Wild Africa, a leading conservation organisation, has urged urgent action to protect the remaining 100 Cross River gorillas in Nigeria.
The group explained that the critically endangered species is one of the rarest great apes on Earth, with fewer than 300 individuals left globally.
It warned that poaching, illegal bushmeat hunting, and habitat destruction caused by farming and human activities continue to threaten the small Nigerian population.
The organisation stressed that protecting the species is vital because gorillas help maintain forest health by dispersing seeds and regenerating vegetation, which in turn supports biodiversity.
Wild Africa made this appeal during World Gorilla Day 2025.
It highlighted that the gorillas inhabit three protected areas in Cross River State: Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, the Mbe Mountains, and the Okwangwo Division of Cross River National Park.
The organisation added that it plans to work with government agencies, local communities, and conservation partners to strengthen anti-poaching patrols, remove wire snares, expand habitat protection, and promote sustainable gorilla-focused ecotourism.
It also urged lawmakers to speed up the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024 to enhance legal protection and improve enforcement against wildlife crime.