The document discusses the conservation efforts of the critically endangered gorilla population in Africa. It identifies several key threats facing gorillas: (1) deforestation is destroying their natural habitat and forcing them into conflict with humans; (2) poaching for bushmeat and body parts is difficult to prevent; (3) diseases transmitted from humans are deadly to gorillas with no immunity. Conservation groups are working to protect gorilla habitats and curb poaching, but more must be done as deforestation, diseases, and human encroachment continue threatening gorilla survival.

1. The Critically Endangered Gorilla
A choose your own adventure to
explore the conservation efforts of
the Gorilla

2. There are many factors impacting the
survival of the Gorilla. Click one to
learn more.
Deforestation
Poaching
Disease
Low Food Sources What Can We Do?

3. Deforestation
When the natural habitats of the Gorilla’s
are destroyed by deforestation it can
cause a lot of problems for the species.
When their natural habitat is destroyed,
they are forced to move away, but
sometimes they can run out of food on
their way to new habitats.
Sometimes, when Gorillas are moving to a
new habitat they can run across Human
traps and be killed for sport, meat or
souvenirs.
Often though, when Gorillas are moving
to new habitats they are killed by the
many soldiers in Africa involved in the
civil war.
Natural Habitats for the Gorillas are
running out fast
H O M E

4. Disease
Human diseases have also begun to
affect Gorillas
H O M E
Because of the small number of Gorilla
habitats and populations disease has
become a major concern for Gorillas.
These problems seem to spread very
rapidly and even the healthiest of the
troops aren’t able to survive it. In 2006
more than 5,000 of them died from the
Ebola virus in Africa. The people of Africa
often feel that they are in direct
competition with the gorillas. They feel
that by destroying them they will allow
humans there the chance to live a better
life.
With the increased exposure to humans
Gorillas have been exposed to illnesses
that they have no defence for, or
immunity to. Such as, Measles, mange,
and intestinal parasites.

5. Poaching
H O M E
Poaching is very hard to keep in check,
and even the live capture of Gorillas for
smuggling to the black market for the pet
trade is almost impossible to track or
stop. The Gorillas are killed for their meat,
referred to as "bush meat" this is illegal,
and yet still they are butchered on site,
making capturing the guilty highly
improbable
Hunting of Gorillas takes place in Africa
too, in order to stop them from eating the
crops that are grown for the village
people to live on.
In many parts of the world, body parts of
gorillas are sold as souvenirs. While that
may seem completely out of line to some
of us, for others it is simply one more way
in which they can prove their wealth.
Gorillas are poached for many reasons

6. Low Food Supplies
Gorillas have a very specific diet
H O M E
The Gorilla consumes parts of at least 142
plant species and only 3 types of fruit
(there is hardly any fruit available due to
the high altitude. About 86% of their diet
is leaves, shoots, and stems, 7% is roots,
3% is flowers, 2% is fruit, and 2% ants,
snails, and grubs.
The deforestation of their natural habitat
means that 86% of their diet is being
destroyed.
Although gorillas can survive on fruit, nuts
and various insects, for their population
to be sustainable there needs to be more
action taken in the conservation of their
natural habitats.

7. Conservation Efforts
Watch this video to see what some organisations are doing to aid the Gorilla
population.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1uvVtRAhws
What other measure should be taken to protect the gorilla? What impacts on
their biome is impacting their survival and how can they be helped?
H O M E