Are Gorillas Endangered? Current Status, Causes, and Conservation Efforts

Today, there are approximately 7.7 million animal species on Earth, and sadly, around 20% of them are currently endangered. Among these, gorillas stand out not only for their close genetic link to humans but also for their remarkable intelligence, tool use, and unique behaviors.

However, gorilla populations are rapidly declining. So, are gorillas really endangered? This article provides a comprehensive overview of their conservation status, threats they face, and what’s being done to protect them—plus how you can help.

Are Gorillas Really Endangered?

Gorillas are divided into two main species based on their geographic location:

• Eastern gorillas (Gorilla beringei)

• Western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla)

Each species contains two subspecies, and all face varying levels of threat.

1. Eastern Gorillas (Gorilla beringei)

These gorillas inhabit the eastern regions of Africa—mainly the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. According to the IUCN Red List, Eastern gorillas are classified as Endangered.

Subspecies: Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

• Found only in two isolated mountain populations.

• Only about 1,004 individuals remain worldwide.

• Their habitat is shrinking due to agricultural expansion.

• They are highly vulnerable to human-borne diseases like respiratory infections, often introduced by tourists, researchers, and veterinarians.

• The Virunga National Park, one of their few habitats, faces threats from armed conflicts and oil extraction plans.

Subspecies: Grauer’s Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri)

• Suffered a 77% population decline in just one generation.

• Now listed as Critically Endangered.

• Primary threat: illegal hunting for bushmeat.

• Habitat fragmentation has further accelerated their decline.

2. Western Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla)

Western gorillas are more numerous and widespread across West Africa, but they too are at serious risk. Both subspecies are Critically Endangered according to the IUCN.

Subspecies: Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

• Faces a 2.7% annual population decline.

• Severely impacted by Ebola virus outbreaks, which wiped out 75% of individuals in some national parks between 1995 and 2000.

• Their rainforest habitat is increasingly being cleared for palm oil plantations, leading to habitat loss and community breakdown.

Subspecies: Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)

• Inhabits Nigeria and Cameroon.

• Populations are highly fragmented and genetically weakened due to inbreeding.

• Their habitat is restricted by the Cross River, and human encroachment intensifies their vulnerability to disease and extinction.

Why Are Gorillas Endangered?

Although each subspecies faces unique challenges, several overarching threats are shared across all gorilla populations:

1. Illegal Hunting

• Road construction for mining and logging has made once-inaccessible forests easy to reach.

• Gorillas are hunted for their meat, considered a delicacy in some regions.

2. Habitat Loss

• Deforestation for agriculture, mining, and infrastructure expansion reduces gorilla habitat and food sources.

• Global development pressures weaken forest ecosystems' resilience to climate disasters.

3. Weak Law Enforcement

• In politically unstable regions, wildlife protection laws are often ignored or poorly enforced.

• Armed conflict continues to threaten both gorillas and conservation personnel.

For more on this issue, read: “How to Stop Poaching: Causes and Solutions.”

What Is Being Done to Protect Mountain Gorillas?

Several vital conservation efforts are in place to prevent mountain gorillas from going extinct:

• International bans on gorilla hunting, trade, and capture under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).

• Protected areas like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provide crucial habitats.

• Organizations such as the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) work with local communities and governments to promote responsible tourism and conservation.

Importantly, mountain gorillas are the only great ape species whose population is currently increasing—a beacon of hope in wildlife conservation.

How Can You Help Save Endangered Gorillas?

While governments and NGOs play a major role in protecting gorillas, individuals like you can also make a significant impact:

✅ Avoid Palm Oil Products

• Palm oil cultivation is a major cause of deforestation in gorilla habitats.

• Choose sustainable or palm-oil-free products—especially chocolate, snacks, and cosmetics.

✅ Choose Certified Wood

• Only buy timber products that are ethically sourced and certified, helping reduce forest destruction.

✅ Raise Awareness

• Share knowledge about gorilla conservation and habitat destruction with friends and family.

• Education is a powerful tool for long-term change.

Conclusion

Gorillas are indeed endangered—but not beyond hope. Through coordinated international conservation, community engagement, and mindful consumer choices, we can help ensure these magnificent animals continue to thrive in the wild.

Let’s act today—because their future depends on us.

For more related articles, visit our category: Endangered Animals.

References

Hickey , J.R. , Basabose , A. , Gilardi , K.V. , Greer , D. , Nampindo , S. , Robbins , M.M. & Stoinski , T.S. (2020) Gorilla beringei ssp. beringei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020 Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39999/176396749#habitat-ecology

Plumptre , A. , Robbins , M.M. & Williamson , E.A. (2019) Gorilla bearings. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39994/115576640

Maisels , F. , Bergl , R.A. & Williamson , E.A. 2018. Gorilla gorilla. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9404/136250858

Maisels , F. , Strindberg , S. , Breuer , T. , Greer , D. , Jeffery , K. & Stokes , E. 2018 . gorilla The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/9406/136251508

Bergl , R. A. , Dunn , A. , Fowler , A. , Imong , I. , Ndeloh , D. , Nicholas , A. & Oates , J.F. 2016. Gorilla gorilla ssp. diehli The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/39998/102326240

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