Study: Mountain Gorilla Population in East and Central Africa Grows Significantly

The positive figures concern above all the populations in the Virunga volcanoes along the borders between Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Both areas are considered the last refuges of the subspecies Gorilla beringei beringei. The study evaluated, among other things, data from genetic analyses, habitat counts, and long-term field observations.

In addition to mountain gorillas, the researchers also examined the populations of Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This subspecies, which lives in lower-lying forests, is also more stable in several regions than a few years ago, although habitat loss and poaching continue to exert pressure on the animals. The study emphasizes that protected areas, local communities, and international partner organizations work closely together to protect the animals.

IUCN Classification and Role of Conservation Organizations

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists mountain gorillas on the Red List as "endangered," after the status had previously been classified as "critically endangered." The new figures are regarded by experts as important evidence that targeted conservation measures can take effect. The IUCN views the development as an encouraging signal for other highly endangered primate species.

Felix Ndagijimana, Rwanda country director at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, spoke of a milestone: "Die Erholung der Berggorilla-Population ist eine der weltweit größten Erfolgsgeschichten im Naturschutz." The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund operates one of the oldest research stations for mountain gorillas in Rwanda and has been involved in protection and monitoring for decades.

Continuing Risks and Need for Research

Despite the positive development, the researchers point out that mountain gorillas continue to depend on intensive conservation measures. Habitat destruction from agricultural use, illegal trade, and political instability in parts of the range could endanger the recovery. The authors of the study therefore advocate long-term funding of protected areas and closer involvement of the local population.

The results were published in an international scientific journal and are to be incorporated into the next global biodiversity reports. The study authors emphasize that the methods—including genetic procedures and camera traps—could also be adapted for other endangered great ape species such as chimpanzees and bonobos. The work thus has a model character beyond gorilla research.

For the coming years, the participating institutes have announced further studies, including on the genetic diversity of the populations and the influence of climate change on the elevations of the mountain forests. The Eastern Lowland Gorillas are also to be systematically recorded going forward. The researchers see the new figures as an incentive to consistently continue conservation efforts.

International Reactions and Educational Work

International conservation organizations also reacted positively to the study. They pointed out that the success was only possible because governments, local communities, rangers, and scientists had cooperated over decades. At the same time, they cautioned that funding for protected areas in Central and East Africa is still not secure and urgently needs to be expanded.

The Senckenberg Society announced that it would incorporate the new findings into its exhibition and educational work at the Natural History Museum in Frankfurt am Main. Visitors will be able to learn more there in the future about the lifestyle, threats, and conservation measures for mountain gorillas.

Overall, the study shows that targeted species conservation measures can pay off over long periods. The recovery of mountain gorillas is regarded internationally as one of the best-known examples of how a species can be saved from extinction through consistent management.