Gorilla Journal 26, June 2003
Gorillas Threatened by Ebola
Until recently, bushmeat hunting was considered the greatest danger
for western lowland gorillas; now, Ebola has become an even more serious
threat. A research team estimated a 56% decline in the gorilla and chimpanzee
population in regions considered home to 80% of the world's gorillas between
1983 and 2000 in Gabon and the Congo Republic (Nature 422, pp.
611-614, 2003).
Ebola hemorrhagic fever, which has killed more than 100 Congolese people
in recent months, now rivals hunting as the biggest threat to apes. Thousands
- perhaps even tens of thousands - of them are believed to have succumbed
to the rapidly fatal disease. The disease has wreaked havoc in Congo's
Lossi Sanctuary and now is on the borders of Odzala National Park. In
northern Gabon's Minkébé forest, ape densities have declined
by 99% in the past decade, mostly as a result of Ebola.
Scientists are discussing measures that should be taken to stop the spreading
of the disease, but so far cannot agree on the best way to save the apes.
If chimps and gorillas continue to disappear at the current rate, they
will be confined to a few small pockets in a matter of years. Peter Walsh
of Princeton University estimates that, if present trends continue, ape
populations will fall 80% in the next 30 years. The survival of only small
and isolated populations and subsequent extinction is a real possibility
if the trend continues.
More information about Ebola
More information about Ebola and great apes by Peter
Walsh, ECOFAC
Map drawn with information from the ECOFAC website (modified)