Cross River Gorilla
Gorilla gorilla diehli
Discovery
The Cross River Gorilla was discovered in 1904 when mammalian taxonomist Paul Matschie discovered a morphological, or physical, difference was noticed in a group of gorillas living near Cross River on the boarder between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Cross River State
Also known as the Oyono, Cross river originates in Cameroon and flows over the boarder to southeastern Nigeria's as it's most prominent river.
Aframomum
Th largest plant in the ginger family, Aframomum is the Cross river Gorilla's largest source of food.
Location
The red pointer shows the location of Cross River State.
Why they are endangered
The Cross River Gorilla is endangered due to many factors. Over-hunting has been a problem because it was allowed until it was too late. Forest fires and genetic diseases have also helped to endanger them.
The new habitat
The new habitat will contain more abundant food and water along with less dry bush to start forest fires. The impact of the increased food and water will provide enough room in the ecosystem for reproduction. Cross River Gorillas will thrive without the harmful effects of forest fires and hunting.
Adaptions
Behavioral
- Territorial
- Moves nest
Physical
- Herbivorous
- Slender fingers
The new habitat will have to be very large because the Cross River Gorillas move their nest and are territorial towards other groups of gorillas. Because the gorillas are herbivorous, the habitat will need to be very lush so the gorillas can gather food.