e360 digest

09 Dec 2010: Mountain Gorilla Population
In Central Africa Grows 25 Percent

The population of endangered mountain gorillas in a critical region of Central Africa has increased more than 25 percent since 2003, a new report says. According to a recent census, wildlife officials counted 480 gorillas in a 180-square-mile area that straddles three national parks in the Democratic Republic

IGCP

A mountain gorilla

of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. That is 100 more than in 2003 and nearly two times the mountain gorillas counted in the three parks 30 years ago, when scientists believed the species was on the verge of extinction. Wildlife officials say improved anti-poaching efforts and local economic development initiatives are behind the recovery of the population. While poachers typically don’t target mountain gorillas, the snares they set for other species pose a major threat. “We cannot let down our guard on the conservation of these incredible animals,” said Eugene Rutagarama, director of the International Gorilla Conservation Program. The total world population of mountain gorillas is roughly 800, including 300 in nearby Bwindi National Park.

Recommend

Stumble Upon

Digg

Into the Heart of Ecuador’s Yasuni

Counting Species: What It Says About Human Toll on Wildlife

Will Bold Steps Be Needed to Save Beleaguered Polar Bears?

Reviving Europe’s Biodiversity By Importing Exotic Animals

The Perils and Rewards of Protecting Congo’s Gorillas

The Dirty War Against Africa’s Remaining Rhinos

Yale Environment 360 is
a publication of the
Yale School of Forestry
& Environmental Studies.

Twitter: YaleE360
e360 on Facebook
Donate to e360
View mobile site
Bookmark
Share e360
Email newsletter
Subscribe to our feed:

About e360
Contact
Submission Guidelines
Reprints

South African photojournalist Adam Welz documents the harrowing relocation of six white rhinos to a region that has lost all its rhinos to poaching. View the gallery.

Opinion
Reports
Analysis
Interviews
e360 Digest
Podcasts
Video Reports

Biodiversity
Business & Innovation
Climate
Energy
Forests
Oceans
Policy & Politics
Pollution & Health
Science & Technology
Sustainability
Urbanization
Water

Antarctica and the Arctic
Africa
Asia
Australia
Central & South America
Europe
Middle East
North America

A Yale Environment 360 video explores Ecuador’s threatened Yasuni Biosphere Reserve with scientists inventorying its stunning forests and wildlife. Watch the video.

The latest
from Yale
Environment 360 is now available for mobile devices at e360.yale.edu/mobile.

In a Yale Environment 360 video, photographer Pete McBride documents how increasing water demands have transformed the Colorado River, the lifeblood of the arid Southwest. Watch the video.

Top Image: aerial view of Iceland. © Google & TerraMetrics.

The Warriors of Qiugang, a Yale Environment 360 video that chronicles the story of a Chinese village’s fight against a polluting chemical plant, was nominated for a 2011 Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject). Watch the video.

Centre for Science and Environment

Environmental Health News

Environmental News Network