I. Professional Profile

Doctor Augustin K. Basabose was a dedicated conservationist with over 30 years of experience in the protection of Great Apes in Central Africa, a leading expert in the socio-ecology of sympatric gorillas and chimpanzees, with specialized skills in non-invasive genetic monitoring and community-based conservation, leading efforts to empower Congolese scientists through the « Primate Expertise » (PEx) initiative.

II.  Education

1. PhD in Zoology, Kyoto University, Japan (March 2005):  Thesis: Ecological studies on chimpanzees in the montane forest of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC.

2. Bachelor of Science (Licence) in Biology/Zoology, University of Kisangani, DRC (1989): Specialization: Wildlife Conservation.

III. Professional Leadership & Experience

1. Executive Director | Primate Expertise (PEx) (2014 –2025)

• Founded and leads this professional NGO dedicated to the research and conservation of primates in the DRC.

• Spearheaded initiatives to bridge the gap between scientific research and community development.

• 2. Head of the Natural Sciences Museum | CRSN-Lwiro (March 2014 – 2025)

• 3. Head of the Primatology Laboratory | CRSN-Lwiro (December 2013 – 2025)

• Supervised field and laboratory research while mentoring the next generation of Congolese primatologists.

• 4. Acting Director | International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP)(April 2012 – December 2012) 

• Managed multidisciplinary conservation projects across DRC, Rwanda, and Uganda.

• Coordinated with government agencies and international donors to secure funding and align strategic partnerships.

Science and Species Coordinator | IGCP (February 2006 – March 2012): Developed regional monitoring programs and integrated research data into protected area management; Led capacity-building workshops for park rangers in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

IV. Technical Skills & Expertise

• Field Research: 20+ years of continuous research on Eastern lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas, and chimpanzees.                                                                               
• Genetic Monitoring: Expert in non-invasive DNA sampling, extraction, and amplification for sex identification and paternity analysis.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced user of genetic and statistical software including Genalex, Cervus, Arlequin, SPSS, ArcGIS, and Q-GIS.                                         
• Biodiversity Inventory: Extensive experience in census techniques for large and small mammals.

    V. Academic & Teaching Appointments

• Visiting Professor: Kyoto University (Japan), Leading Graduate Program of Primatology and Wildlife Science (2014).

• Lecturer: University of the Cinquantenaire of Lwiro

• Lecturer: National University of Rwanda (2007–2025) – Primatology and Field Sampling Methods.

• Lecturer: Official University of Bukavu and various regional institutes, teaching Animal Ecology, Ecotourism, and Protected Area Management.                                             VI. Selected Publications & Research  

Dr. Basabose has authored or co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles. Highlights include:

• Socio-ecological Flexibility: Yamagiwa, J. and Basabose, A.K. (2014). Primates and Cetaceans, Springer Japan.

• Genetic Censusing: Gray, M. et al. (2013). Genetic census reveals increased growth of mountain gorilla populations. Biological Conservation.

• Climate Change: Thorne, J.H. et al. (2013). Impact of climate change on mountain gorillas. Ecosphere.

• Dietary Competition: Yamagiwa, J. and Basabose, A.K. (2009). Fallback foods and dietary partitioning among Pan and Gorilla. American Journal of Physical Anthropology.

   VII. Professional Memberships

• Member: IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group (Section on Great Apes) (2005–Present).

• Life Member: International Primatological Society (IPS).

• Editorial Board Member: International Journal of Primatology (2011–Present).

   VIII. Languages