Broton

Update from Tchimpounga Nature Reserve: New research has confirmed the presence of African manatees within the reserve’s waterways – which also form the boundaries of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Sanctuary!

This past January, researchers from Tursiops partnered with the team from the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve to document manatee presence, train local technicians in monitoring techniques, and develop an acoustic monitoring program for the long term.

To maximize detection, the team used four complementary survey methods: traditional visual surveys, an active probe, drone surveys, and static acoustic monitoring using hydroplanes.

The mission confirmed the presence of African through direct visual sightings and acoustic recordings. Researchers observed several females with calves, suggesting the reserve may be an important breeding habitat for the species.

Acoustic recordings, meanwhile, detected repeated manatee vocalizations – particularly in the area near Tchimpounga’s Banga Island. This indicates that manatees frequently use this area. (Fun fact: the recordings also confirmed the presence of one hippopotamus!)

Now that this research has been conducted, three sites have been selected for long-term acoustic monitoring – which is going to help with improving our understanding of manatee presence and activity within the reserve, and asses the potential effects of human activities.

This is an important step toward strengthening our understanding of the wildlife that depends on the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve – and supporting its long-term conservation.