Gorillas Conservation A. Challenges. Gorillas are hunted by native people for food called bushmeat to eat or sell, for body parts that are used for amulets or traded as souvenirs, and for protecting crops that gorillas destroy. Loss of habitat due to agriculture and logging is the greatest threat to all the African great apes. West central African countries have one of the fastest growing human populations in the world, and all these people need food, water, and shelter. B. Biological Values.
Gorillas feed on seasonal fruits and disperse seeds in their dung as they travel.
Many plants and animals inhabit the same forests as gorillas. Preserving habitats intact for one endangered species allows survival for all organisms within these areas. Teaching local people about their unique heritage and its value ecologically, economically, and aesthetically is imperative to support any conservation effort. Studying the cultures of the people that live in these faraway countries may help us gain insight into how to approach conservation challenges in Africa. Continuing field research in the African forests on gorilla natural behavior will help zoological facilities make the best choices in maintaining genetically secure captive populations of lowland gorillas.