About

The Grauer's Gorilla

Grauer's gorillas are the largest primates on Earth — silverback males can weigh up to 180 kilograms. But their size hasn't protected them from the violence and instability that has wracked the Democratic Republic of Congo for decades. In fact, the conflict that has killed millions of humans has been equally devastating for the gorillas.

The eastern DRC, where Grauer's gorillas live, is home to some of the world's most valuable minerals: coltan, cobalt, and cassiterite, essential components of smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. The mining of these minerals funds armed groups, destroys gorilla habitat, and makes conservation almost impossible.

Grauer's gorilla population has declined by roughly 50% in just two decades — from about 7,000 in the 1990s to around 3,800 today. This is one of the steepest declines of any great ape population. Without an end to the conflict and effective conservation programs, Grauer's gorilla could be lost within our children's lifetime.

Threats

What's Killing the Grauer's Gorilla?

Mining 5/5

Coltan mining destroys habitat and funds conflict

Poaching 4/5

Hunters set snares for meat, gorillas get caught

Political instability 5/5

Conflict zones prevent effective conservation

Conservation

What's Being Done?

  • Kahuzi-Biega National Park protection
  • Gorilla guardian programs with local communities
  • Critically Endangered species funding
  • Coltan mining certification (conflict-free electronics)
    • Population History

    How We Got Here

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    See the Grauer's Gorilla in the Wild

    Documentary: Grauer's Gorilla

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