DRC gorillas increase despite war, census finds
Grauer's, or eastern lowland, gorillas have weathered years of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
April 15th, 2011
01:14 PM ET

DRC gorillas increase despite war, census finds

Despite years of chaotic warfare in and around their habitat in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the population of a group of Grauer's gorillas has grown, researchers say.

Researchers from the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society ventured into the DRC's Kahuzi-Biega National Park recently to take a census of the Grauer's population for the first time since 2004, the organization reported on its website.

They counted 181 individuals, a "small but significant" increase over the 2004 population of 168, they said. The overall population of Grauer's gorillas - also known as eastern lowland gorillas - is less than 4,000, the society said.

The census team from the society and the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature combed 230 square miles of higher-altitude forest; it was too dangerous to attempt a count in the lowland, the society's Dr. Andy Plumptre said.

"We had several close calls with armed militias during the survey," said Deo Kujirakwinja, the society's Albertine Rift coordinator in the DRC. "Thankfully, no one was hurt, and our census result is positive news for the conservation community."

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Filed under: Animals • Democratic Republic of Congo • Gorillas • Nature • New York • War
soundoff (16 Responses)
  1. Canadian Genius

    Apparently AIDS is also a problem.

    April 15, 2011 at 2:21 pm | Report abuse |
  2. an Observation

    He looks like Barry Obama.

    April 15, 2011 at 2:25 pm | Report abuse |
  3. banasy

    Lots of nature stories today. What's CNN trying to say? Hmmmmmmm?

    April 15, 2011 at 2:55 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Cesar

    @an Observation... Agree with you, they must be twin brothers

    April 15, 2011 at 3:06 pm | Report abuse |
  5. Cesar

    @Cesar of 3:06: Shut up stupid.

    April 15, 2011 at 4:30 pm | Report abuse |
  6. banasy

    *Facepalm*

    April 15, 2011 at 5:18 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Tony Gerards (The Other Side Of Things)

    @ banasy we love u Goddess ..

    April 15, 2011 at 5:47 pm | Report abuse |
  8. leeintulsa

    I like gorillas.

    April 15, 2011 at 8:19 pm | Report abuse |
  9. banasy

    OFT
    I do too, leeintulsa. They're cool. When I'm not face-to-face with one, that is. Then they're scary...:)

    @ Tony Gerards (The Other Side Of Things): Thank you.

    April 15, 2011 at 10:04 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Jazzzzzzzz - something fun for everyone

    The blogging entrance test – ♫♫♫ getting to know you... getting to know all about you... getting to like you...hoping you'll like me too♫♫♫

    1. What is your favorite word?
    2. What is your least favorite word?
    3. What turns you on?
    4. What turns you off?
    5. What sound or noise do you love?
    6. What sound or noise do you hate?
    7. What is your favorite curse word?
    8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
    9. What profession would you not like to do?
    10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

    April 15, 2011 at 11:19 pm | Report abuse |
    • I M Boring

      1 test

      April 16, 2011 at 6:10 pm | Report abuse |
  11. butch

    Are you a h0m0?

    April 16, 2011 at 2:09 am | Report abuse |
  12. Catholic Priest in the USA currently serving God

    Uh ya ... Does anyone need a babysitter tonight im available day or night ? And its FREE ..FREE...FREE ...!

    April 16, 2011 at 12:56 pm | Report abuse |
  13. I M Boring

    test

    April 16, 2011 at 6:09 pm | Report abuse |
  14. Tol Trunks

    Animals are increasing in number because of Biblical fullfillment . 2-3-2012.

    April 16, 2011 at 10:52 pm | Report abuse |
  15. justlook502

    ugh gorilla more intelligent

    November 26, 2011 at 3:06 pm | Report abuse |
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