10 Animals on the Brink of Extinction

7. Cross River Gorilla

cross river gorillaThis primate is one of the most endangered in the world. It lives in a region between Nigeria and Cameroon in moist broadleaf forests. About one hundred and fifteen live in two parks created just for their protection: Takamanda National Park and Cross River National Park.

These gorillas are quite wary of humans, and there have been very few direct sightings of them. The main threats to them are habitat loss and death due to the bushmeat trade. They can also contract human diseases.

Population: 250 – 300

Reproduction: Unknown

What Can I Do?
Donate to the African Conservation Foundation. If it is safe for you to travel there, visit the area where the gorillas are like a British Columbian couple did. Image Credit: Arend de Haas, African Conservation Foundation.