№ 45 of 100
Cross River Gorilla
Gorilla gorilla diehli
The world's rarest great ape hides in the hill forests of the Nigeria–Cameroon border — so wary they are almost never seen.
- Range
- NigeriaCameroon
- Region
- Africa
- Habitat
- Rugged forested highlands of the Nigeria–Cameroon border
Field notes
- Weight
- 100–200 kg (♀ ≈100 kg, ♂ 140–200 kg)
- Size
- 1.4–1.75 m (standing height)
- Lifespan
- 35–50 years (wild)
- Diet
- Herbivore
- Family
- Hominidae
- Order
- Primates
The story
Cross River gorillas survived by retreating to terrain too steep to farm, and decades of community work mean none are known to have been poached in years. Camera traps now capture families with infants — quiet evidence that the rarest gorilla is holding their ground.
What's killing them
- Hunting
- Forest clearance for farms and roads
- Fragmentation into 11 small subpopulations
Who's fighting for them
WCSWildlife Conservation Society Donate
Fauna & FloraFauna & Flora International Donate
Dian Fossey Gorilla FundDian Fossey Gorilla Fund International Donate
Logos are the property of their respective organisations and link to their official sites.
Quick answers
How many Cross River Gorilla are left in the world?
Approximately ~200–300. The Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is stable. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Cross River Gorilla live?
The Cross River Gorilla is found in Nigeria, Cameroon (Africa). Their habitat: Rugged forested highlands of the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
Why is the Cross River Gorilla endangered?
The main threats to the Cross River Gorilla are: Hunting; Forest clearance for farms and roads; Fragmentation into 11 small subpopulations.
Who is working to save the Cross River Gorilla?
Organisations working on Cross River Gorilla conservation include Wildlife Conservation Society; Fauna & Flora International; Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.
Where they live
Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary, Cameroon · Nigeria · Cameroon · Africa — Approximate range. Click the map to zoom.