Question: when did the cross river gorilla become endangered

title: Cross River gorilla
text: In 2007 , a survey was conducted in 5 villages in the aim of assessing taboos against hunting and eating these endangered species . In the Lebialem division of Cameroon , 86 % of the population were in favour of the conservation of these species , seeing them as important morphological counterparts to humans which , in the case of their dying out , would cause the demise of their human totemic counterparts . One reason for the decline of cross-river gorillas was believed to be the decline of adhering to these totemic practices among younger people in the 18 to 25 year age range . Regardless , this taboo is still in place and it still strongly discourages hunting of those endangered species . These totemic traditions are believed to be critical to the species ' continued survival and well - being . The recurrent revival of these beliefs and practices are seen was a way to reinforce the conservation of these species , especially in the absence of real law enforcement due to a lack of governance . While this could also foster support from different villages and communities , and preserve their culture , care must be taken when selecting these practices as some could encourage their killing . Largely because of many taboos , in the past 15 years , there has not been any Cross River gorilla hunting incidents . The presence of a taboo prohibiting their persecution has been considered an extremely successful local conservation strategy .