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Cross River Gorilla
Most threatened gorilla of them all
Common Name: Cross River gorilla; Gorille de "Cross River" (Fr); Gorila (Sp)
Scientific Name: Gorilla gorilla diehli
Habitat: Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Location: Central Africa
Population: Around 300 individuals
Background
The few remaining forest patches of south-eastern Nigeria and western Cameroon are home to the recently discovered Cross River gorilla, a subspecies of western gorilla. But as its forests are opened up by timber companies, hunters move in. Conservation measures are urgently needed for this beleaguered animal, which is probably the world’s rarest great ape.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, a WWF Affiliate, is working with communities in the Cross River National Park to help save the Cross River gorilla.
Physical Description
The Cross River gorilla differs from the western lowland subspecies in skull and tooth dimensions.
Habitat
Major habitat type
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Biogeographic realm
Afrotropical
Range States
Nigeria, Cameroon
Geographical Location
Central Africa
Ecological Region
Cameroon Highlands Forests
Danger Watch
A species relative risk of extinction, as determined by the IUCN - The World Conservation Union. More
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Extinct
No reasonable doubt that the last individual has died.
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Extinct in the Wild
Known only to survive in cultivation, in captivity or as a naturalized population.
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Critically Endangered
Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Endangered
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Vulnerable
Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
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Near Threatened
Likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
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Least Concern
Does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endagnered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened
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