Updates

In One Area, Grauer's Gorilla Numbers Have Increased

A new report released by WCS and partners shows how to successfully stem the decline for an imperiled gorilla sub-species hanging on in war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Grauer's gorillas are the world's largest great ape. We recently reported on their shocking collapse. Due to a combination of illegal hunting around mining sites and settlements, prior civil unrest, and habitat loss, the sub-species had plummeted some 77 percent from 17,000 to 3,800 individuals over just two decades.

But the latest dispatch provides a bit of good news. One site in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in eastern DRC has managed an increase in numbers—from 181 to 213 over five years.

We believe the sector, called Tshivanga, is a success thanks to significant conservation resources, boots-on-the-ground efforts, along with an adequate presence from the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature.

Of course, much remains to be done—this is the only site where Grauer's gorilla numbers are known to be increasing. Help us in the continuing fight to save them.

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