In search of world's rarest and most endangered gorilla

February 25, 2010

Two countries, 300 gorillas, and very little time.

There are thought to be only 300 Cross River gorillas total in Cameroon and Nigeria, making this specific type of gorilla the most rare and most endangered of its kind. In Nigeria's last rain forest, in the Mbe mountains, there are thought to be only 30 Cross River gorillas left. This article focuses on issues surrounding these remaining gorillas in the Mbe Mountains.

The gorillas are endangered because of poachers, who will kill the gorillas and sell the meat at local bush markets. Because the population of people in Nigeria is increasing, so is the need for food. Nigeria's government has shown bitter apathy towards this particular issue, and have not been giving local communities the conservation support they promised.

Nine local communities close to the Mbe mountains have been conducting meetings on how to protect the endangered gorillas and stop the poachers.

MY REACTION: I think that it is sad that these animals are being killed. I also think that it is sad that people are hungry and need to eat endangered animals. I personally think that the government needs to step up and get wildlife people to help stop the poachers and also get food to people that need it.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/02/25/cross.river.gorrilla/index.html