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