Great Apes
Western Lowland Gorilla
Common Name: Western Lowland Gorilla
Scientific Name: Gorilla gorilla gorilla
Location: Central Africa
© Martin HARVEY / WWF-Canon
The western lowland gorilla is the most widespread of all gorillas, ranging through southern Cameroon, the southwest corner of the Central African Republic (CAR), west Congo (Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and south to the Cabinda enclave of Angola (north of the Zaire River). The western lowland gorilla population is estimated to include 100,000 to 200,000 individuals. No exact numbers are possible, as these elusive apes inhabit some of Africa’s densest and most remote rainforests. However, in some areas they occur in surprisingly high densities – like in isolated swamps or areas with dense leafy growth. The forests of Congo (Brazzaville) are currently considered to harbor the major population of western lowland gorillas, protected by the remoteness of large swampy forest areas. However, this species is threatened by habitat loss and poaching pressure.
WWF works to:
WWF's continent-wide African Great Apes Program aims to ensure the long-term survival of the great apes. WWF is also exploring ways to work with governments, local communities and timber companies to combat the commercial trade in bushmeat. Through WWF's trade monitoring arm, TRAFFIC, we are working to stop the international trade in meat from protected species such as great apes.
© WWF/Lee Poston
Angelique has spent 10 years studying western lowland gorillas in Central African Republic’s Dzanga-Sangha Reserve to better understand their behavior and allow tourists to visit them. This raises valuable funds for community healthcare and education programs while providing an incentive for the government and local community to protect their forest home. For her tireless dedication she has been named ABC’s “Person of the Week” and is one of WWF’s true conservation heroes.
View Angelique’s Person of the Week Interview 
Learn more about WWF’s work in the Congo Basin
