The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it will award a dozen grants for a total amount of $641,265 to aid the conservation of great apes in eight African countries. The grants are awarded through the Service's Wildlife Without Borders Program and are made possible by the Great Ape Conservation Fund. The fund was established by Congress to provide assistance for the conservation of great apes facing a variety of threats, including poaching, illegal trafficking, human conflict, habitat loss, and disease.

"Great apes are facing significant challenges to their continued existence, and the Service is committed to aiding their conservation," said Service Director H. Dale Hall. Projects funded will support field surveys, mark boundaries of reserves, population monitoring and conservation planning, as well as environmental education and awareness. The projects will directly benefit chimpanzees, gorillas, and bonobos found across most of the region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

The Service's contributions have leveraged an additional $760,101 in matching funds and in-kind contributions from partner organizations both nationally and internationally.  "The United States is committed to doing its part to ensure that these animals are part of the earth's diverse biological landscape for generations to come," said Dr. Herbert Raffaele, Chief of the Service's International Affairs Division of International Conservation.

A summary listing and description of the awarded grants follows. For more information about the Service?s international programs, visit http://www.fws.gov/ international/dicprograms/wwbp.htm.

The mission of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.