In the depths of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, climate journalist Justin Rowlatt takes his very first glance at a Nshongi mountain gorilla infant, who is eagerly digging her miniature hands into a nearby bush in hopes of a tasty snack. As Rowlatt advances forward to get a better look at this young creature, the gorilla immediately senses the movement, averts her focus from the bush, and locks eyes with the journalist. Through this moment both animals seem to understand each other, and even more astonishingly, create a bond. Yet the edges of this memorable minute tinge with sadness as reality shows that this may be the last human encounter with this beautiful species.
Scientists know that extinction is part of the evolutionary process of nature, where some species die and others take place. However, research estimates that the extinction of animals has occurred at least 100 times faster than the regular “environmental rate.” Shockingly, mountain gorillas may be the 6th of the five already discovered extinction species.
Natural causes of extinction come from occasional volcano eruptions or an asteroid striking the Earth. Clearly, these cannot be the only things affecting mass extinction. The answer reveals that mountain gorillas’ own ancestors, humans, are the main reason. Examples include the habitat being rapidly cleared by house construction and farmland, pollution/bad air quality, and even animal poachers. Biodiversity is a critical factor in maintaining our food source, clean air, and clear water. Affecting animals/biodiversity backfires back at humans.
Despite this, good news shows that the population of mountain gorillas have increased to more than 1,000 living beings. As a matter of fact, five infants were born in late 2020 compared to the three born in the whole year of 2019.
Given this incredible boost of encouragement, many people are starting to take action. Dr. Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s very first vet in 1995, set up the Conservation Through Public Health, (CTPH) a charity for animals. Over years of extensive research, the secret to this is surprisingly tourism. “Tourism really does help wild animals if it is done right.” Zikusoka said. Most people would think that tourism is harmful because of its disturbance in wildlife and breeding patterns. However, observing cautiously and within a distance can allow humans to branch out into biodiversity and find ways to protect the environment. Tourists can become engaged in wildlife and participate in conservation groups to donate money for those living closest to wildlife.
Links: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61788828
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-mass-extinction-and-are-we-facing-a-sixth-
Scientists know that extinction is part of the evolutionary process of nature, where some species die and others take place. However, research estimates that the extinction of animals has occurred at least 100 times faster than the regular “environmental rate.” Shockingly, mountain gorillas may be the 6th of the five already discovered extinction species.
Natural causes of extinction come from occasional volcano eruptions or an asteroid striking the Earth. Clearly, these cannot be the only things affecting mass extinction. The answer reveals that mountain gorillas’ own ancestors, humans, are the main reason. Examples include the habitat being rapidly cleared by house construction and farmland, pollution/bad air quality, and even animal poachers. Biodiversity is a critical factor in maintaining our food source, clean air, and clear water. Affecting animals/biodiversity backfires back at humans.
Despite this, good news shows that the population of mountain gorillas have increased to more than 1,000 living beings. As a matter of fact, five infants were born in late 2020 compared to the three born in the whole year of 2019.
Given this incredible boost of encouragement, many people are starting to take action. Dr. Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, the Uganda Wildlife Authority’s very first vet in 1995, set up the Conservation Through Public Health, (CTPH) a charity for animals. Over years of extensive research, the secret to this is surprisingly tourism. “Tourism really does help wild animals if it is done right.” Zikusoka said. Most people would think that tourism is harmful because of its disturbance in wildlife and breeding patterns. However, observing cautiously and within a distance can allow humans to branch out into biodiversity and find ways to protect the environment. Tourists can become engaged in wildlife and participate in conservation groups to donate money for those living closest to wildlife.
Links: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61788828
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-is-mass-extinction-and-are-we-facing-a-sixth-
