Cross River Gorillas: fact, size, habits diet and threats
The description of Cross River Gorillas necessitates an examination of the principal gorilla species and subspecies. There are two principal species of gorillas: the western gorilla and the eastern gorilla. Western gorillas are categorized into two subspecies: Cross River gorillas and western lowland gorillas. Eastern gorillas are categorized as Mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas. This page will address Cross River Gorillas. If you are interested in mountain gorillas, you may seek information or facts regarding them. Information is available regarding Eastern lowland gorilla trekking and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
What are Cross River gorillas?
What is their place of residence? Cross River gorillas, scientifically designated as Gorilla gorilla diehli, are subspecies of the western gorilla. They were initially classified as a distinct subspecies in 1904, but comprehensive information about them was not available until 1987. Cross River gorillas inhabit the mountainous regions, highlands, and woods along the Cameroon-Nigeria border. Specifically, small populations exist in the Mbe Mountains of Cameroon, the Afi Mountains of Nigeria, Cross River National Park in Nigeria, and Takamanda National Park in Cameroon. The nearest population of western gorillas, their closest relatives, is located 300 kilometers distant in Cameroon’s Ebo Forest.
Details regarding Cross River gorillas Researchers such as John Oates and Esteban Sarmiento contend that the Cross River gorilla began to evolve into a separate species from the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla) during the African Pleistocene epoch. This phase was marked by drought and scarcity of sustenance. Certain members of the western lowland gorilla population were displaced due to food scarcity to the secluded forests next to the Cross River and the Cameroon highlands. Isolation and constraints are arguably the primary reasons for their diminished numbers.
From 1995 to 2011, it was estimated that the population of Cross River Gorillas decreased by approximately 58%. This reduction was significantly greater than that of any other gorilla subspecies. It was believed that they had been extinct in the 1980s during the civil conflict, only to be rediscovered later. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies Cross River gorillas as severely endangered due to their diminished population. The Cross River gorilla is the most endangered of all African great apes, surpassing even the mountain gorilla in terms of endangerment. In which locations may one observe wild Cross River Gorillas? Due of their near proximity to humans relative to their other relatives, Cross River Gorillas exhibit shyness and tend to evade human interaction. Due to this reason and their limited population, tourists are now unable to observe them. They are seldom observed, and gorilla monitoring is impractical in this location.
Cross River Gorillas - Physical, Characteristics and Size
Cross River gorillas mostly vary from their closest cousins, the western lowland gorilla and the eastern gorillas, in stature. Upon initial observation, they may appear akin to the western lowland gorilla; nevertheless, a seasoned observer will promptly discern that they possess smaller skulls, ears, palates, and cranial vaults. Their limbs, feet, hands, and bone length are also notably smaller. The facial hair is uniform and devoid of growth. They are indisputably the smallest of the gorilla subspecies. Adult silverback gorillas can weigh up to 200 kg.
Cross River Gorillas – Diet Habits, Social Structure, Interpersonal Dynamics, and Nesting Behavior
Cross River Gorillas, akin to all gorilla subspecies, exhibit pronounced social behavior. They reside in smaller familial units, typically including 4 to 7 members. Some groups may have as many as 20 members, although this occurrence is quite uncommon. The group is overseen by a dominant male silverback, whose responsibility is to safeguard the females and their progeny. The silverback makes all the choices regarding the group, including feeding schedules and nesting locations. The nesting habits of Cross River gorillas are affected by factors such as seasonal fruit availability, vegetation, climate, the existence or absence of building materials, and the presence of predators. The majority of nests are situated on the ground during the dry season, however in the wet season, they are predominantly constructed on trees. Cross River Gorillas primarily consume fruits, although they also ingest plants and tree bark. The majority of their food is seasonal. The rainy season yields abundant nutritional flora, whilst the dry season enhances the ripeness and sweetness of fruits. The primates consequently possess an uninterrupted supply and diversity of food sources at present.
Habitat and hazards for Cross River gorillas
Similar to other gorilla subspecies, Cross River gorillas favor inhabiting thick forests and hills, distancing themselves from human presence. Dense forests supply all the nutritional needs necessary for their substantial physiques. Regrettably, the burgeoning human population and subsequent forest encroachment now jeopardize the survival of these endangered monkeys. Encroachment has resulted in land fragmentation due to the conversion of forest areas into agricultural land. Cross River gorillas are substantial animals that necessitate extensive territory for survival. As their habitats diminish and become fragmented, a specific gorilla population encounters increased challenges in connecting with other groups. While their split from western lowland gorillas transpired approximately 400 years ago due to natural causes, human activities are accountable for their present disconnection from their own species. Their isolation influences gorilla reproductive rates, resulting in inbreeding and diminished genetic diversity.
Preservation of Cross River gorillasIn addition to forest encroachment and area fragmentation, Cross River gorillas face threats from hunting, resource exploitation, timber harvesting, and land clearance for agriculture. The hunting of Cross River Gorillas has posed a significant issue. This hunting predominantly takes place in the lowlands, contributing to the prevalence of bigger gorilla populations in the highlands. Hunting mostly serves the purpose of procuring meat, which is either consumed locally or sold to neighboring countries. Although the shooting of wild gorillas has become exceedingly uncommon, poaching of other wildlife inhabiting the same region remains a significant danger. Poachers abandon wire snares that can be detrimental to primates. Individuals are often sought for their bones, which are subsequently utilized in traditional medicine by local witch doctors. Additional risks to Cross River gorillas comprise wildlife trafficking and Ebola.
Cross River Gorillas exhibit aggressive behavior by hurling long grass, sticks, and mud to deter humans. This behavior is atypical and not observed in other gorilla subspecies. Wild gorillas often retreat upon encountering humans and will only charge if they perceive a clear threat. The increased aggression exhibited by Cross River Gorillas is ascribed to their continual interaction with humans in the agricultural areas adjacent to the highlands.
Conservation of Cross River Gorillas
Gorillas of the Cross River The primary threat to Cross River Gorillas is habitat loss. Given that around 300 individuals survive in the wild, the demise of even a single specimen, regardless of the cause, is highly consequential. The positive aspect is that, despite the absence of gorilla tourism, the endangered state of the primates has garnered significant attention from local governments and other wildlife conservation organizations. The government of Cameroon established the Takamanda National Park and Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary as part of its conservation initiatives for the Cross River Gorilla in the region. The two animal conservation areas, in conjunction with Cross River National Park in Nigeria, constitute an expansive conservation territory that provides increased mobility for primates across borders.
The governments of Cameroon and Nigeria have implemented rigorous wildlife regulations in national parks, particularly the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, to save the primates. A proposed roadway through the Ekuri community forest was rerouted to prevent disruption of the only remaining habitats of the primates. To enforce wildlife regulations and uphold the limits within the sanctuaries, forests, and national parks inhabited by Cross River gorillas, the governments have stationed guards to prevent human encroachments in designated areas. The hunting of gorillas has been prohibited.
The two governments have collaborated with several international conservation organizations, including the IUCN, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The IUCN and WCS played a crucial role in establishing the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary. They provided financial assistance for the establishment of protected areas and supported the implementation of regulations within the national parks and Cross River gorilla sanctuaries in Nigeria and Cameroon. For conservation initiatives to be effective and successful, the communities residing adjacent to animals must be engaged. Consequently, WCS has financed initiatives that bolster the capabilities of local populations to prosper without infringing upon forests. Communities next to gorilla reserves and parks have been assisted in identifying alternate livelihoods. They have also financed initiatives that promote awareness regarding the significance of wildlife conservation and safeguarding gorillas for future generations. The WWF has provided resources for establishing ranger posts, recruiting anti-poaching troops, and procuring communication technology. The WWF has collaborated with logging firms to safeguard critical animal rivers and corridors.