And I don't mean the 2006 American epic period action film. 300 is the shockingly low estimated number of Cross River Gorillas left in the wild today.
Cross River Gorilla, 24x30" Acrylic on Canvas, katrinathunem.com
Cross River Gorillas, a subspecies of the western gorilla, are the rarest of all apes. They live across the lowland montane forests and rainforests of Cameroon and Nigeria. These gorillas were already once poached to near extinction and today there is estimated to be only 200-300 left in the wild. They are wary of humans and inhabit rugged territory, so scientists have been unable to count their numbers directly, instead using nest counts as an indication of their remaining numbers. Today, scientists are employing local hunters-turned-conservationists to conserve these great apes and their habitats using their expert tracking skills, which is a really cool transition to see and a clever way mindfully re-employ a poachers skill set. Still, some poaching threats still exist, and their habitats are increasingly populated by humans that are clearing forests for timber and to create fields for agriculture and livestock.
Cross River Gorilla, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gorille_adulte_avec_dos_argent%C3%A9_du_sanctuaire_de_la_Mefou.jpg, Fkamtoh, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Cross River Gorillas (scientific name: Gorilla gorilla diehli) are capable of walking upright for brief periods of time, making them appear an even closer relative to ourselves. Large jungle cats and crocodiles are their only natural predators. The gorillas are part of troups, which are led and protected by an alpha male, a mature silverback who keeps the peace. Females have one baby, which is very vulnerable and require long term maternal care. Females typically give birth every 4 to 5 years, after their infant is fully weaned. Grooming each other is a favourite pass time and establishes social bonds. Cross river gorillas communicate through a variety of vocalisations. Scientists have determined 22 different ones so far. Scientists also attest that gorilla behaviours and emotions are similar to the human experience.
Cross River Gorilla, 24x30" Acrylic on Canvas, katrinathunem.com
Cross River Gorillas are important to our planet as seed dispersers, playing a critical role in forest regeneration. They disperse seed far from the mother trees since they travel such long distances, adding to the diversity of the forest flora.
This painting is a part of a 2021 painting series, which is dedicated to endangered species. There are several great organizations working to help the Cross River Gorilla, one of which is The Jane Goodall Institute, who I will be donating a portion of the proceeds to for this piece (check out the shop for more info). The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in partnership with the North Carolina Zoo is using GPS tracking technology to monitor the location of the gorilla nest sites, note evidence of poaching, logging and more. There is also use of conservation canines, which are trained to find dung to use for DNA analysis to determine the threat level of human diseases to these gorillas. WWF is working with Cameroon & Nigerian Governments to create a protected area that spans the border of these two nations, have established ranger posts with communicator equipment for anti-poaching staff, have a future project to establish protected corridors of forest habitat for the gorillas to have safe migration, and are working with local logging companies to foster sustainable management of gorillas habitat to promote safe, alternative economic development initiatives. Fauna & Flora International is helping educate local communities to feel a sense of pride for their native gorilla subspecies, and the African Conservation Foundation (ACF), Environmental & Rural Development Foundation, and Cross River Gorilla Campaign are putting forth a collaborative effort to raise awareness and funds.
I encourage you to do your own research on these amazing great apes and their habitats, as well as discover what is best suitable to you in regards to helping. There is a lot more information out there that can help you understand why these gorillas are important to our planet and methods/organizations that know how to properly lend a helping hand.
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