MOUNTAIN GORILLA CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF CANADA
GORILLA DOCTORS
Wild Gorillas are increasingly threatened by the loss of habitat, deforestation, illegal hunting, war, poaching and from the transmission of disease caused by humans.
Due to the increase in tourism, gorillas are more exposed to people than ever before.
Local Specialized Veterinarians observe gorillas for signs of illness or injury and treat their patients "in situ" delivering the highest level of veterinary care and implementing measures to prevent the transmission of human diseases.
HEALTH ISSUES
Humans and Gorillas share 98.25% the same DNA, which make gorillas very susceptible to catching the same diseases.
However, the immune system of gorillas are not developed to resist human diseases and infections which could severely impact their population.
HABITAT LOSS
The forests where Mountain Gorillas live are surrounded by rapidly increasing human settlement.
The humans’ need for land, food and timber, encroaches on the gorillas’ habitat through roads, slash and burn agriculture and logging.
The resulting deforestation confines the gorillas to isolated forest islands. Some groups may raid crops for food, creating further animosity and retaliation.
POACHING
Gorillas are not usually hunted for bushmeat, but they are frequently maimed or killed by snares intended for other animals.
The abduction of infants generally involves the loss of at least one adult, as members of a group will fight to the death to protect their young.
Poaching for meat is particularly threatening in regions of political unrest. Most of the African great apes survive in areas of chronic insecurity, where there is a breakdown of law and order.
Every individual Gorilla matters