Gorillas Seen Dismantling Poachers’ Traps in the Wild After One of Them is Killed

In a remarkable display of intelligence and cooperation, two young mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park were witnessed dismantling poachers’ traps just days after one of their own fell victim to the lethal snares in 2012.

Veronica Vecellio, from the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Karisoke Research Centre, described the event as unprecedented, highlighting the juveniles’ proactive response to the threat posed by the traps.

While the poachers’ snares are primarily intended to capture antelopes and other prey for food, they pose a deadly risk to young gorillas, who can inadvertently become ensnared in the traps, leading to severe injuries or even death.

These traps, fashioned from bamboo stalks and concealed with leaves and branches, are triggered when an unsuspecting animal disturbs the anchoring mechanism, tightening the noose and ensnaring its prey. For adult gorillas, extricating themselves from these traps may be feasible, but for juveniles, the outcome is often dire.

The poignant incident underscores the grave threat faced by mountain gorillas, a critically endangered subspecies of the eastern gorilla. With their population already under immense pressure from habitat loss and human encroachment, the indiscriminate trapping by poachers exacerbates their precarious situation.

Despite the valiant efforts of conservationists like Vecellio and her team, who diligently scour the park for traps, the persistent threat persists, necessitating innovative solutions to mitigate the risk posed by poachers.

The actions of the juvenile gorillas offer a glimmer of hope amidst the adversity, showcasing the innate intelligence and adaptability of these remarkable creatures. While some have proposed training gorillas to dismantle traps, Vecellio and her team advocate for non-interference, respecting the gorillas’ natural behaviors and instincts.

As the plight of mountain gorillas continues to capture global attention, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts to safeguard these magnificent creatures and their fragile habitats. Only through collaborative conservation initiatives and unwavering commitment can we ensure the survival of mountain gorillas for generations to come.