[5] Nyabiku Central Forest Reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 300 bird species and several endangered primates such as the chimpanzee and the red-tailed monkey.
Additionally, the reserve provides valuable timber and non-timber forest products for local communities, while also attracting ecotourism to the area.
[7][8] Nyabiku forest reserve faces several threats, including deforestation, illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment by agricultural activities.
[9] In 2017, the National Forestry Authority rolled out plans to hire forest reserves in Kibaale including Nyabiku through a bidding process to individuals to venture into commercial tree growing on a 49-year lease basis.
Moreover, local leaders complained about the capital intensive nature of their engagement and called for need for financial inclusive procedures that will not leave them out of the bidding process to ensure its sustainability.
Since 1972, when the then-government relocated thousands of people from Kigezi's densely populated areas and resettled them in Kibaale, the district has drawn hundreds of visitors each year.