Everyone knows of Harambe 🦍
But, did you know Mountain Gorillas are endangered & only about 1,000 are left in the wild?
They are only found in Africa.
A 🧵on them, & the Virunga Rainforest in #Rwanda 🇷🇼
The Virunga-Bwindi-Volcanoes Landscape spans the borders of three African nations - the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, & Rwanda.
Covering approx. 7800 sqkm, it houses a variety of endangered species, has been a significant source of income, & is a vital global carbon sink
But, the gorillas face an existential threat.
Poaching, logging, & mining - all illegal activities.
Why are they poached, though?
Bushmeat. Primarily supplied to meet demands in urban centres where the consumption of ape meat is considered prestigious amongst the wealthy.
Threats
Tourism & associated invasion into rainforests leads to habitat destruction & the spread of diseases. 😷
Logging & mining have further damaged their precious and vital ecosystem, causing deforestation, soil erosion, & water pollution.
What other species can be found?
A critical ecosystem that helps mitigate climate change, these forests are home to species of other endangered animals, birds, & insects:
Chimpanzees
Golden Monkeys
Colobus Monkeys
Elephants
Lions
Hippos
Antelopes
How many have you heard of?
The Gorillas 🦍
Found in high-altitude bamboo forests, they are considered one of the biggest & most powerful living primates 💪
An avg silverback can weigh up to 180kg; a female at about 90kg
Interestingly, humans share around 98% of our DNA with gorillas 🧬
Diseases like common colds are communicable - putting them at risk.
Usually, they live in stable family groups of about 10-12 individuals, including one dominant male and many females. They all care for their children👪
Once old, many leave the group to prevent inbreeding
Tourism
Virunga can be explored from all countries, with Rwanda & Uganda offering trekking with armed personnel into the forests.
The DRC even offers armed security cover for tourists for up to 11 days to promote tourism in the conflict-ridden country.
It is estimated that 15,000 tourists visit the park annually.
There are plenty of accommodations available in nearby cities, in Rwanda & Uganda specifically. There are also great resorts within & on the outskirts of the park, which tend to attract large swaths of tourists. ⛺
To preserve this international gem, preservation and conservation efforts are underway.
Govts. are working to prevent & prohibit illegal activities that harm the ecosystem.
Help spread awareness so that together we can protect & preserve gorillas & the forests for future gens🙏
Some accounts, if you would like to see related stuff:
@gorillacd
@WWF
@UNEP
@NatGeo
@NatGeoTravel
@GRACEgorillas
@SavingGorillas
@Gorillas_Org
@ApeActionAfrica
@ugwildlife
@RDBrwanda
@REMA_Rwanda
@IccnRdc
@GorillaDoctors
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