From Michelle Cunningham
Stephanie Pain reports that the bright spot in gorilla conservation is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda and she mentions several conservationists and schemes that contributed to its success (25 July, p 34).
I’d like to add two more to the list of those who are helping to save the gorillas: keepers of stingless bees and collectors of medicinal plants. In 1987 a joint project between WWF, UNESCO, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, London, and CARE Uganda reduced tension between park authorities and local people by allowing controlled sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants and beekeeping in forest margins.
These harvesters became the “gorilla guardians” by reporting the illegal activities of poachers, who threatened not only gorillas, but harvesters’ income and forest access. Such projects, which allow consultation with local people, may be too slow to save gorillas elsewhere but may help prevent resentment over restricted access to their habitats. There are other necessary angles: the Last Great Ape Organization promotes enforcement of laws; the Wildlife Conservation Society primary education; and VaccinApe veterinary help.
Prior to reading Stephanie Pain’s article, I had no idea that mining for the mineral coltan, which is used in cellphones, is one of the many reasons why the mountain gorilla, and especially the Cross river gorillas, are disappearing. I will ensure I recycle my cellphone. This article was a real wake-up call.
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Perth, Western Australia
