By Baluku Geoffrey
Kampala, Uganda
United Nations Environment Programme designated 2009 as the year of the Gorilla.
From the start of this year a lot of activities have already taken place and others are yet to be rolled out with an intention of creating awareness about Gorillas. They are endemic species and share 98.4% of their genetic material with humans. Gorillas, the largest of the Apes are divided into 4 sub species belonging to the western and eastern species.
The western species include the western lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) and the Cross river Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehl) while the eastern Gorilla species include the Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) and the Eastern lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri).
Renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall who happens to be the patron of the initiative said in a statement, “it is time for us to pool all our resources towards saving these magnificent creatures”.
Uganda is so lucky to have over 50% of the Mountain gorilla population in Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.
As an important partner in gorilla conservation, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will be officially launching the year of the gorilla on 17th April 2009. This will be done in partnership with the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO), local communities and other national and international organizations through which the public profile of gorillas will be raised, the wider public educated on the threats the gorillas face and also discuss the conservation status of these unique animals.
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| Year of the Gorilla |
Gorilla tracking contributes over 70% of the revenues from tourism in Uganda. Despite the above contribution, they are a globally endangered species.
Ian Redmond, an expert at the UN Environment Program said: “The year of the Gorilla is not just about gorillas but their habitat”.
Their habitats are continually being impacted by growing human population and have lately become victims of armed conflicts especially in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is in line with this that the year of the gorilla is intended to encourage practical, easily manageable strategic approaches to gorilla conservation.
The public is there fore encouraged to take part in these activities which will culminate in a very big event later in the year.
While you call it the year of the gorilla, ironically some monopolists are taking over the gorilla permits.
ReplyDeleteI don't think am encouraged to take part in these activities. Will Otafiire do something?
Asiimwe Recho
the Gorillas must be very thankful for this activity. preserving the wildlife let the children of our future see that we care for them.
ReplyDeleteGorillas plays best role for these activities.
ReplyDelete