Why Are Gorillas Threatened?

Eastern and western gorillas are critically endangered, although they face different threats.
As gorillas are very sensitive to changes in their environment, the mere presence of humans can be a threat. Even in the Virunga Volcanoes, gorillas are continually disturbed: cattle herds, loggers, collectors of grass and honey, smugglers and poachers are active in the national parks in spite of strict laws. In many areas, the exploitation of mineral resources is an additional disturbance.
Poachers set traps, in particular wire snares, in order to catch duikers (forest antelopes). However, gorillas get into the snares too and often they don't succeed in removing the wire. In such a case they can lose a hand or a foot, or even die from gangrene. Vets are sometimes able to remove the snares in those groups habituated to people.   >