OVERVIEW
The Cross River gorilla is a subspecies of Western Lowland gorilla that is only found in the hills and mountains of the Cameroon-Nigeria border. They are very similar in appearance to the Western Lowland gorilla, but have subtle differences in facial and hand structure that set them apart. Cross River gorillas live in a region that has a dense population of humans and as such, they are often in conflict for territory, with humans clearing forests for wood and to expand agriculture. Poaching is also commonplace in the forests, and any death lands a significant impact on the Cross River gorilla's very small population.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The Cross River gorilla has been classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.
- It is estimated that there are only 200 to 300 individual Cross River gorillas left in the wild.
- The Cross River gorilla's scientific name is Gorilla gorilla diehli.
