After an intense survey through the Republic of Congo (just west of the Democratic Republic of Congo), researchers discovered more than 125,000 west lowland gorillas. Previous to this study, scientists estimated their population at about 100,000, so this find more than doubles their numbers.

The survey, completed by the Wildlife Conservation Society, is wonderful news, but experts are urging the world to let it motivate them to do more. Primate populations continued to be harmed around the world due to habitat destruction and hunting for trade, food and medicinal purposes. Finding these gorillas means that we have the opportunity to work hard to save great apes before they are deeper in crisis…before their numbers are horrifically low, before it’s too late.

Photos: Thomas Breuer/Wildlife Conservation Society-Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology.

Help Spread the Word!!!

Powered by Bookmarkify™