The Cross River gorilla is the most endangered subspecies of gorilla, with only 300 of them known to live in the wild. But the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has raised hopes that these animals at risk of extinction are actually reproducing after many photos of the rare gorillas were captured by conservationists.
The shots, taken earlier this year, show a number of infant gorillas. WCS in Nigeria, an international non-governmental organization, said the pictures were captured by camera traps in the Mbe mountains. Cross River gorillas are the world’s rarest great ape, and they’re naturally wary of humans. They also have subtle distinctions from other species – such as smaller heads, longer arms, and lighter-colored hair.
The primates were known to live in some mountainous areas in Nigeria and neighboring Cameroon but are rarely seen. The WCS says it is working closely with a community organization, the Conservation Association of the Mbe Mountains, as well as authorities in Nigeria’s Cross River state to protect the primates.
