African gorilla poaching

African gorilla poaching

African gorilla poaching

The tragic reasons behind it

What is the reason for the poaching of gorillas? This article will address a number of the reasons why mountain gorillas are poached.

These primates are endangered and are found in central Africa, specifically in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo.

Many gorillas have perished at the hands of poachers, as evidenced by the mountain gorilla poaching statistics, and they were nearly eradicated in the 19th century.

The poaching of mountain gorillas in Africa has been a persistent issue for an extended period.

What is the reason for the poaching of gorillas?

An increase in the number of mountain gorillas was the outcome of the conservation efforts spearheaded by the late American primatologist, Dian Fossey.

In 1985, Fossey passed away after dedicating her life to the preservation of mountain gorillas.

She vehemently opposed the trafficking of gorillas. Prior to Fossey’s arrival, gorilla poaching was a major problem in Rwanda; however, her research highlighted the importance of protecting these primates.

Following her, conservationists assumed responsibility for conservation.

A dominant alpha male known as a Silverback leads gorillas in groups of 5–30 individuals.

This is a phenomenon that you will observe during your gorilla trekking excursion in Congo, Rwanda, or Uganda.

All group activities are under the control of the silverback, who also establishes their daily schedule.

Gorillas devote their entire day to the pursuit of sustenance prior to retiring to the shelters they construct each day at 6 p.m.

Regrettably, numerous obstacles arise during their mobility. Along the way, some of them are subjected to poaching, and gorillas have been known to defend themselves and their families, which has resulted in the deaths of gorilla poachers.

The rationale behind the poaching of gorillas

Despite the fact that conservation efforts have made it more challenging for traffickers to access gorillas in their natural habitat, there are still numerous reasons why gorilla poaching persists.

The following are a few of the primary factors for gorilla poaching:

For food, gorillas are hunted by poachers for their flesh, which is frequently used to provide for their families. Even militia groups in the Virunga Conservation Area on the DR Congo side depend on gorilla flesh for sustenance.

Bushmeat commerce

Gorillas have also been incorporated into the bushmeat commerce. Poachers are motivated to target these endangered primates by the high value set on gorilla meat, which is perceived as delicious and in high demand and can fetch a significant price.

Mysticism and allure

Witchdoctors employ specific body parts of mountain gorillas, including their skulls, hands, and legs, for a variety of purposes, as they are believed to possess magical properties.

Gorilla poaching has been exacerbated by this conviction among traditional healers.

Gorillas are occasionally illegally sold as pets to affluent individuals, private zoos, and researchers after being poached, abducted, or captured.

Additionally, numerous local residents have joined traffickers in order to generate revenue.

Traps Due to their mobility, gorillas may inadvertently become vulnerable to traps intended for other forest animals, including antelopes, duikers, bush pigs, and bushbucks.

Trophies In an effort to satisfy their ego, certain individuals maintain deceased gorillas as trophies or symbols of authority.

Additional Factors

In addition to the aforementioned reasons, gorillas are also susceptible to accidental fatalities as a result of a variety of lesser-known factors:

Inadequate awareness

Locals may occasionally engage in poaching activities as a result of their ignorance regarding the significance of gorillas to society or the nation. The reduction of hunting can be achieved by educating these communities about the importance of mountain gorillas.

Diseases Gorillas are susceptible to human diseases as a result of their lack of immunity, which renders them susceptible to maladies. To prevent the potential transmission of diseases, sick visitors are prohibited from visiting gorillas.

Civil unrest and war

Historically, civil wars in Rwanda and the Congo have posed a threat to mountain gorillas, and there is still unrest in some areas, particularly in the Congo.

Unnatural calamity

Gorilla populations may also be affected by natural disasters, including floods, landslides, and excessive rainfall.

Depletion of habitat

Gorillas are compelled to migrate to higher elevations, where they are susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia and mortality, as a result of habitat loss caused by the expansion of the human population.

Forests are cleared for a variety of purposes, including agriculture, settlement, and industrial use.

Petroleum and natural gas prospecting

Oil and gas exploration has increased the risk of poaching and disease transmission among gorillas, particularly in Congo’s Virunga National Park.

Although measures have been implemented to address gorilla poaching, it continues to be a challenge.

Tourist permits are necessary in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, as mountain gorillas are accustomed to human presence. The cost of these permits varies.

Uganda also provides gorilla habituation experiences, which enable visitors to participate in the habituation process alongside researchers and scientists.



× Get Quote On WhatsApp