As reported by the BBC, new research from Rwanda is revealing just how important friendships are for female mountain gorillas,…
Biodiversity hotspot
Covering an area of more than 10,000 square kilometres, the Maiko National Park is Congo at its wildest. Gazetted in 1970, much of this vast, dense forest still remains untouched and even unexplored by humans.
However, this is known as a biodiversity hotspot, home to three of the country’s most emblematic species: the okapi, the Congo peacock and, of course, the eastern lowland gorilla.
For now, the Park is also a relative haven of peace, at least for this part of the world. Some small sections are controlled by armed groups, known as Simba rebels. Illicit mining and the encroachment of permanent agriculture are also ongoing challenges.
However, it’s a place where, if they are properly supported, conservationists can carry out valuable research into the lives of lowland gorillas, while also working directly with local communities to safeguard all of the ‘big three’.
That’s why the Gorilla Organization’s work at Maiko is aimed at long-term collaboration.
Community engagement projects are delivering results, getting people on board with efforts to save gorillas.
Here, a thriving ecosystem makes good economic sense, providing jobs and opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurship. What’s more, since the Maiko forests are an integral part to the spiritual heritage of the local people, this collaborative approach is winning the Gorilla Organization friends and valuable supporters in this often-forgotten corner of the Congo.
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