Gorilla Conservation Programmes

Primates like gorillas are incredibly fascinating. The fact that mountain gorillas are in grave risk of extinction is one important truth. Many have been caught in the crossfire between government troops and armed groups or have become the victims of poaching in the Congo because they inhabit regions with lush flora and fertile soil, gorillas invariably come into contact with people on a regular basis.

These frequent interactions result in deforestation, competition for space, and the spread of animal and human diseases like rabies. In the course of defending gorillas, numerous environmentalists have lost their lives. Because of her fervent belief in preserving mountain gorillas, zoologist Dian Fossey was murdered by poachers in Rwanda. In Congo alone, more than 160 rangers have died defending gorillas.

In order to boost mountain gorilla populations and prevent human-gorilla conflicts, the government of Uganda made the decision to uproot the Batwa people from the park and relocate them to a different location. Although it is illegal to enter or farm within gorilla parks, park rangers must always be on the lookout for poachers and armed organizations that may be hidden in any of the parks.

According to the 2012 gorilla census, the number of gorillas has gradually increased in recent years. The total number of mountain gorillas in the wild is currently thought to be just over 1000. The rise has been attributed to gorilla tourism earnings. The Batwa and other communities that once persecuted the gorillas have been rehabilitated in new locations.

Numerous initiatives have been launched to enhance their standard of living and create fuels other than burning charcoal. A communities that reside close to the parks benefit from some of the proceeds from the sale of gorilla permits. Former poachers have been enlisted as guides and wardens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

These ex-poachers now view their employment with the gorillas as a means of providing for their families. They receive tips from park visitors in addition to their salary. Organizations for Gorilla Conservation Mission has more information about Dian Fossey and her work with mountain gorillas. In order to assist raise money and awareness for the endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, Africa Safaris has put together a list of gorilla conservation projects and organizations.

These groups collaborate in Rwanda, Congo, and Uganda to guarantee that the number of mountain gorillas continue to climb. In order to determine the precise number of gorillas in the wild and assess the effectiveness of their programs, they typically conduct gorilla censuses every five years.

These gorilla conservation and protection groups do in-depth research in addition to the gorilla census to determine the extent of poaching, potential dangers to the gorillas, and the incidence of disease.

Among these organizations are:

International Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (DFGF)

The MGCF, or Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund

Program for International Gorilla Conservation (IGCP)

Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project: Gorilla Doctors

TGO, or the Gorilla Organization

Board for Rwandan Development

Authority for Uganda Wildlife (UWA)

Public health through conservation (CTPH)

Programs for Gorilla Conservation