Table of Contents
Why should we protect mountain gorillas?
Their forest habitat is home to numerous other species, many themselves endangered. Protecting gorillas helps protect these other vital plants, animals and insects as well. And maintaining an intact ecosystem can limit disease spillover from animals to humans—possibly preventing the next HIV, Ebola or COVID-19.
How are the mountain gorillas protected in Rwanda?
Today, Fossey Fund trackers and researchers protect and study roughly half of all the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, with the other half protected by the Rwandan national park authorities. Tracker teams serve the role of both protection and data collection and are the key factor in saving the mountain gorilla population.
Who protects mountain gorillas in central Africa?
The Digit Fund, which Fossey started, continued her work and was later renamed the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. The Fund’s Karisoke Research Center monitors and protects the mountain gorillas of the Virungas. Close monitoring and research of the Bwindi mountain gorillas began in the 1990s.
How can we stop gorillas from being extinct?
5 Ways to help save gorillas (and other wildlife too)
- Recycle cell phones and electronics.
- Look for sustainable palm oil, wood and other eco-friendly products.
- Learn more about wildlife.
- Share this list on social media.
How do gorillas protect themselves from the sun?
The mud is like a sunscreen and helps protect their skin from the sun. Gorillas don’t go out in the sun in the middle of the day. They like to stay in shady, cool places. Hippopotamuses spend most of their day in the water with their backs exposed to the sun.
Are the mountain gorillas safe?
Mountain gorillas are very calm and peaceful creatures considering their size and strength. They are often referred to as “the gentle giants of the forest”. You will be visiting habituated gorilla families. Habituated gorilla groups are those that are used to humans being around them – a process that takes 2 years.
What’s the best way to help mountain gorillas?
The Gorilla Doctors prepare to dart an injured gorilla with antibiotics.4. Donate to conservation organizations working to protect mountain gorillas. One of the most effective ways to help mountain gorillas is to donate money to organizations working on the ground to conserve the species.
Which is the most effective conservation strategy for gorillas?
The most-effective conservation strategy is direct, sustained protection of wild animal populations. Decades of daily direct protection have saved critically endangered mountain gorillas from extinction and stabilized their tiny population.
How is the WWF helping to save the gorillas?
WWF is an active partner in GRASP along with other NGOs, gorilla range states, international conventions, scientists, zoos, charitable donors and commercial interests in a sustained campaign to protect not only the great apes, but also the ecosystems of which they are part. Visit the gorillas!
Do you need a permit to Trek mountain gorillas?
When trekking mountain gorillas, you will need to buy a permit and the money is used in the protection of gorillas. Creating a awareness about the importance of protecting mountain gorillas even though you haven’t tracked them is very important as it helps in conserving gorillas.