Conservationists Thrilled With Arrival Of Habituated Western Gorilla Twins
The first set of twins to ever be born to habituated gorillas in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas (DSPA) complex in the Central African Republic (CAR) have arrived. The babies have yet to be named though conservationists are thrilled by their arrival. The babies were first seen at the end of January at Bai Hokou where they were spotted hanging on to their moth Malui with their father Makumba the resident silverback hovering protectively close by.
Program running for a long time
The program of habituating gorillas to the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Area has been running since 1998 so it comes as no surprise that researchers are excited by the birth of the twins. David Greer leader of WWF’s Africa’s great apes program says these are first twins ever recorded in the area and their birth represents an amazing moment for all the people who have worked tirelessly to habituate and conserve these animals over the last 16 years.
WWF helps out
DSPA is co-managed by the government of Central African Republic and WWF. Both organisations conduct research through the Primate Habituation Program and work towards habituating gorillas which encourages tourism to the region. The program generates plenty of employment for local residents and plays a critical role by generating necessary income and strengthens important links with the community. There are 80 eco-guards employed by the project who engage in continuous surveillance of the area.
“These tiny twins are a sign of success in Dzanga-Sangha, but gorillas continue to face serious threats from poaching, disease and habitat loss across Central Africa and their futures are far from secure, which is why WWF is working with governments and partners throughout the region to protect them and their forest habitat,” Greer said.
Hopefully the twins do well
Whilst there have been many cases of twins being born to Eastern gorillas, the same phenomenon appears to be a rare occurrence for Western gorillas. Last year another set of Western gorilla twins was recorded in Mbeli Bai, Northern Congo and both seem to still be going strong. It is hoped by everyone concerned that the same will be true of the most recent additions.
