Post by Jeff on Aug 30, 2005 0:32:07 GMT -5
The mountain gorilla's true threat is man. The primary threat to mountain gorillas comes from forest clearance and degradation, as the region's growing human population struggles to eke out a living. Conversion of land for agriculture and competition for limited natural resources such as firewood lead to varying degrees of deforestation of gorilla’s natural habitat. The only way to maintain gorilla habitat is to develop alternative economic activities that allow people to meet their daily needs, so that they see gorillas not as competitors, but as a means of improving their own situation.
Poachers have also killed entire family groups in their attempts to capture infant gorillas for zoos, while others are killed to sell their heads and hands as trophies.
Gorillas are closely related to humans, with similar anatomical and physiological features. This makes them vulnerable to many of the same diseases. Because the gorillas have not developed the necessary immunities, first time exposure to an illness or virus that is relatively innocuous to humans may devastate an entire population.
AWF, in collaboration with WWF and FFI, established the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) to safeguard the last remaining mountain gorillas. This coalition has been a tremendous success. Although mountain gorilla numbers are slowly increasing, much more help is needed.
Help Save the Last Mountain Gorillas
Poachers have also killed entire family groups in their attempts to capture infant gorillas for zoos, while others are killed to sell their heads and hands as trophies.
Gorillas are closely related to humans, with similar anatomical and physiological features. This makes them vulnerable to many of the same diseases. Because the gorillas have not developed the necessary immunities, first time exposure to an illness or virus that is relatively innocuous to humans may devastate an entire population.
AWF, in collaboration with WWF and FFI, established the International Gorilla Conservation Program (IGCP) to safeguard the last remaining mountain gorillas. This coalition has been a tremendous success. Although mountain gorilla numbers are slowly increasing, much more help is needed.
Help Save the Last Mountain Gorillas