Save the World's Most Endangered Gorilla From Extinction

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The Cross River gorilla is a critically endangered primate facing threats from habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Take action now!

Save the World's Most Endangered Gorilla From Extinction

The Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is the most endangered of all gorillas, with only an estimated 300 individuals remaining in the wild1.

The Cross River gorilla is found only in a small area spanning the border between Nigeria and Cameroon2. It is here that these gorillas are facing a number of threats that are driving them towards extinction.

The primary threat to the Cross River gorilla is habitat loss. The forests where these gorillas live are being cleared for agriculture and logging, leaving little room for these gorillas to survive3.

Additionally, poaching is a significant threat, as gorillas are hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in the region4. The gorillas are also killed for their body parts, which are believed to have medicinal properties, despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support these claims5.

Poachers often operate in small groups and use traps, snares, guns and poisons to capture or kill gorillas. This illegal hunting is further exacerbating the decline of the Cross River gorilla population, which is already threatened by habitat loss and diseases such as Ebola6.

If no action is taken to protect the Cross River gorilla, it is possible that this subspecies could be extinct within the next few decades. The rate of habitat loss and poaching is increasing, and if left unchecked, it is likely that the population of Cross River gorillas will continue to decline7.

It is imperative that action is taken to protect the Cross River gorilla and its habitat. This can be done through a number of measures such as increasing law enforcement to combat poaching, working with local communities to reduce the demand for gorilla meat, and setting aside protected areas for gorillas to live.

Conservation groups and government agencies are working tirelessly to protect this subspecies and its habitat. Anti-poaching patrols are being increased to combat illegal hunting, while community-based conservation programs are helping to reduce the demand for gorilla meat8. Additionally, protected areas are being established to give the gorillas a safe haven to live.

Protecting the Cross River gorilla is not just the responsibility of conservation groups and government agencies, it’s something we all need to take part in.

Take the pledge and help save the Cross River gorilla from extinction!

More on this issue:

  1. World Wide Fund For Nature (2020), "Gorillas."
  2. World Wildlife Fund (2023), "Cross River Gorilla."
  3. World Wide Fund For Nature (2020), "Cross River Gorilla."
  4. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda (2023), "Why Do People Poach Gorillas."
  5. Gorilla Facts, "Why Are Mountain Gorillas Endangered – Mountain Gorilla Conservation."
  6. Ntwaagae Seleka (21 November 2021), "‘What they are doing is sad and emotional’ - poachers use snares to trap animals in Kruger Park."
  7. World Wide Fund For Nature (2020), "Losing their homes because of the growing needs of humans."
  8. Conservation Evidence, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge (2020), "Conduct regular anti-poaching patrols."

The Pledge

I understand that the Cross River gorilla is the most endangered gorilla in the world because of habitat loss, poaching, and disease.

As such, I pledge to take these steps to help save the Cross River gorilla from extinction:

1. Educate myself about the Cross River gorilla

I pledge to educate myself about this species and the threats that are driving it toward extinction.

2. Avoid products that are linked to habitat destruction

I pledge to avoid products that are linked to habitat destruction, such as palm oil and wood products from illegal logging.

3. Support sustainable and responsible tourism

I pledge to support sustainable and responsible tourism that does not harm gorillas or their habitats.

4. Spread awareness

I pledge to spread awareness about the plight of the Cross River gorilla by sharing information about this subspecies with your friends and family.

5. Support conservation groups

I pledge to support conservation groups working to protect the Cross River gorilla and its habitat, like [Greater Good Charities and Project Peril](https://store.greatergood.com/collections/all/products/83779-project-peril-protecting-species-on-the-brink-of-extinction?gg_medium=content&gg_source=trs&gg_term=2808239&gg_campaign=cross-river-gorilla&gg_content=gtgm-link), who partner with the best non-profits devoted to combating habitat loss, stopping the illegal wildlife trade, and preventing human-animal conflict. Project Peril further identifies key species on the brink of extinction and helps fund groups doing the best work to save these species around the world.

While the Cross River gorilla is on the brink of extinction, I pledge to do my best to ensure that this subspecies of gorilla continues to thrive for generations to come.

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