How Many Gorillas are Left in the World

The world’s gorilla population is dwindling. According to the most recent estimates, there are only about 100,000 gorillas left in the wild. That number includes both eastern and western gorillas, but the majority of gorillas are of the latter species.

The primary threat to gorillas is habitat loss due to human activity. As humans encroach on gorilla territory for logging, mining, and other development projects, the apes are increasingly forced into smaller and smaller areas. This not only puts them at risk of starvation and conflict with other animals but also makes them more susceptible to diseases that can be passed on from humans.

In addition to habitat loss, gorillas are also hunted for their meat and body parts, which are used in traditional medicine. While some efforts have been made to protect gorillas, it is clear that much more needs to be done if these magnificent creatures are going to survive in the wild.

According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are only about 100,000 gorillas left in the world. That number includes both eastern and western gorillas, but it’s believed that there are only about 5,000 western gorillas remaining. The main threat to gorillas is habitat loss due to human activity, as well as hunting and disease.

Credit: en.wikipedia.org

How Many Gorillas are Left in the Wild

The world’s gorilla population is divided into two species: the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) and the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla). Both species are further divided into two subspecies. The eastern gorillas include the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), while the western gorillas consist of the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) and the Western lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

According to a 2018 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are an estimated 1,004 to 1,206 mountain gorillas remaining in the wild. This represents a significant increase from previous estimates, which put the population at around 620 individuals in 2016. The Grauer’sgorilla is listed as critically endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated 3,800 individuals remaining in their wild habitat.

Cross River gorillas are also considered critically endangered, although no recent estimate exists on their population size. Finally, Western lowland gorillas are classified as least concern by the IUCN due to their large population size; however, this does not mean that they are not under threat. It is estimated that there are between 100,000 and 200,000 Western lowland gorillas living in Central Africa.

While all four subspecies of gorillas are declining overall due to human pressures like hunting and habitat loss & degradation, some populations are faring better than others. For example, thanks to conservation efforts Mountain Gorillas have actually increased in number since 2010. However other populations like Grauer’s Gorillas continue to decline rapidly due largely to illegal hunting for bushmeat.

All four subspecies of gorillas face serious threats from humans and it will be critical to continue conservation efforts if we want to ensure these amazing animals don’t go extinct in our lifetimes.

What is the Population Trend of Gorillas

In recent years, the population trend of gorillas has been on a slight decline. This is due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, hunting, and disease. However, there are conservation efforts in place that are helping to stabilize the population and even potentially increase it in the future.

The western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) is found in Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. There are two subspecies: the western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), which is the more numerous of the two, and the Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli), which is found only in a small region along the border between Nigeria and Cameroon. According to the most recent estimates, there are about 360,000 western lowland gorillas remaining in the wild and just over 200 Cross River gorillas.

The eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) is found in Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. It consists of two subspecies: The Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the eastern lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri). Estimates suggest that there are around 880 mountain gorillas remaining in their small range in central Africa – this includes both wild populations as well as those living in sanctuaries or zoos.

Eastern lowland gorillas are faring slightly better with an estimated 3-5000 individuals remaining spread out across their large range. Overall then, while numbers have declined somewhat in recent years due to various threats, there are still several thousand gorillas remaining across Africa – with some subspecies doing better than others. Conservation efforts will be crucial to ensuring that these magnificent animals don’t disappear altogether from our planet.

Why are Gorillas Endangered

The gorilla is the world’s largest living primate and one of our closest relatives. These majestic animals are found in the tropical forests of Africa, where they play an important role in their ecosystem. However, gorillas are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease.

Habitat loss is the biggest threat to gorillas. The tropical rainforests of Africa are being destroyed at an alarming rate due to logging, mining, and agricultural expansion. This destruction leaves gorillas without the trees they need for shelter and the fruit they rely on for food.

As a result, many gorillas starve to death or are forced to venture into areas inhabited by humans, where they are often killed by poachers. Poaching is another major threat to gorillas. Although it is illegal to hunt gorillas, their body parts are highly valued in some cultures for use in traditional medicine or as trophies.

As a result, poachers will kill gorillas even if they do not intend to eat them – leaving whole families dead. In addition, orphaned baby gorillas are often captured and sold into the illegal wildlife trade as pets. Finally, gorillas are also threatened by disease.

They can contract human diseases such as influenza from contact with humans or through contaminated food left behind in campsites or settlements adjacent to gorilla habitats.

What is Being Done to Protect Gorillas

There are many organizations working to protect gorillas and their habitat. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one such organization. They work to raise awareness about the importance of gorillas and their habitat, as well as working directly with governments and communities to help protect gorillas and their homes.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International is another organization dedicated to gorilla conservation. They work to support anti-poaching efforts, rescue orphaned gorillas, and promote sustainable livelihoods for people living near gorilla habitats. These are just a few of the many organizations working hard to protect gorillas. With your help, we can make sure these amazing animals have a bright future.