Cross River Gorilla: Africa’s Rarest Great Ape

Recently, wildlife conservation group Wild Africa urged urgent action to protect Nigeria’s last 100 surviving Cross River gorillas.

Habitat and Unique Traits

  • Scientific classification: Gorilla gorilla diehli
  • Geographical Range: Cross River basin, Afi Mountains, Mbe Mountains, and Takamanda National Park along Nigeria-Cameroon border.
  • Environment: Dense rainforests, bamboo groves, lush vegetation at 1,500–3,500 meters elevation, offering seclusion from humans and poachers.
  • IUCN Status: Critically endangered

Why Cross River Gorillas Are Critically Endangered

  • Human Threats: Poaching for infants and hunting.
  • Habitat Loss: Deforestation, logging, and agricultural expansion fragment populations.
  • Disease: Ebola, respiratory infections, and other infectious diseases.
  • Predators: Crocodiles and leopards, though ....
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