Uganda is home to around half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas; thanks to conservation efforts the global population is now slightly above 1,000 and the species has recently been re-graded by the IUCN as “endangered’ rather than “critically endangered.” Many indigenous groups in Uganda have traditional beliefs that encourage ape conservation. However, rapid population growth in the 20th century increasingly brought humans and gorillas into conflict. Today, conservation groups are working to harness traditional knowledge to protect apes, and to develop new techniques that allow humans and gorillas to peacefully coexist. BWINDI IMPENETRABLE NATIONAL PARK, Uganda — On a misty morning, a small group of critically endangered mountain gorillas led by a silverback known as Makara walks majestically into our view. Makara strides on his hind legs and carries a handful of foliage. He looks confident, and the saddle-shaped patch of silver hair on his back stands out. He quickly puts down the foliage and gestures as if to tell his troop to move ahead. Makara leads the Habinyanja gorilla family, one of 36 in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park; his is one of 18 that are fully habituated to the presence of humans. The park measures just […]
Latest Articles
An Enormous Hydrogen Battery-Hybrid Truck Can Help Cut Emissions
Takeaways: A mining company called Anglo American has unveiled the world's largest hydrogen-battery hybrid mind haul truck.
This new technology has the potential to...
6 New Tiny Frog Species Discovered in Mexico
Takeaways: Researchers have discovered 6 new species of miniscule frogs in Mexico.
When they are fully grown the frogs will measure about 18 millimeters...
Inflating Animals: 7 Incredible Creatures That Blow up Like Balloons
Takeaways: Some animals are able to inflate themselves as a way to project sounds, scare off predators or even attract a mate.
Siamangs will expand...
Unilever to Trial ‘Warmer’ Ice Cream Freezers to Slash CO2 and Energy Use
Takeaways: Unilever is testing ice cream freezers that will operate at slightly warmer temperatures.
They hope this could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around...
Scientists Discover How to Stop Banana Peels from Browning
Takeaways: Researchers are looking to understand and prevent banana peels from browning to reduce the amount of the food waste.
They say that browning...
Lawyers File on Behalf of Elephant to Make Her a Legal Person
Takeaways: Happy is an elephant based in New York who has been living at the Bronx Zoo for over 40 years.
Activists have filed...