Gorilla Unisex Hoodie

Eastern Gorilla

Where They Live: Eastern gorillas are found in the forests of central and eastern Africa. This species is divided into two subspecies: the Mountain Gorilla and Grauer’s Gorilla (Eastern Lowland Gorilla). Mountain gorillas inhabit the montane rainforests and subalpine forests of the Virunga Mountains in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. Grauer’s gorillas, on the other hand, are found in the lowland tropical forests of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

How Many Are Left: There are only about 5,000 Eastern Gorillas left in the wild, with fewer than 1,063 Mountain Gorillas and around 3,800 to 6,800 Grauer’s Gorillas remaining. Both subspecies are classified as Critically Endangered due to their rapidly declining populations (World Population Review) (WWF Panda).

Why They Are Endangered: Eastern gorillas face severe threats from:

1. Habitat Loss: Deforestation for agriculture, illegal logging, and mining has dramatically reduced their habitat. It’s estimated that Grauer’s gorillas occupy only about 13% of their former geographic range (Earth.Org).
2. Poaching: Both Mountain and Grauer’s gorillas are hunted for bushmeat, traditional medicine, and even as trophies.
3. Civil Unrest and Human Encroachment: In regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo, political instability has led to increased hunting, land clearing, and illegal activities within protected areas (World Wildlife Fund) (Earth.Org).

3 Things We Can Do to Save Them:

1. Support Anti-Poaching Efforts: Contribute to organizations that fund anti-poaching patrols and law enforcement in critical gorilla habitats.
2. Promote Sustainable Products: Choose products that don’t contribute to habitat destruction, such as certified timber or conflict-free minerals.
3. Raise Awareness and Advocate for Gorilla Conservation: Spread the word and support policies that protect gorilla habitats and enforce laws against illegal hunting and logging.

Fun Fact: Eastern gorillas are the largest primates in the world! Adult males, known as “silverbacks,” can weigh up to 440 pounds and stand over 5 feet tall when on two legs (World Wildlife Fund) (Animalia Bio).

Western Gorilla

Where They Live: Western gorillas are found in the tropical forests and swamps of western and central Africa, including countries like Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. There are two subspecies: the Western Lowland Gorilla and the Cross River Gorilla. Western lowland gorillas prefer dense rainforest habitats, while Cross River gorillas are found in the highlands of the Nigeria-Cameroon border.

How Many Are Left: Western lowland gorillas are estimated to number around 95,000 to 316,000 in the wild, while the critically endangered Cross River gorillas have a population of only 250 to 300 individuals (World Population Review).

Why They Are Endangered:

1. Disease: Outbreaks of Ebola have killed a significant number of western lowland gorillas.
2. Habitat Destruction: Logging, agriculture, and human settlement are encroaching on their habitats.
3. Hunting for Bushmeat: Despite laws protecting them, western gorillas are still hunted for their meat, posing a serious threat to their survival (WWF Panda).

3 Things We Can Do to Save Them:

1. Support Conservation Programs: Donate to programs working to protect western gorilla habitats and rehabilitate populations affected by disease and hunting.
2. Advocate for Health Monitoring: Support initiatives that monitor and prevent disease outbreaks like Ebola in gorilla populations.
3. Reduce Demand for Bushmeat: Educate communities and promote alternative sources of protein to reduce hunting pressures on gorillas.

Fun Fact: Western gorillas are known for their lighter hair color compared to their eastern counterparts. They also have more pronounced red or grayish hair on their heads, giving them a unique appearance (WWF Panda).

By taking small but impactful actions, we can help protect these incredible creatures and ensure they continue to thrive in their natural habitats.