Listed as “Critically Endangered” by the IUCN Red List, the Eastern Gorilla is under severe threat. Deforestation for both, agricultural and commercial purposes, has led to severe fragmentation of the habitat of the species. Additionally, poaching has also driven much of this decline.
Fortunately, there is still hope. The population of the Mountain Gorilla, one of the two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, is on the rise. This is through concrete conservation measures, such as habitat protection, eco-tourism, and effective anti-poaching measures. Another critical measure to conserve the world’s largest ape species is to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. In this interview, I speak to Dr. Rick from Gorilla Doctors about the types of diseases threatening gorillas, measures being taken to halt the transmission of these diseases, and the great on-field work they are partaking in!
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