ANTHROPOLOGY

Anthropology: Primate Report - Gorilla

Anthropology: Primate Report - Gorilla

Conservation Threats & Potential Solutions

Threat: Human Induced Habitat Loss and Degradation

For thousands of years, men and women have strived to explain the why of their existence. To discover the reasons for how we act the way we do and what this knowledge can do to impact the way we live our lives in this complex society that we have created. One of the ways that science has begun to shed light on the inner workings of the human condition is through Primatology. Built from the words Primate which refers to a group of animals closely related to humans and logos which is a Greek word meaning 'the study of' Primatology's goals include more than simply to amass data on the primate species. Rather a Primatologist observes data about primates in an effort to understand the primate species under their study and to relate that data back to the human condition so that we can learn more about ourselves through our evolutionary cousins. (Fay, 1989).

Threat: Invasive Alien Species

Gorillas are highly susceptible to human diseases, and where they are immunologically naïve, the influx of poachers, soldiers, local communities, and domestic animals facilitates the spread of pathogens in small communities (Goidts 2006). Gorillas in Republic of Congo and Gabon are currently threatened by an epidemic of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Even in the most remote areas of their region, western gorilla populations have declined in congruence with human outbreaks of the disease and carcasses found have tested positive for Ebola (Glazko 2003).

Potential solutions

Educating local communities about zoonotic diseases may decrease disease transfer, and ideally, providing more widespread access to health care would also be useful. Where gorillas come in contact with researchers, park visitors, and staff, implementing even stronger protocol that includes face masks, gloves, required immunization, and further required distances from the animals may also decrease chances of disease transfer (Glazko 2003).

Threat: Harvesting (hunting/gathering)

More threatening than habitat loss in some areas, hunting of gorillas for meat as well as capture of animals for collections are other hazards greatly affecting gorilla populations across Africa. Where human populations encroach on gorilla habitat and forest products such as fuelwood and timber are sought, poaching is generally also a problem, either for food or for sale .

Potential solutions

Economic value must be given to live gorillas if local communities are to stop pursuing them for meat. Alternately, world aid and development organizations must give fiscal incentives for gorilla-friendly development projects that include alternate protein sources. Education of local communities or stakeholders is also necessary if the bushmeat trade is to subside.

Threat: Accidental Mortality

The bushmeat market targets more animals than primates, snares and traps are set for duikers, pigs, and rodents as well (Groves 2005). Unfortunately, snares are frequent causes of human-induced injuries to gorillas and can lead to loss of limbs or severely painful deaths if not treated Groves 2002). Gorillas that are caught in snares struggle to free themselves and are often cut on their ...