Protect Mountain Gorilla Primates
Our closest relatives; mountain gorillas are the greatest giants of all the apes/ primates family. Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered species in the wild. Mountain gorillas’ existence was noticed in 1902 by a German explorer’s discovery. In later years, several scientists began doing researches on several aspects and making attempts to protect mountain gorillas. The notable scientists here include the American scientist George Schaller and Dian Fossey.
George Schaller was the first scientist to study the gorillas in the three national parks of Virunga National Park, Volcanoes National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. After George’s research, Dian Fossey followed his footsteps and continued from where he had stopped.
Her achievements are notable and very visible. Dian Fossey did her research in Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey became more famous after the release of her movie “Gorillas in the Mist”. Because of the research, she carried out about mountain gorillas in Rwanda, from 1967 to 1985 when she died, the world began to learn and appreciate the mysterious beauty of these apes.
To date, the Dian Fossey efforts are so remarkably remembered and there is a trail leading to where she did her research and her tomb in Volcanoes National Park. The Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda can still be visited to see the deeds of Dian Fossey.
In Uganda, the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, the private sector and other stake holders are putting up stringent measures to see to it that these highly endangered apes are protected. You can also join the movement to support the conservation of these mountain gorillas.
The rate at which mountain gorillas are being killed is very alarming. Prior to the commencement of research, Virunga had over 450 mountain gorillas living there. However, in a period of 20 years, the mountain gorillas’ population had decreased by more than a half. (250 individuals)
Who are the mountain gorillas’ enemies?
Mountain gorillas’ most prominent danger are human beings. Humans constantly destroy mountain gorillas’ habitats through deforestation, transfer communicable diseases and previously were commonly hunted for meat or just as a trophy.
The number of mountain gorillas raised again thanks to the conservation efforts of Dian Fossey and other researchers. Their attempts to protect mountain gorillas were remarkably successful and we applaud them.