Poaching in Rwanda / Why do Poachers Kill Gorillas
POACHING IN RWANDA / WHY DO POACHERS KILL GORILLAS
Poaching in Rwanda / Why do Poachers Kill Gorillas : Poaching in Rwanda is one of the greatest challenges that are being faced by the tourism industry in Rwanda which has led to the significant decrease of the gorilla numbers in volcanoes national park. During the 19th century, the gorillas were almost extinct but with the help of dian Fossey, an American primatologist that carried out a number of measures to ensure that poaching in Rwanda was combated. More about the efforts of Dian Fossey and poaching in Rwanda can be understood when you participate in Dian Fossey hike. And because gorillas have gained popularity over the years, the need for their parts and the infants has also increased which has increased the poaching activities in destinations where gorilla trekking in Africa can be carried out for instance Virunga national park kahuzi biega national park which will give you the chance to understand the differences between lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking in Bwindi impenetrable national park and gorilla trekking in Mgahinga national park.
Why do poachers kill gorillas?
Bush meat
A number of African communities still feast on bush meat which has increased the number of poachers in volcanoes national park. Bush meat is seen as a prestigious animal product that is consumed by the rich which has increased poaching activities in the park. It is also noted that yearly, gorilla meat brings in about 50 million dollars which has led people to neglect their local business in order participate In the profit making business.
High demand for their products
The demand for a number of gorilla products on the black market has contributed to the poaching in Rwanda. It should be noted that with the high demand for the products, it has increased the prices of gorilla products which has shifted participation in local business to take part in poaching. some of the most sought after gorilla parts include gorilla skulls, gorilla hands that are used by the rich as ash trays, gorilla skins and heads that can be hang in their living rooms as a source of prestige.
Poach the adults
Another reason for the poaching of gorillas is to capture infants that are sold to rich people with private sanctuaries. There have been many scenarios where adult gorillas in the group a killed so as to capture the infants this is done because of the fact that gorillas are quite strong species that can charge when they are separated from the young ones and because the gorillas are quite strong species.
Accidental poaching
Accidental poaching is also one of the main reasons why gorillas have been poached in Rwanda, because of the need for wild meat from a number of wild animals, it has led to the death of the gorillas, any gorillas have been killed in traps that were meant for other wildlife animals in volcanoes national park. Some of the animals that are poached in the park include buffalos, bush pigs, bush bucks and duikers.
Pet trade
Pet trade in gorillas has increased because of their popularity over the years which has attracted number of people to poach the species so as to gain some income. Pet trade in the world has gained a number of clients making it a multi-billion-dollar company and with this a number of national parks where gorilla trekking in Africa which has led to poaching in Africa and volcanoes national park has not been an exception making the infants the victims.
However, with poaching in Rwanda, the government of Rwanda in partnership with the Rwanda development board has put in place a number of measures to avoid the increase in the poaching activities and this has led to the decrease in the activities hence promoting sustainability of the species.
