Rarest Gorilla Seen in Cameroon Forest

 

 

Cross River Gorilla: Rarest Gorilla in the World, Seen in Cameroon Forest

Cross River gorillas, considered as the world’s rarest gorilla, were seen in the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary at a Cameroon forest. Eight rarest Cross River gorillas were caught on video by one of four hidden camera traps of the Wildlife Conservation Society, according to reports.

Researchers say that the population of these endangered Cross River gorilla is only about 250 to 300. 

Christopher Jameson, director of the Takamanda Mone Landscape Project, said that “The footage provides us with our first tantalizing glimpses of Cross River gorillas behaving normally in their environment.” Jameson added that “A person can study these animals for years and never even catch a glimpse of the gorillas, much less see anything like this.”

Liz Macfie, gorilla coordinator for WCS‘s Species Program, explained that “Cross River gorillas occur in very low densities across their entire range, so the appearance of a possible snare injury is a reminder that continued law enforcement efforts are needed to prevent further injuries to gorillas in the sanctuary.”

Cross River gorillas were reportedly shy, and usually ran away from humans. Among the four gorilla subspecies in the mountain forest along the border of Cameroon and Nigeria, Cross River gorillas are considered as the rarest gorilla.