Cross River Gorilla
The Cross River gorilla remains one of the rarest primates in the world. Found between Nigeria and Cameroon, fewer than 300 individuals survive . Conservationists face urgent challenges to protect this species from extinction. Their unique habitat, social behaviour, and threats offer vital insight into Africa’s biodiversity crisis.
Habitat and Distinctive Features
- Cross River gorillas live in mountainous forests along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
- Key areas include the Cross River basin, Afi Mountains, Mbe Mountains, and Takamanda National Park. These regions are dense with rainforests and bamboo groves at elevations between 1,500 and 3,500 metres. This remote habitat makes sightings extremely rare.
- Scientifically named *Gorilla gorilla diehli*, they differ from other western gorillas by their brownish-grey to black fur and a red crest on their cone-shaped heads.
- Adult males develop silver patches on their backs, earning the silverback title.
Social Structure and Behaviour
- Cross River gorillas live in small groups of 2 to 20 individuals.
- Each group is led by a dominant silverback male who guides feeding, nesting, and protection. Nests are built from branches and leaves on the forest floor or in trees during the rainy season.
- Their diet consists mainly of leaves, nuts, berries, and lianas. They forage widely but cause minimal crop damage, making them less of a nuisance to local farmers compared to wild pigs.
Threats and Conservation Status
- This subspecies is critically endangered, with only 200 to 300 individuals left.
- Human activities are the main threats.
- Poaching for bushmeat and illegal pet trade has decimated their numbers.
- Habitat loss due to deforestation fragments populations and reduces food sources.
- Infectious diseases like Ebola further endanger them.
- Natural predators include crocodiles and large jungle cats but are less threats than humans.
- Slow reproduction rates, with females birthing once every four years and long infant dependency, limit population recovery.
- Lifespan ranges from 35 to 50 years, increasing the need for immediate conservation.
Conservation Efforts
Cross River gorillas are not found in zoos since the last captive individual died in 2016. Protection relies on sanctuaries such as the Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. These centres preserve habitat and support research and education. Ecotourism and wildlife documentaries raise awareness globally. Local and international cooperation is crucial to prevent extinction. Public education marks the gorillas’ ecological role and promotes sustainable conservation practices.
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