Page 27 - World of Animals - Issue #41

Grauer’s gorilla

At risk apes
Thalia Liokatis from Fauna & Flora
International (FFI) tells us about the challenges
of protecting these fascinating animals
The Grauer’s gorilla is the world’s largest living
primate, but despite its size it is still incredibly
vulnerable. Population numbers have dropped
by 77 per cent , from 17,000 individuals to
around 3,800 over the last 15 years. FFI and the
Wildlife Conservation Society have collaborated
to make the case for the species to be offi cially

re-categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’ by the
IUCN – signifying the seriousness of
the situation.
Since conducting surveys of the area from
2012 to 2015, FFI has continued supporting
community reserves through the recruiting,
training and equipping of rangers. A monthly
patrol programme has also been put in place.
These patrols concentrate on areas of the
reserves where Grauer’s gorillas are present.
They provide consistent population monitoring
There’s little land left and help prevent illegal activity. Examples
of this are the identification and subsequent

The gorilla’s habitat is now severely restricted to just a few sites in the removal of snare traps, and spotting illegal
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are found at the highest mining and hunting camps.
altitude of all the gorilla species, and hide away in the mountain ranges Nestor Mayala, manager of Regomuki
deep in the jungle.
Community Reserve says, “We continue to
thank FFI because it allows us to continue
the work to identify vital gorilla areas in the
reserve and protect them.”
My dream is to one day bring my sons to

see these magnificent creatures, and for them
to be able to look into their eyes and see the
same curiosity, interest and intelligence that is
reflected there.

Thanks to the support of Size of Wales,
there is a unique opportunity for Fauna &
© Getty/guenterguni; Fauna & Flora International
Flora International to double the value of
any donations received for the Grauer’s
gorilla. Please either donate online at
www.supportgorillas.org or call 01223 749019.

Where the Grauer’s gorilla is found today

27

026-027_Endangered Eastern Gorilla WOA041.indd 27 01/12/2016 10:02