The Cross River gorilla is a rare subspecies of the western gorilla. Recognized as a new species in 1904, these gorillas play an important role in the biodiversity of their habitat.
The Current Population
The Cross River gorilla is considered the world’s rarest great ape, with fewer than 300 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. This number is an estimate, as these gorillas are highly elusive and inhabit rugged, challenging terrain, making direct counts difficult. Their critically endangered status, as categorized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlights their precarious situation.
Where They Live
Cross River gorillas are exclusively found in a mountainous border region between southeastern Nigeria and western Cameroon. Their habitat consists of forested hills and mountains, particularly in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. This distribution is highly fragmented, with gorillas scattered in at least 11 groups across a range of approximately 12,000 square kilometers. Key protected areas where they reside include Nigeria’s Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Mbe Mountains. In Cameroon, they are found in Takamanda National Park and the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, which form part of a trans-boundary protected area.
Why Their Numbers Are So Low
The severely low population of Cross River gorillas stems from multiple significant threats. Habitat loss and fragmentation are primary concerns, driven by human encroachment, logging, and the conversion of forest land for agriculture and livestock grazing. As human populations expand, their activities increasingly reduce and isolate the gorillas’ crucial forest habitats. This fragmentation also impedes genetic exchange between the small, separated groups, which can lead to inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity.
Hunting also poses a serious threat, primarily for bushmeat, even though the species is protected. While direct hunting of gorillas has reportedly become rare, the widespread use of snares intended for smaller mammals can still harm them. Any loss of individuals has a substantial impact on such a small population. Additionally, diseases, though less documented for this specific subspecies, represent a general risk to great ape populations, with potential for significant decline.
Protecting the Remaining Population
Extensive conservation efforts are underway to safeguard the Cross River gorilla population. These initiatives include the establishment and expansion of protected areas, such as the Takamanda National Park in Cameroon and the Cross River National Park in Nigeria, facilitating trans-boundary conservation. These protected zones aim to provide secure habitats and allow for potential movement between gorilla groups.
Community-based conservation programs are also central to these efforts, involving local people in the protection of gorillas. This includes promoting alternative livelihoods to reduce dependence on forest resources and mitigate pressures like logging and hunting. Conservation organizations provide training for community rangers in biomonitoring techniques and anti-poaching patrols to deter illegal activities. Cross-border collaboration between Cameroon and Nigeria is also in place to coordinate law enforcement and conservation education across their shared range.