What is the biggest threat to mountain gorillas?

The biggest threat to mountain gorillas is habitat loss, primarily driven by human activities such as agriculture, deforestation, and infrastructure development. As human populations expand in regions near mountain gorilla habitats, especially in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, people clear land for farming and settlements. This encroachment shrinks the gorillas’ natural habitat, leaving them with smaller areas to live, forage, and migrate.

Another significant threat is poaching, though mountain gorillas are not typically the direct targets. Instead, they can get caught in snares set for other animals like antelope. These traps can injure or kill gorillas, particularly young ones. While anti-poaching efforts have reduced this threat, it remains a concern in the dense forests where gorillas live.

Disease transmission also poses a serious risk to mountain gorillas, as they share about 98% of their DNA with humans, making them susceptible to many of the same diseases. Respiratory infections, in particular, can spread quickly in gorilla groups and be fatal. Increased contact between humans and gorillas, especially through tourism, heightens this risk, though responsible tourism practices aim to mitigate it.

Lastly, civil unrest in the region, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has disrupted conservation efforts and endangered gorillas. Armed conflicts lead to increased poaching and habitat destruction.