Human–wildlife conflict is also becoming more frequent as settlements and farms expand towards the forest edge. Animals forced to venture out of the forest in search of food and water are now triggering retaliatory actions from local communities. Meanwhile, population growth around the reserve intensifies demand for land, fuelwood, and building materials, increasing pressure on forest resources (see infographic, left). Conservation organisations continue to support restoration, yet limited and inconsistent funding means that efforts such as replanting, community engagement, and long-term monitoring are often under-resourced, slowing progress toward sustainable protection of the reserve. Despite these conservation efforts, the Bugoma Central Forest Reserve is also facing challenges from climate change, which is altering the forest's ecosystem and making it more vulnerable to droughts and other extreme weather events.