Why Mountain Gorillas are Endangered
Why Mountain Gorillas are Endangered, the Reasons for the Endangerment of Mountain Gorillas, Reasons for the Endangerment of Mountain Gorillas: Mountain gorillas constitute a subspecies within the gorilla family and were formerly classified as critically endangered. There are two species of gorillas: the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla, which are further subdivided into four subspecies. The western gorillas are categorized into two groups: the Cross River gorillas and the western lowland gorillas, whilst the eastern gorillas are subdivided into eastern gorillas and mountain gorillas.
Gorillas are magnificent beings that inhabit the mountainous regions of Uganda, Rwanda (the country of a thousand hills), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are nearly extinct due to numerous anthropogenic influences that jeopardize their survival. We examine the principal factors that have precipitated this situation and the implications for Uganda Safaris, Rwanda Tours, and Congo Safaris.
In addition to mountain gorillas, the Cross River gorillas, among the subspecies, has the smallest number, with approximately 250 individuals remaining globally, rendering them highly susceptible to extinction. The Eastern lowland gorillas face a significant threat, evidenced by a 77% reduction in their population from 1996 to 2016. The population of Eastern lowland gorillas is estimated to be less than 3,800 individuals remaining globally.
In the early 2000s, the mountain gorilla population was below 1,000 individuals and was listed as severely endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, the population of mountain gorillas has been consistently rising. The most recent census conducted in 2019 reclassified the gorillas from critically endangered to endangered, with approximately 1,063 individuals documented in Eastern Africa.
Mountain gorillas can only be observed in two locations globally: the Albertine Rift, encompassing Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park; and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Over the years, mountain gorillas have faced the brink of extinction; but, due to the relentless efforts of individuals dedicated to their conservation in their natural habitat, their population is steadily expanding.
A handful of births have been documented in the four mountain gorilla national parks, instilling hope for the species. Several factors contributed to the decline in mountain gorilla populations, a few of which are listed here.
Inadequate conservation policies
The mountain gorillas can flourish in their natural habitat, which has rendered them vulnerable to malevolent individuals who have slain them. The authorities responsible for the mountain gorilla habitat and other stakeholders shown a degree of negligence toward the conservation of these mountain gorillas, resulting in their lack of protection. Humans provide the most significant threat to mountain gorillas, yet they are also their greatest allies, as human actions dictate the survival or extinction of this species.
Heightened knowledge on the significance of mountain gorilla conservation has prompted stakeholders to engage, resulting in a noticeable increase in the population of mountain gorillas. National parks implement various conservation measures, such as restricting visitor numbers per mountain gorilla family, imposing stringent penalties for poachers, and deploying staff to patrol and safeguard the forests.
Illegal hunters
Poachers formerly posed a significant threat to the survival of mountain gorillas, as these malevolent individuals stalked them and occasionally killed them for their body parts, which were utilized in witchcraft. The mountain gorilla is among the most formidable creatures in the wild, and some individuals have murdered them for prestige to demonstrate their might, adversely impacting the gorilla population.
Severe fines have been enforced for anyone convicted of poaching wildlife, and ranger guides have been assigned to conduct regular forest inspections for poachers or traps targeting wildlife.
Diseases
Mountain gorillas possess up to 99% genetic similarity with humans, rendering them susceptible to human diseases. Mountain gorillas are thought to be susceptible to airborne human viruses, including influenza, colds, Ebola, and the novel COVID-19 virus.
Once mountain gorillas get any of these diseases, it can be fatal, as it will likely result in an outbreak, and treatment may be prohibitively expensive and nearly unattainable. The lowland gorillas previously encountered an Ebola virus outbreak that resulted in significant fatalities, and to this day, the region continues to recover, with fatality rates reaching up to 95%.
Loss of habitat
The burgeoning human population is encroaching upon the habitats of mountain gorillas as individuals seek land for expansion, agriculture, or settlement. The habitats of mountain gorillas were previously utilized as refugee camps during periods of conflict in the region.
Loss of habitat
The majority of the region inhabited by gorillas is also occupied by humans, and due to population growth, many individuals have progressively encroached upon gorilla habitats. This has increasingly jeopardized the survival of these endangered gorillas.
Humans have deforested areas for numerous purposes, resulting in the displacement of wildlife, including gorillas. This has impacted reproductive habits, resulting in a decline in population. The political uncertainties have adversely impacted the life of the gorillas.
Traditional medicine
Various gorilla parts are utilized as talismans by numerous native practitioners in the region. This has stimulated significant poaching, as the bulk of the people believes in these charms.
Hunting
The gorillas are poached for their meat by locals, who export it at a high price to European countries. Individuals also pursue gorillas as trophies.
In certain instances, the death of the silverback adversely impacts the reproductive dynamics of the group.
A significant number of individuals, particularly in the DRC, hunt gorillas for meat, which poses a substantial threat to their survival.
Hydrocarbon and natural gas exploration
A multitude of gas exploration companies have been authorized to work in Virunga National Park, the exclusive habitat of gorillas in the DRC.
The positive aspect is that the oil concentration does not directly coincide with the gorillas’ habitat; yet, the development within the park adversely impacts the gorillas’ lifecycle and growth.
Wildlife trade
The Democratic Republic of the Congo experiences significant wildlife trafficking, during which gorillas are occasionally unintentionally killed by poachers targeting other species. The instability of their habitat jeopardizes their existence and may ultimately result in mortality.
Diseases.
The density of individuals in the national park jeopardizes the health of the gorillas; therefore, individuals must be in optimal health to limit all hazards when tracking gorillas.
Human diseases such as Ebola also endanger gorillas, making outbreaks a threat to their survival.
Conflict and instability
The persistent civil upheaval has hindered conservation efforts in the protected regions of the DRC. Numerous regions were transformed into camps, particularly during the 1990s.
What actions to do regarding it; Your efforts can support mountain gorilla conservation initiatives, and there are several methods to achieve this.
You may assist one of the organizations dedicated to the conservation of mountain gorillas, since several exist in the region. Additionally, you can acquire a mountain gorilla permit, a portion of the money for which is allocated to gorilla conservation efforts. Contact us to specify your interests, and allow our skilled travel team to assist you.