Tanzania, June 19 -- Arusha. The population of Gombe National Park's chimpanzees has fallen by nearly 50 percent since the early years of research by Jane Goodall in the 1960s, raising concerns about the future of one of the world's best-known primate populations.

From an estimated 150 chimpanzees recorded during the early years of research, the population had fallen to about 77 individuals by 2024, according to Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa).

Conservationists attribute the decline to disease, habitat pressures and changes within chimpanzee communities, although recent births and expanded conservation efforts have provided some hope.

"Long-term monitoring reveals a population that has experienced both resilience and vulnerability," s...