Threats & Protection

Community conservation committee meeting near the Kahuzi-Biega National Park (© Carlos Schuler)

In their natural habitat, gorillas are threatened by many different factors, such as

  • stress caused by the constant presence of people,
  • diseases transferred by people or domestic animals,
  • hunting for their meat,
  • hunting for fetishes and trophies,
  • hunting in revenge for crop-raiding,
  • injuries through snares set for other animals,
  • war,
  • isolation of gorilla populations in small forest islands,
  • destruction of the forest through deforestation, fire, or mining for mineral resources.

Here you can read more about these threats and about protection measures for the gorillas.

Threats Conservation Measures
destruction or modification of habitat -> creation of protected areas
isolation of small populations -> reforestation of corridors
conflicts between gorillas and people - > cooperation with the local population
poaching and other illegal activities -> ranger patrols, public awareness campaigns
hunting for the bushmeat and pet trade -> strengthening of law enforcement
disease transmission/epidemic diseases -> public health measures
war and political instability -> international diplomatic activities