Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Clade: Synapsida
- Class: Mammalia
- Order: Primates
- Suborder: Haplorhini
- Family: Hominidae
- Genus: Gorilla
- Species: G. gorilla
- Subspecies: G. g. diehli
Gorillas have come to be an animal we can relate to, an animal with a great likeness to that of humans in many ways. From high similarities in DNA to the visible lines on their palms, they are one of the greatest animals we share our planet with.
Amongst the gorilla family, there is a particular species which inhabits the Cross River region, an area located on the border of Nigeria and Cameroon, the Cross River Gorilla. This species resembles other gorillas in many ways, with an average weight of up to 440lbs and an average height of 4 to 5 ½ feet. However, one notable physical feature is the smaller skull size. A smaller skull size accounts for a smaller jaw, which is used to consume herbivorous foods found in the forest, such as leaves and fruit.
The Cross River Gorilla is currently critically endangered, with an estimation that only 200-300 exist in the wild today. These gorillas have come to be extremely cautious of humans, and for good reason too. Much of the Cross River Gorilla’s habitat is destroyed daily to make way for land to accommodate livestock, as well as to obtain timber from trees.
Poaching is a major problem for this species, with so few left, the unnecessary actions of humans continue to be catastrophic for the Cross River Gorilla population. Bush meat trade and Illegal pet trade in the region also threaten the species.
Major conservation is already taking place to protect the Cross River Gorilla, with educational programmes being distributed to local inhabitants, raising awareness and offering preventative solutions. Animal protection bodies have collaborated to create a safe area in the region for the Cross River Gorilla, which aims to encourage reproduction. With continued determination, this species can be saved from extinction.
