As a result of the gorillas’ low reproductive rate, even relatively low levels of poaching can cause population decline which may take generations to reverse. Poaching of gorillas for bushmeat, as well as body parts which are used in traditional medicines and as magical charms, poses a major threat to remaining wild gorilla populations. Although a silverback gorilla is very fast, quite strong, and has a longer arm span, it is unlikely that a silverback could defeat the much larger and faster grizzly bear in a fair fight. Commercial logging, agriculture and the associated new transport infrastructure significantly increase access for poachers into previously inaccessible forest areas, and additionally allow for the use of vehicles to transport large volumes of poached bushmeat out of the forest. Gorilla troops have a home range between 4-25 km2 (1.5-9.7 miles2). One of the largest gorilla troops identified had 4 silverbacks, 5 blackbacks, 12 adult females, and 16 young. If a troop consists of multiple silverbacks they are usually the sons of the dominant adult male silverback. Habitat loss is also inextricably linked to the illegal bushmeat trade. They are highly synchronized in their activity patterns. Habitat loss and fragmentation also result in the creation of isolated populations which suffer the additional problems of inbreeding and disease. The rapid degradation of gorilla habitat due to mining, commercial logging, subsistence agriculture and road building activities poses a significant threat to the remaining populations of wild gorillas. Far less abundant and more beautiful than oil or gold, this majestic great ape is the Congo’s real treasure. These factors are further exacerbated by conflict and poor governance in many of the remaining gorilla strongholds. Around one third of the world’s mountain gorillas live in the resource-rich Virunga mountains, the exploitation of which threatens the species’ very existence. The primary threats are poaching habitat degradation and loss due to mining, logging and agriculture and diseases, most notably Ebola. Despite their considerable economic, cultural and aesthetic value to many people worldwide, the future of gorillas is far from secure. Gorillas are the largest of the great apes and play a vital ecological role in the forests of Central Africa.
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