Eastern lowland gorillas reside exclusively in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically in the lowland tropical rainforests.
Their habitat, once spanning approximately 8,100 square miles (20,978 square kilometers), has drastically shrunk over the past 50 years and now covers only about 4,600 square miles (11,914 square kilometers).
These gorillas can be found in national parks such as Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park, as well as in dedicated wildlife reserves. However, habitat destruction and fragmentation have posed significant challenges to their survival.
Habitat Loss and Deforestation
Crucial tracts of eastern lowland gorilla habitat have been lost due to various human activities, including agricultural conversion, timber extraction, livestock ranching, artisanal mining, deforestation and infrastructure development.
The expansion of agriculture and the need for land to sustain a growing population have led to the destruction of vast areas of forest. This loss of habitat has had a devastating impact on the eastern lowland gorilla populations, pushing them into smaller, isolated pockets of forest.
Human Disturbance and Civil Unrest
Living in a conflict zone, eastern lowland gorillas have faced numerous challenges due to the prolonged presence of civil unrest and the armed groups that come with it. Human activity has disrupted their way of life, including feeding patterns and social behaviors.
The constant presence of people involved in extractive industries has intensified the threats faced by these gorillas in recent years.
Oil and Gas Exploration
Another significant threat to the habitat of eastern lowland gorillas is the exploration and extraction of oil and gas. Concessions for oil and gas exploration pose a direct risk to their remaining habitat, further fragmenting the forests and exacerbating the challenges faced by these critically endangered primates.