The greatest current threats to mountain gorillas are entanglement in hunting snares, disease transfer from humans, and habitat loss for agriculture and livestock. “Gorillas have almost the same DNA as us, and humans can transmit anything from a common cold to ebola. Gorilla populations are incredibly fragile and sensitive to environmental change. There are only two populations, so disease could easily wipe out an entire population,” said McVey.
The prospect of oil exploration in Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Virunga national park by petroleum companies has also become a cause for concern. “More people in Virunga would likely lead to an increase in deforestation, illegal hunting and more snares in the forest,” The Guardian
Daniel Taylor’s most renowned masterpiece portrait of a Silverback Mountain Gorilla.
There are only about 790 Mountain Gorillas left in the world, hidden high among the forested volcanoes of central Africa. Many people have seen the movie “Gorillas in the Mist”, featuring the American zoologist Dian Fossey.
Mountain Gorillas are still are critically endangered. Major threats include habitat loss and forest encroachment, disease and disease transmission from humans, war or political unrest and oil exploration within the National Parks.
“The male gorilla, called silverback, is the strong, dominant troop leader. Gentle in character, he is taking responsibility for the safety and well-being of the family group. When you look into his eyes, you are left in no doubt that he is looking right back and, like you, considering what he sees.” ~ Daniel Taylor
Source: Art Saving Wildlife