The mountain gorilla, a critically endangered subspecies of the eastern gorilla, has faced a dramatic decline over the past century. By the early 20th century, their population had dwindled due to habitat loss, poaching, and the spread of diseases from humans. At its lowest point in the 1980s, the mountain gorilla population was reduced to fewer than 250 individuals, with their survival hanging by a thread.
In response, conservation efforts, including anti-poaching laws, veterinary care, and community-based initiatives, have helped the species recover. These efforts have more than doubled their numbers, with around 1,100 mountain gorillas now living in the wild. While their recovery is promising, they remain at risk and require ongoing protection to ensure their survival.
