Cross River Gorilla
Threats
Habitat loss
Logs being transported out of the Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary, Nigeria.
© Sandra MBANEFO OBIAGO / WWF-Canon
Many cross river gorilla groups are living in unprotected forests and face the threat of habitat loss as local people clear land for agriculture and cattle grazing.
Loss of genetic diversity
Cross river gorillas also face the risk of inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity due to the small population size and the low flow of genetic exchange occurring between the different subpopulations. Although areas of unoccupied potential gorilla habitat still remain and can provide connectivity between the subpopulations, the protection of these areas is not yet safeguarded.
