Fortunately, in recent years groups have been able to expand, suggesting that this period of group instability, high mortality and slowed reproduction may be coming to an end.
“We are already starting to see infant mortality as well as female transfer rates returning to what was more typical in the 1980s and 1990s,” says Morrison.
However, the findings underscore the challenges the population faces as it continues to grow in limited habitat.
“Rwanda’s mountain gorillas are one of the most studied animals on the planet, and this research really underscores the value of such an investment in understanding broader population issues,” says Tara Stoinski, Ph.D. , the President and CEO/Scientific Director of the Fossey Fund and author of the article.
“We often think of extrinsic threats to conservation, such as climate change, poaching or habitat loss, but these data highlight some of the intrinsic challenges species may face as habitat shrinks. . This is critical information that can help inform longer-term conservation strategies to ensure continued population growth.
Morrison RE, Hirwa JP, Ndagijimana F, Vecellio V, Eckardt W, Stoinski TS (2022). Cascading effects of social dynamics on mountain gorilla reproduction, survival, and population growth. Journal of Animal Conservation https://doi.org/10.1111/acv.12830