Cross River Gorilla

 Leighanna Weems                                                                                                                         Weems 1

Professor Foster 

ENG 111 2WF 

6 April 2023  

Cross River Gorilla 

           Cross River Gorillas are classified as critically endangered, with only three hundred documented living in native habitats. Of these three hundred, there are eleven confirmed groups scattered throughout Cameroon and Nigerian forests. Their inhabitance is an area of three thousand square miles, which includes the border between Cameroon and Nigeria. The scattering is a result of deforestation brought on by logging companies, which eliminated most of the Cross River Gorillas' habitat. Another threat to this species is excessive hunting. Although the government tried to prevent this by enforcing a law to make hunting gorillas illegal, the laws are hardly followed or enforced.   

            Luckily, Cameroon and Nigeria are dedicated to getting the Cross River Gorilla off the critically endangered list. Along with the increased laws, both governments are working on establishing a protected area for these gorillas. This area would span across the border of both countries and provide a safe habitat for the species. By supporting the government's effort toward conservation and petitioning for more enforcement of the hunting laws, we can help save the Cross River Gorillas from extinction.  

A Cross Rive Gorilla holding their baby

Weems 2 

Work Cited 

(Image) “Cross River Gorilla.” WWF, World Wildlife Fund, https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/cross-river-gorilla.