Mountain Gorillas No Longer On The Critical Verge Of Extinction

Nov 29, 2018

Efforts to preserve native mountain gorillas across the world have successfully saved them from the brink of extinction. Recent Population Rates Of Mountain Gorillas Has Shown that they may not be as close to extinction as was once thought.

Illegal poaching and diseases like Ebola have driven the eastern mountain gorilla near extinction for decades. This endangered subspecies is one of only two eastern gorilla subspecies that still exist today. They are native to Rwanda, Uganda, And the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Diseases have played a large role in their declining population. It is estimated that the majority of the diseases that mountain gorillas suffer from can be traced to human involvement in their natural habitats. Exposure to the Ebola virus is one of the leading causes of death for gorillas in these countries.

These eastern mountain gorillas were estimated to have a total population of less than 700 in existence. They were labeled as critically endangered in 2008. Over the last 10 years, mankind has banded together to save them for generations to come.

The status of these rare animals has been changed from critically endangered to endangered. That change is according to the estimated increase in numbers by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). There has never been a greater number of this subspecies in recorded history.

The downside of conservationist efforts involves the citizens of these countries. Some of these methods of protection against poaching require troops of patrols that constantly scout the surrounding areas. It definitely creates more questions than answers.

Who do these animals rights foundations hire to protect endangered animals? Are outside forces acting against the will of the people and local government in an attempt to save one species? Extreme poaching laws could lead to criminal charges against farmers and landowners.

It is no doubt that such limitations could easily be used as a control-tactic against innocent civilians in certain war-stricken countries. If an endangered species could cause an outside entity to enforce their morals onto a sovereign country under the guise of preservation, then there’s nothing stopping corruption in the form of political manipulation.

The world can thankfully rest assured today. One more marvelous mammal has been spared from the jaws of extinction. The true cost of which we may never truly know.

It will still require many more years of effort to completely remove the eastern mountain gorilla from danger. Experts are happy to see the data turn in favor of this rare creature.

IUCN has also released an updated list of endangered species. This list includes over 26,000 species that could be considered under the threat of extinction. Perhaps the conservation efforts of people around the globe will have a positive influence on those creatures as well.

What are your views on this issue? Should dangerous animals be given special protection that infringes upon the rights of citizens? Should a man forfeit part of his life for killing a wild animal? Tell us your thoughts and invite your family and friends to the discussion as well!