Mountain Gorillas: Endangered Gentle Giants and the Fight to Save Them
Mountain gorillas, our close evolutionary cousins, have been teetering on the brink of extinction for decades. These majestic creatures, found only in the misty forests of central Africa, have faced numerous threats that have drastically reduced their numbers. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, there's hope for these gentle giants. The Endangered Status As of 2024, mountain gorillas are classified as endangered, with approximately 1,063 individuals remaining in the wild . While this may seem like a small number, it actually represents a significant improvement from the 1980's when their population dipped below 400, leading experts to fear their imminent extinction . The main threats to mountain gorillas include: Habitat loss due to human encroachment and deforestation Poaching and snares set for other animals Diseases transmitted by humans Civil unrest and conflicts in their habitat regions Conservation Efforts Despite these challenges, several conservation ini...