Why are mountain gorillas endangered and what threats do they face
Mountain gorillas are intelligent creatures habiting the tropical rainforests of Uganda , Rwanda and Democratic Republic of congo
Mountain gorillas are the most endangered primates on planet earth and below are the threats that they face ;
Habitat loss
Mountain gorillas are highly affected by habitat loss as a result of expanding human settlements , deforestation and need for land to cultivate
This has led to destruction of the natural habitat of the gorillas leaving them homeless
Hunting
Many humans especially in Democratic Republic of Congo are killing the mountain gorillas for meat and such reduces their numbers
Wildlife trade
Many mountain gorillas are spotted for wildlife trade where they are taken to other countries and sold for money . This is a threat since it reduces their population.
Diseases
Mountain gorillas are the closest to himan beings and this implies that some diseases that affect humans also affect them . Diseases like flue and other transmittable diseases have led to death of gorillas thus reducing their numbers
Wars
Wars in countries like Democratic Republic of Congo have made gorillas to be killed in the process thus reducing their population
Conversation of mountain gorillas
The governments of Rwanda , Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo in partnership with wildlife conservation organisations have worked effortlessly to protect the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild
Conversation efforts include ;
Communities like Batwa in Bwindi have been relocated from the forest to enable mountain gorillas live in theor habitat peacefully
Alternative energy sources like biogas ahve been promoted by governments to cub doen charcoal burning in the forests
The money earned from selling gorilla permits has been reinvested in conservation programmes for gorillas
Governments have pit in place tourism police to protect the endangered mountain gorillas
Conservation organisations include
Uganda wildlife Authority
Rwanda Development Board
Conservation through Public Health
The Gorilla Organisation
International Gorilla Conservation programme
Dian Fossey Gorilla fund international
In conclusion , Mountain gorillas are marked critically endangered although there numbers have increased slightly to die conservation efforts
