Gorilla Conservation Success in Rwanda: Rwanda, is a young, diverse and energetic country located in the great East African region and characterized by stunning hill chains entering the sky. Nevertheless, one of the most outstanding successes it has recorded in recent years is in the conservation of the mountain gorillas. This is not only a great success story of conservation but has not only helped save one of the world’s most endangered species but also turned Rwanda into one of the world’s premier eco-tourism destinations. There are few things more inspiring than the story of Rwandan gorillas, and a story of dedication, cooperation, and the carrying capacity of the community-based conservation model.
The Majestic Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla and inhabit the volcanic slopes of Central Africa. Most are found in RVNP, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National parks and cross Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo. These giants with great big appealing eyes and rather intriguing social functions are, in fact, our second cousins, sharing 98% of their genes with us.
Nevertheless, the mountain gorillas have been subjected to severe threats in the past years. They have been hunted for their furs, skins and meat, their natural habitats destroyed, and their games poisoned and trapped by poachers, thus the endangered species. As of the late eighties, the population was reduced to only some 250 specimens in the wild, thus making the species critically endangered. This was the time when through the leadership of committed and determined conservationists Rwanda started adopting a series of measures to address the problem of lost gorillas.
Pioneering Conservation Efforts
Rwanda’s pathway towards effective gorilla conservationism started in 1925 by the demarcation of the Volcanoes National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Africa. Nonetheless, the hope for gorilla conservation did not come immediately because rigorous conservation only commenced after the coming of the famous individual of the 20th century – the primatologist Dian Fossey in the 1960s. The author’s findings and activism meant that the world became aware of the suffering of the mountain gorillas and subsequent research and practice built upon Fossey’s work.
Even after Fossey’s early demise in the year 1985, the Rwandan government was keen to carry forward with plans in place left behind by Fossey: this included better laws against poaching, enhanced management of parks, and participation of local people in the conservation processes. Perhaps one of the greatest achievements of Rwanda in as far as conservation is concerned is the early 2000s beginnings of the gorilla trekking program.
Gorilla Trekking: A Win-Win for Conservation and Tourism
Trekking the gorillas in Rwanda is one of the most fulfilling activities that gives a chance to the clients to interact with these gentle giants in their natural environment. The permits needed for trekking are few to avoid much interference with the gorillas; the revenue generated for conservation and development is impressive.
The revenues generated from the sale of gorilla trekking permits are channeled back into conservationist activities such as anti-poaching, or operations to treat sick or injured gorillas and endeavors to rehabilitate the gorillas’ natural environment. Further, a fraction of the funds generated is taken to the communities in the surrounding areas of the Volcanoes National Park hence creating a financial motive for these people to protect the gorillas and their natural habitat.
Through this community-based intervention, this approach has helped to minimize human-wildlife conflicts. The people of the region are involved in the various activities designed in the conservation activity mix such as planting trees, wildlife observation and protection of natural resources by practicing sustainable farming methods. This approach of including different people in managing the resource has promoted ownership which leads to pride and thus more conservation of Rwanda’s gorillas.
The Role of Government and International Partners
Ever since the start of the conservation measures meant for the mountain gorillas, Rwanda’s government has been very instrumental in the whole process. Given the fact that many tourists are interested in wildlife and the fact that wildlife is an important aspect of Rwandan culture, the Rwandan government has invested a lot of money in protected areas and also has put in place policies that support conservation.
International organizations and NGOs have also partnered with the Governing and conservation efforts in Rwanda. Some of the organizations that have partnered with the Rwandan government in the fusty effort include Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, International Gorilla Conservation Programme, and World Wildlife Fund, among others.
By such concerted efforts, the Rwandan mountain gorillas have been able to record improvements in their numbers. Nowadays people estimate that the number of mountain gorillas living in the wild is over 1000 and the species is deservedly taken out from the list of critically endangered ones.
Challenges and Future Outlook
However, the mountain gorillas of Rwanda are not problem-free even to date. These certainly are constant factors having an impact on the existence of chimpanzees – climate change, the probability of disease spread and human overpopulation. But there is hope in the fact that Rwanda remains politically and socially committed to adaptive and science-informed conservation measures.
The country’s long-term plans are to increase the area of available land for abode for gorillas, thus connecting the Volcanoes National Park with other parks in Uganda and DRC. This strategy wants to conserve gorillas over the borders in a bid to create a larger connected habitat.
Moreover, Rwanda is investing in qualitative facilities to support the growing tourist activities knowing that the surge in gorilla trekking tourism may have negative consequences on the physical environment and on the people. It is mostly focused on sustainable, viable, and responsible tourism that can support the process of conservation and socio-economic development at the same time.
Conclusion: A Model for Global Conservation
This is much more than the triumph of one species, Rwandan gorillas; it is the conservation model of the world. The country has shown that with the right strategy and commitment many of the worst threatened species can in fact be saved, provided that there is sufficient leadership at the community and government level as well as the support of the international community.
As a result, Rwanda remains a unique place to visit for travelers, where they can observe this great tale of conservation. When one tours through the Virunga Mountains and ends up meeting a family of mountain gorillas – it is both exhilarating and a clear sign that conservation works. The Rwandan gorillas symbolize hope, survival, and the relationship that humans can and ought to have with the natural world.
