Western Lowland Gorilla
By: Kaitlyn R
The fifth most endangered animal is the western lowland Gorilla. These gorillas live in heavy rain forests and lowland swamps with their troops of 4-8 gorillas in a community of 30. These troops are lead by male gorillas called alpha males. They can be found in multiple places in Central Africa. Western lowland Gorillas are basically vegetarians, eating fruits, vegetables, and rarely insects. They are around 4 to 6 ft tall and can weigh up to 400 pounds.
The western lowland Gorilla is on the list of critically endangered animals for many reasons. The first reason is because of habitat destruction. In Central America most of there forests are made of timber which timber is a big wood that is logged today. The second thing that is causing the gorilla to be endangered is hunting and trade. Hunting and trade are the gorillas biggest threat. The gorillas get hunted by bushmeat hunters because they are thought to have good meat and be pets. Also the insides of the gorillas are used for medicines and magical charms. Lastly, disease is another contributor to the gorillas extinction. Ebola is a big disease in Central Africa and it has killed nearly one-third of the gorilla population.
Western lowland gorillas are trying to be saved by many people. An African Ape Program is getting involved in many conservations and other things to help make sure the gorilla population doesn't decrease anymore. Other groups or foundations are also helping such as WWF alliances, WCS, GTZ, CARPE, and the French Cooperation. All of these groups are doing projects to help the gorillas. Some of the projects being done are areas are going to be strengthened and protected, a tracking gorilla program, and promoting a sustainable development. Also scientists are trying to adapt a vaccine for Ebola to help the gorillas. People around the world can also help the gorillas by donating gifts or money and buying sustainable wood.