What’s Happening to the Mountain Gorilla?
There are many species on the verge of extinction, but perhaps there is none in such a dire strait as that of the mountain gorilla. Scientists currently estimate that there are only about 700 mountain gorillas left on the planet!
About the Mountain Gorilla
Gorillas, including the Mountain Gorilla, are the largest of primates. They are generally land bound herbivores, or vegetarian. And they live in the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests of the Virunga Volcanoes, which reach a height of up to 4,000 meters. Further, just like people, they have unique fingerprints, and have shown the ability to use tools, lean toward “favorite colors” and display emotion – even laugh and grieve for their dead! In addition, they exhibit complex emotional attachments and bonds within their respective communities.
Physically, they can achieve a height of up to six feet and a weight of 400 pounds. And, in captivity, they have achieved a maximum lifespan of approximately 50 years. (Note: their lifespan in the wild is not known).
Possible Extinction
As with other great apes, the mountain gorilla has been pushed to the edge of extinction through human activity, which includes the co-opting of their natural habitat through the building of roads, homes and logging. Further, these majestic creatures are often the victims of hunters in search of bush meat and trophies.
Fortunately, There’s Hope
A variety of conversation activities, including habitat preservation, have helped to increase the population of the Mountain Gorilla. In fact, over the past decade or so, the Virunga population has seen its ranks grow by 14%. Still, given the small absolute numbers of these creatures, much more effort is needed to ensure their survival!
You Can Help!
If you’d like to help, check out The Great Apes Survival Partnership (GRASP) at www.unep.org/grasp/. It was founded in 2001 to help gorillas and other great apes grow in numbers and fight their way back from the precipice of extinction. GRASP’ efforts focus on habitat preservation and education. It was formed as a partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
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