Why are gorillas poached? There are various reasons for this. Mountain gorillas remain a highly endangered species, despite a slight increase in their population to about 1000 in the previous mountain gorilla census.
Approximately 600 live in the Virunga ranges, a conservation area shared by three national parks: Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in DR Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
The rest of the mountain gorillas, over 400, dwell in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.
Gorilla poaching or illegal hunting remains at the top of the list of major threats to gorilla conservation, as well as to other critically endangered species.
Despite these threats, the gorilla population has been increasing, but only at a slow pace, thanks to concerted efforts from respective governments and other conservation bodies.
However, despite all these efforts, rogue elements engaged in poaching and continued illegal killing of gorillas have hindered their significant increase.
There are numerous reasons why people continue to poach mountain gorillas and other animals, as explained below.
- Poaching for Bush-meat: Mountain gorillas are a major target for bushmeat enthusiasts in cities and regions where bushmeat is considered a luxury and exclusive meal. Hunting for bushmeat remains a common practice, especially in eastern Congo in Virunga National Park, an area that remains a territory for various militia groups and seasoned poachers.
- Poaching for Trophies and Personal Collections: Mountain gorillas are also hunted and captured as trophies for prestige. Baby gorillas are sold as exotic pets in private sanctuaries for wealthy individuals or to public zoos.
- Traditional Medicine: Mountain gorillas are poached and sold through illegal trade, which is common in Asia where some of the gorillas’ body parts are used in traditional medicine. Some are sold to traditional healers for magical or medicinal purposes, and various body parts are used differently.
Other than poaching, several threats hinder the increase in the population of mountain gorillas, namely: diseases, human-gorilla conflicts, civil wars/political unrest, habitat loss, and more.
