Sean Gilmore

Current Biological Issue

Biology 100

Section  033

    There are many issues that face the world population as we move into the future.  As time speedily moves along, there seems to be an ever increasing amount of problems and worries about our planet and the effects mankind has had on it.  We hear talk of global warming constantly, and the effects it is having and will have on us in the future.  We hear about rain forests being cut down, and animals being put on the endangered species list.  However, it is very interesting to note that we, as a people, contribute to the decline of animal populations in more ways than we realize.  The Eastern Lowland Gorilla has been one of my favorite animals since I was a small child, and studies show that in the past decade their population has decreased by 70%.  There may only be now an estimated five thousand left on the planet, with over 95% of them living in the Virunga Mountains of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. 

    The sharp decline is due to a number of factors.  First, the devastation to their habitat from the recent civil wars has been one of the largest contributors to their decline.  With their natural habitat becoming smaller and smaller, it is no wonder that the gorilla’s population is decreasing.  However, other factors are at work here.  The region known as Maiko Park, where the majority of these animals live, has been protected by law since 1970; yet that law has been almost impossible to enforce due to lack of funding.  Poachers roam almost unhindered as they collect “bushmeat” to sell. 

    Nevertheless, these poachers are not the only ones contributing to this problem.  There is a “modern day gold rush” in the region for a rare metallic ore coltan that is used in the production of cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices.  Who doesn’t have a cell phone or a laptop in today’s world?  How interesting it is to think that the very Macbook or Iphone we are using to read about tragedies like this is actually fueling the fire.  With such a high demand for electronic devices in society, the incentive to destroy these rainforest habitats is through the roof, which affects everyone on the planet, not just the dwindling gorilla population.  So with the situation dire for these animals, a solution is most needed. 

    The classic and obvious answer to this problem would be to create laws protecting the region from destruction, but that has already taken place with little to no improvement.  Clearly, funding for the region to enforce the law would greatly improve the gorilla’s chances for survival.  A large joint effort, consisting of tribal chiefs to non-governmental and governmental organizations, has made a multi-million dollar investment to fund the construction of a new research center, training for park guards, technical assistance, and equipment.  With training, guards could perform anti-poaching patrols, cutting back on the illegal killing of these majestic beasts. 

    Another solution to this problem is to try and increase the population through breeding studies.  With funding, scientists could discover more about the mating habits of the gorillas, and create the ideal situation for them to reproduce.  It won’t be a “quick fix”, but after decades of damage to this region of the world, the gorilla population cannot be saved overnight.  It is hoped that there will be more joint efforts in the future for the further protection and research of these wonderful animals.  If we aren’t careful, this could be their last decade on this planet, and one of the most interesting animals on the earth would tragically be lost to time.

Works Cited

Delaney, John. Uganda's Mountain Gorillas Increase In Number. 20 April 2007. 13 September 2010 <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-04/wcs-umg042007.php>.

Pickrell, John. Eastern Lowland Gorilla Numbers Plunge to 5,000, Study Says. 31 March 2004. 12 September 2010 <http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/03/0331_040331_easterngorillas.html>.

Williamson, Elizabeth A. "Methods used in the evaluation of lowland gorilla habitat in the Lopé Reserve, Gabon." Tropics, Volume 2, Issue 4 (1993): 199-208.