How Climate Affects the Gorillas

Habitat Loss

• Eastern and western gorillas live in Africa's equatorial western and central eastern forests, separated by the Congo River. They inhabit a multitude of elevations; their specific habitat requirements vary by species and subspecies. Deforestation due to human alteration of the environment, and desertification due to rising temperatures and drought, have both contributed to a rapid loss of gorilla habitat across the continent, which threatens the future of the great apes.

Climate Change

• Anthropogenic climate change is the result of human industrial activities that are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gas emissions -- chiefly carbon dioxide -- in the atmosphere. Because these emissions trap heat, the planet's average surface temperature is rising. Effects of this process include increasingly violent and unpredictable weather, increased droughts and floods, disrupted breeding and migratory cycles and loss or alteration of natural ecosystems. For the gorillas, climate change means greater difficulties in finding food, shelter and suitable breeding locations.

Loss of Food

• Due to human development and climate change, many African plants are at risk of extinction. This compounds the problems faced by gorillas, which typically eat vegetation such as leaves, figs, bamboo and fruit. The more specialized a species' diet is, the higher its risk of extinction. Shrinking habitat means less food to go around, which in turn means that the natural environment can sustain fewer gorillas.

Related Threats

• Other serious threats to gorillas include hunting and poaching, disease, war and political unrest, all of which are likely to intensify as a result of climate change. Despite efforts by governments, nonprofits and international organizations, poaching continues as hunters seek food or trophies. In addition, a 2006 study published in "Science" found that as many as 5,000 gorillas may have died from an outbreak of the Ebola virus. Meanwhile, the presence of displaced refugees in politically unstable regions like Rwanda leads to uncontrolled firewood harvesting and habitat destruction, further threatening the gorillas.