Changes in Grauer's gorilla ( Gorilla beringei graueri ) and other primate populations in the Kahuzi‐Biega National Park and Oku Community Reserve, the heart of Grauer's gorilla global range

A significant decline in Grauer's gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) populations, alongside other primate species, has been documented within the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Oku Community Reserve, a critical stronghold for these endangered primates. This study, conducted over an extended period, reveals alarming population trends, with Grauer's gorillas experiencing a 75% reduction in their range since 1980, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and human encroachment. Researchers employed a combination of direct observations, camera trapping, and community-based monitoring to assess primate populations across the region. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced conservation efforts, including anti-poaching measures and sustainable land-use practices, to mitigate further declines in this iconic species and its ecosystem.

Plumptre, A. J., Kirkby, A., Spira, C., Kivono, J., Mitamba, G., Ngoy, E., Nishuli, R., Strindberg, S., Maisels, F., Buckland, S., Ormsby, L., & Kujirakwinja, D. (2021). Changes in Grauer's gorilla ( Gorilla beringei graueri ) and other primate populations in the Kahuzi‐Biega National Park and Oku Community Reserve, the heart of Grauer's gorilla global range. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.6606348