Red List Category

Red List Criteria

Version

2008

Robbins, M., Gray, M., Kümpel, N., Lanjouw, A., Maisels, F., Mugisha, A., Spelman, L. & Williamson, L.

Mittermeier, R.A., Butynski, T.M. & Tutin, C. (Primate Red List Authority)

This assessment includes both the Virunga and the Bwindi subpopulations. There are only about 300 mature individuals of this subspecies in both subpopulations combined, closely approximating the threshold for criterion C under Critically Endangered. Given the loss of 1-2% of the subspecies in 2007 due to renewed poaching and illegal killings, the continuing political instability of the DRC region of the Virunga Volcanoes, and the risk of disease transmission by humans or unregulated incursions into the gorillas’ habitat, there is a distinct possibility that the subspecies could experience a 25% reduction in the next generation of ~20 years. However, as conservation efforts are re-established and political stability returns to the region, it is also possible that this subspecies would warrant down-listing to Endangered.