Scale of gorilla poaching exposed
An undercover investigation by a conservation organisation reveals the extent of gorilla poaching in the Republic of Congo.
By Jody Bourton, Earth News reporter An undercover investigation has found that up to two gorillas are killed and sold as bushmeat each week in Kouilou, a region of the Republic of Congo. The apes’ body parts are then taken downriver and passed on to traders who sell them in big-city markets. Conducted by the conservation group Endangered Species International, the investigation helps expose the extent of gorilla poaching in the country. It fears hundreds more gorillas may be taken each year outside the region. The group began its investigation by going undercover, talking to sellers and traders at food markets in Pointe Noire, the second largest city in the Republic of Congo. Over the course of a year, investigators visited the markets twice a month, recording the amount of bushmeat for sale. “Gorilla meat is sold pre-cut and smoked for about $6 per ‘hand-sized’ piece. Actual gorilla hands are also available,” says Mr Pierre Fidenci, president of Endangered Species International (ESI). … “According to interviews and field surveys, we think we may have about 200 gorillas left in the area,” says Mr Fidenci. “But we estimate that 4% of the population is being killed each month, or 50% in a year. It is a lot.” The poachers particularly target adult gorillas of reproductive age which carry the most meat. …
