Threats to Mountain Gorillas in Africa: What are the most significant hazards to mountain gorillas? Although mountain gorillas are thought to be enormous and courageous apes, their survival is threatened for a variety of causes, which will be covered in this article.

Mountain gorillas are one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions, with gorilla excursions attracting over 3,000 tourists each year. Mountain gorilla-hosting countries like as Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo make millions of dollars from gorilla safaris alone, Threats to Mountain Gorillas in Africa..

The most recent gorilla census, conducted in 2018 to establish the number of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation Area and the Bwindi-Sarambwe eco-reserve, suggests that mountain gorilla populations have increased significantly. According to the census, there are around 1,004 mountain gorillas left in the wild, which is a significant improvement over previous estimates.

However, the existence of mountain gorillas across the world is still in jeopardy, with the species remaining listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Other highly endangered species include western and eastern lowland gorillas, as well as cross-river gorillas. This begs a question: what are some of the most serious risks to mountain gorillas?

1. Poaching:

One of the most serious risks to the survival of mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is poaching. Mountain gorilla poaching is aggravated by conditions such as high unemployment and poverty. According to research, the majority of the criminals imprisoned for poaching are unemployed and destitute. In order to obtain quick and easy money, they murder gorillas and sell their flesh and other body parts on the black market to the highest bidder.

The strong demand for gorilla bush meat, particularly in Central and West African countries, fuels poaching of gorillas. Families in these nations who can consume such bush meat are regarded rich and have a better social status/ranking in society.

Mountain gorilla poaching is also influenced by culture in several of these Central and West African countries. Killing or hunting gorillas (trophy hunting) is seen as a rite of passage from the ancestors to the new generation in certain of these societies. These cultural values and behaviors are what lead these poachers to believe they have the right to kill gorillas.

However, with rigorous anti-poaching legislation and enforcement in the individual nations afflicted by the vice, the rate of poaching of mountain gorillas has significantly decreased. Furthermore, the concerned governments in these nations have launched active conservation programmes in which the local people are being educated about the need and advantages of saving and conserving mountain gorillas for future generations. One such example is the Iby’iwacu cultural village in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, where the majority of the residents are reformed poachers who now actively participate in conservation programs in the park.

2. Habitat Loss

Loss of habitat is another major threat to mountain gorilla survival. Mountain gorillas live mostly in tropical rainforests and montane forests at elevations ranging from 650 to 4,000 meters above sea level. Encroachment on mountain gorilla habitats is the primary cause of habitat loss. As human populations grow, more people are encroaching on woods for habitation, farming, and animal husbandry. In addition, large-scale deforestation is occurring in forests, as more trees are being taken down for charcoal burning and firewood. Large-scale deforestation is causing the loss of more than 30% of forest cover, Threats to Mountain Gorillas in Africa.

With green earth campaigns and conservation initiatives in the works, most governments, including Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, are now on board and taking action to slow the rate of deforestation. Most forests are now designated as protected areas, charcoal burning is prohibited in countries like as Uganda and Rwanda, and logging firms are required to conduct reforestation, with five trees planted for every one chopped down.

Civil Unrest

Civil wars that have erupted in mountain gorilla habitats have also contributed to some of the threats to mountain gorillas. In certain war-torn nations, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, civil battles between rebel militia and government troops have resulted in the deaths of mountain gorillas caught in the crossfire. In addition, the 1994 Rwanda Genocide resulted in a huge number of refugees and rebel militias fleeing to neighboring Congo. With the rebels establishing strongholds in the forests where these gorillas dwell, the majority of conservation work in national parks like as Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega came to a halt. Many gorillas were killed in the crossfire as well as by villagers seeking bush meat.

However, after the conclusion of the 1994 Rwanda Genocide, some peace and stability have been restored in Congo, as well as in the Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks. In reality, gorilla trekking trips are undertaken securely in these two national parks, with Virunga National Park ranking first in Congo for gorilla tours.

Disease.

Diseases like Ebola have exacerbated the threat to mountain gorillas in Africa. Because mountain gorillas share around 98 percent of their DNA with people, they are susceptible to the same illnesses that impact humans, such as the common flu/ influenza, cough, pneumonia, and even Ebola. During the 2004 Ebola epidemic in Congo, about half of the mountain gorilla population died from the illness virus. Tourists hiking mountain gorillas in Virunga national park in Congo are advised to wear masks when in the company of the mountain gorillas for this reason.

Individuals with illnesses such as the flu or a cough are also not permitted to hike mountain gorillas in the park in order to avoid the spread of the viral sickness to the gorillas.

Aside from the primary dangers listed above, mountain gorillas face other threats such as low birth rates and forest fires, among others.

Visitors who want to view mountain gorillas in their native habitats might take a gorilla trip to Uganda, Rwanda, or the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is best to arrange your gorilla safari through a reputable travel agent or tour operator.

Also, make sure to reserve a gorilla trekking permit at least 6 months in advance for a charge of USD 1500 in Rwanda, USD 700 and USD 600 in Uganda, and USD 400 in Congo. Gorilla trekking permits can be reserved up to two years in advance, Threats to Mountain Gorillas in Africa..

Please keep in mind that gorilla trekking excursions in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo are only available to those aged 15 and over. Also, make sure you are in good health before embarking on any gorilla trekking trip or activity.

Mountain gorillas are only found in Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and Congo’s Virunga National Park.