Nigeria
They were once thought to be extinct: Rare gorillas fall into a photo trap with their offspring
This gorilla family was captured by a camera trap in Nigeria
© WCS Nigeria/DPA
Rare Cross River gorillas caught on camera in Nigeria Several hatchlings can also be seen in the photos – evidence that the once-endangered subspecies is reproducing amid conservation efforts.
They are extremely rare and endangered: Cross River gorillas. Now camera traps have been able to photograph a group of the endangered animals in the remote Mbe Mountains in southern Nigeria, reports the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).
The Cross River gorillas are critically endangered, there are only about 300 animals according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This is mainly due to poaching and habitat loss. According to the WCS, the gorillas are no longer necessarily hunted themselves – but the traps laid for other animals pose a threat to them. The animals were long thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in the 1980s. The gorillas only live in one area on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Last photos of gorillas taken in 2013
According to the WCS, it was last able to take photos of individual gorillas in 2012 and 2013. The new images are “the first time multiple cubs have been photographed in a group,” said Andrew Dunn, WCS Nigeria country director, on Wednesday. This is very encouraging because it means the group is doing well. “If animals are disturbed, they will not reproduce successfully.” The WCS has been trying for years to protect the gorillas and build up the population.