BIOMONITORING & RESEARCH
Scientific Data Research /
protection of endangered species by
permanent monitoring of biodiversity hotspots
SDG 9,15,17
One looks first whether the species still exists where it was seen the last time. In the case of the Cross River gorilla, this was sometimes more than 10 years ago.
Gorillas also like to migrate elsewhere. Unfortunately, the protected areas do not migrate with them. One should do a thorough recount. Are there still enough to maintain the gene pool? Breeding often costs three times as much and has poorer chances of success.
If you know where all the endangered gorillas are, you can watch out for them. This is called the biomonitoring.
Genetic samples are collected and you look at how a group is doing personally. Do they all have Corona, for example? Then they should not infect the relatives. Are they finding enough food? Through biomonitoring, we learn what problems that species is having right now. Then we can do the right thing!
Researchers, gamekeepers, residents, government: everyone involved with the species must be consulted and agree to a recovery plan.
Enough vigilant people are needed to be on the side of the gorillas and defend them from the other people. With a research center that monitors the gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants on a daily basis, all-around protection can eventually be established.
WE HAVE TO START FROM SCRATCH
"Because of the political situation in Cameroon, data has been lost in many parks. We no longer know where the species are that we want to protect."
Georg Langsi
- Conservator Banyang-Mbo -
Watching wild gorillas means that they get used to humans. This is good for studies, but unfortunately also for poachers. This group can be easily killed or infected with human diseases. Such habituation of a gorilla group is therefore accompanied by a high responsibility for many years.
0
species found
02
parks / sancturaries
01
scientists
THE TIME RUNS
"We don't have many years left - maybe five. The Cross River gorilla has only a small genetic pool of about 250-400 individuals. We see many orphans and old groups. If we don't act now, this species will go extinct. "
Dr. Andrew Fowler
- Primate Specialist Group -
