Endangered Gorillas’
Defining the Problem
Gorillas are considered to be part of the primates’ family. Years of extensive scientific research has also proved that their DNA is 98% identical to the humans DNA. Correspondingly, they have some unique characters when one compares them to the other primates. Other primates are prone to dwell on trees, but that is not the case with gorillas. They thrive in terrestrial regions and tropical rainforests. Perhaps, that is why most of the Gorilla population thrives in the African continent. Most of the population is concentrated in the West African region, Congo. However, some of them can also be found in Rwanda and Uganda.
Research Review
Human beings are considered to be the main threat to the Gorilla species. First, human beings are exploiting natural resources such as forests. Forests are often cleared for either agriculture or timber. However, when too much logging takes place, the natural habitat of gorillas’ is also destroyed. Studies show that up to 20% of gorillas dwell in protected areas, whereas the more significant percentage is facing continuous threats from humans (Primates Info Net, 1). Mountain gorillas’ have been conserved by setting up centuries in certain regions. For instance, the Virunga region has become a sanctuary for the endangered species. It is a protected region which ensures that gorillas’ habitats are well conserved.
Secondly, human beings are often intrigued by the natural habitat and the animals occurring in nature. In the same fashion, they have set up various programs for the study of gorillas’ as an endangered species. However, the active interaction of humans and gorillas’ provides the chance for interspecies disease transmission (Schulz, 1). The interspecies disease is a significant threat to the endangered species because, without the right form of treatment, the animals rarely survive. Furthermore, more resources are concentrated on treating and protecting the scientist in the study. Perhaps, the studies and research should focus both ways so that both species have a chance at survival.
Observation and Description
The gorillas communicate through growling and signs. They also have the ability to live in well organized groups with an alpha males. The alpha male usually marks his territory by standing upright making charges, and pounding on his chest. In the same fashion, they also rummage for food in the forest as a group. There group formation ensures that they can gather enough food. Notably, they also reproduce like human beings. Gorillas, have a gestation period of up to nine months. There is an undeniable similarity to human beings when it comes to reproduction.
References
Schultz, Rhiannon. “Killer Conservation: the implications of disease on gorilla conservation.” BioRisk 11 (2016): 1.
Primate Info Net. Gorilla. Conservation Status. (2020) Retrieved from http://pin.primate.wisc.edu/factsheets/entry/gorilla/cons