Mountain Gorilla Conservation

Gorilla Tracking

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Dian Fossey and Her Pioneering Research on Mountain Gorillas

The discovery of the mountain gorilla as a distinct species dates back to Captain Robert von Beringe, who identified the gorilla during an expedition to establish the boundaries of the German colonies in East Africa. After shooting two of these large apes, one was captured and sent to Germany, where scientists recognized a new species, later named Gorilla beringei in honor of Captain von Beringe. Over the next few decades, researchers such as George Schaller (in 1959) and Dian Fossey (in 1967) dedicated themselves to studying this remarkable species.

Fossey’s groundbreaking research took mountain gorilla study to an entirely new level. She is particularly renowned for developing innovative techniques for habituating gorillas, including mimicking their vocalizations and building trust with the dominant silverback. Fossey was also responsible for organizing the first gorilla census and shifting her focus from purely academic research to active conservation efforts, raising global awareness about the mountain gorillas’ endangered status.

Fossey’s approach to gorilla conservation was comprehensive and can be divided into three main areas: active, theoretical, and community-based conservation. Active conservation, according to Fossey, involved enforcing anti-poaching laws, destroying poacher equipment, and conducting animal censuses. Theoretical conservation focused on improving the infrastructure surrounding gorilla habitats, such as renovating park offices, lodges, and habituating gorilla groups to tourism, thus encouraging eco-tourism as a means of supporting gorilla conservation. The community-based approach emphasized engaging local communities, taking their interests into account, and fostering a sense of shared responsibility in the conservation effort.

Dian Fossey’s passion for gorilla protection led her to actively combat poachers, even going so far as to sabotage their operations and initiate park patrols. Tragically, Fossey’s unwavering stance against poaching may have contributed to her brutal murder, which remains a deeply tragic event in the history of wildlife conservation. However, her legacy lives on through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, which continues her work in protecting and conserving mountain gorillas.

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Current Threats and Conservation Efforts for Mountain Gorillas

While the population of mountain gorillas has grown to slightly over 1,000 individuals, they remain an endangered species and continue to face significant threats. The most pressing danger to their survival comes from human activity. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), mountain gorillas are still victims of poaching, with many becoming caught in snares meant for other animals. These traps often result in serious injuries or death, leaving behind traumatized orphaned gorillas. The ongoing insecurity, civil unrest, and armed conflicts in DRC have further jeopardized the safety of these gorillas, even though the country is home to Africa’s oldest national park, Virunga National Park.

One of the key factors contributing to the slow recovery of the mountain gorilla population is gorilla tourism, which generates revenue and awareness for conservation efforts. The stringent protection measures put in place by governments, along with the dedication of researchers and conservationists, supported by generous funding from donors, have played a critical role in their survival. Mountain gorillas are also treated by veterinary doctors when they suffer from injuries or illnesses, including those caused by poaching snares.

In the DRC, the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage has been established to rehabilitate young mountain gorillas orphaned by poaching. Meanwhile, park authorities in Virunga National Park have stepped up their efforts, with armed patrols to combat poaching and armed militias that threaten both the gorillas and their habitats. Controversial decisions, such as the eviction of the Batwa pygmies from forests in Uganda and Rwanda, have contributed to stabilizing mountain gorilla populations, but there is still room for improvement in involving local communities in conservation efforts, especially by ensuring they benefit from tourism-related activities.

Despite these challenges, the conservation story of mountain gorillas has largely been one of success. Their fascinating nature and vulnerable status have drawn the attention of wildlife conservation organizations, leading to significant international funding and support. The primary organization dedicated to protecting mountain gorillas is the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), which was founded in 1991. The IGCP is a collaboration between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Fauna & Flora International, and the African Wildlife Foundation. These organizations have been instrumental in providing resources and funding for the ongoing protection and conservation of the mountain gorilla population.