Grauer's Gorilla

The Wildlife Conservation Society began work on what is today known as Grauer’s or the eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) in 1959 when George Schaller undertook his pioneering study of the gorillas inhabiting the mountains of the Albertine Rift. In 1993 WCS conservationist Jefferson Hall led a three year study to determine the range and  size of the Grauer’s gorilla population. Since then, a devastating war and a rapid growth of illegal mining has seriously jeopardized the survival of several populations of Grauer’s gorillas. Recent surveys by WCS conservationist Innocent Liengola in the mountains of Kahuzi-Biega National Park indicate that while there has been a decline in this localized population during the period of conflict, more gorillas than expected still inhabit this area. Through the stong work and enduring courage of our team in DR Congo, WCS is working in Kahuzi-Biega to protect and rebuild what is perhaps the single most important site for this endemic subspecies.

The Human Aspect
The mountain sector of Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Mountains in DR Congo belong to the most densely populated areas throughout Africa. Even though the human population density in this area was originally lower, the situation has changed tremendously in recent years creating greater pressure on the forests. These forests are also vital to protecting water sources and buffering soil erosion. Local communities are also concerned with their protection as they provide important natural resources for a number of local ethnic groups.

Threats

Grauer's gorillas are only found in DR Congo

The civil war seriously hampered conservation efforts within eastern DR Congo.  Poaching of wildlife – often associated with illicit mining - has reportedly had a dramatic impact on Grauer’s gorilla populations throughout their range. A weakened National Parks Institute has lost control of critical areas.  The corridor linking the lowlands of Kahuzi-Biega with the mountain sector has been cut. Illegal miners have also entered the forest in search of valuable minerals such as gold, diamonds, and Coltan, a mineral, used for the production of cell phones. Deforestation due to crop cultivation and the need for fuel wood also remain an on-going threat to gorilla habitats.

WCS Activities
WCS is working to assess the impact of the recent war on DR Congo’s protected areas.

• WCS’s Inventory and Monitoring Unit (IMU) conducts population assessments of Grauer’s gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Itombwe Mountains.
• Within the parks, WCS is working with the park management and other collaborators to build infrastructure and engage local communities in conservation efforts.
• WCS assesses the threats posed by illegal mining and is exploring ways to work with miners. 
• In the Itombwe Mountains WCS is working with local communities to establish a community conservation area that will assure the long term protection of Grauer’s gorilla populations and thier habitat.

Important Next Steps
• Train Congolese Park Service (ICCN) staff in information collection and data synthesizing – including GIS – techniques as part of an effort to assess the impacts of the war on parks.
• Work with the Congolese Park Service (ICCN) to build infrastructure and regain control of the national parks.
• Work with the ICCN to engage local communities in conservation efforts associated with national parks.
• Monitor the health of the population and take measures to reduce human-gorilla disease transmission in collaboration with the WCS Field Veterinary Program