BioZine: Huge Population of Gorillas Discovered in the Congo Republic

August 8, 2008

Weekly News UpdateHuge Population of Gorillas Discovered in the Congo Republic

A previously-unknown population of endangered western lowland gorillas was recently discovered in the northern forests of the Congo Republic. Scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society, working alongside local researchers, found the population of gorillas living across two tracts of land covering 18,000 miles. The researchers’ discovery of over 125,000 gorillas is quite significant as the population is two times the previously-known worldwide population estimate of western lowland gorillas.

In 2007, western lowland gorillas were classified as “critically endangered” by the World Conservation Union. In recent years, the western lowland gorilla population has been decimated by disease, led by the Ebola virus. The exploitation of natural resources, including an increased international desire for tropical hardwoods, has severely impacted the gorillas’ forested habitat. The presence of logging roads makes it easier for poachers and subsistence hunters to reach populations of the reclusive gorillas.

The newly-discovered population of gorillas was found in an area of the Congo Republic referred to as the “green abyss.” This swampy area is difficult to traverse and therefore has remained relatively free of development up to now. Unfortunately, the Congolese government has begun selling logging rights to the northern forests. However, there is hope for the future. One of the study areas has been designated as a national park. The area, a region called Ntokou-Pikounda, is believed to be home to 73,000 gorillas. In another positive development, some logging companies are working in collaboration with conservation groups and the Congolese government to produce sustainably-harvested lumber. Minimizing the amount of roads that criss-cross through the gorillas’ habitat will protect them from poachers and other intruders.

The northern population of western lowland gorillas is thought to be safe for the time being. Scientists hope that implementing an alliance between conservation groups, industry, and the Congolese government early on will help protect the newly-found populations from exploitation and prevent the same problems faced by other populations of gorillas.