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Nations Unite to Save Gorillas

10-year effort is the first to help dying species

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Feb 25, 2008 5:00 AM CST
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(Newser) – Three African nations where the world's last 720 wild mountain gorillas live are finally working together to save the critically endangered animal, the Guardian reports. Until the 10-year plan was announced last week, mistrust and conflict had kept Rwanda, Uganda and the Congo from collaborating as another 10 apes were killed in the last 14 months.

The Dutch government will dish out $6.1 million to help the nations synchronize their laws, share information, and provide alternative income to poor villagers who rely on poaching and illegally cutting wood in the gorillas' habitat for money. The announcement is a big boost for conservationists. But the developing protections will be difficult to enforce everywhere as large sections of the central African hills—including areas where gorillas live—are controlled by rebels and remain inaccessible.

Only 720 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, all of them in central Africa. This file photo shows two gorillas in Uganda.
Only 720 mountain gorillas remain in the wild, all of them in central Africa. This file photo shows two gorillas in Uganda.   (KRT Photos)
A female mountain gorilla sits in dense jungle canopy. At least 10 of the apes were killed by rebel fighters and illegal traders since January 2007.
A female mountain gorilla sits in dense jungle canopy. At least 10 of the apes were killed by rebel fighters and illegal traders since January 2007.   (Getty Images)
A mountain gorilla holds her day-old new-born baby in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which agreed to collaborate with Rwanda and Uganda on a 10-year conservation plan for the animals.
A mountain gorilla holds her day-old new-born baby in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which agreed to collaborate with Rwanda and Uganda on a 10-year conservation plan for the animals.   (Getty Images)
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World • Green

 
endangered species • conservation • poaching • Democratic Republic of Congo • gorilla • Rwanda • Uganda • mountain gorillas • charcoal trade • rebel fighters • Central Africa • Virunga Park

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