The Endangered and the Extinct Nov. 2013 | Page 12

Cross-River Gorilla

The Cross River Gorillas are currently critically endangered. There are around 250 – 300 cross river gorillas left in the wild.

This species can be found on the border between Nigeria and Cameroon.

The Cross River Gorilla never encountered human before until the 20th century when this subspecies was known to science.

According to the ICUN the Cross River Gorilla is among the world's top 25 critically endangered primates.

The Cross River Gorillass are also currently known as the rarest great ape species in the world. The main threat to this gorilla subspecies is deforestation. Deforestatino is causing loss of habitat, and without the dense forest they are vulnerable to poachers.

Background Information

Unlike most gorillas the cross river gorillas would throw sticks and grass when encountered by humans. Most cross river gorillas' life span is about 35 – 50 years.

The colour of a cross river gorilla is mostly black and grey

The Cross-River gorilla usually like in dense forests and they have opposable thumbs which make it easy for them to peel fruit.

Characteristics