This giant of nature is one step away from extinction

São Paulo - In the week the world celebrates the output of the giant panda in the list of most endangered species, another giant of nature began to integrate it: the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei). The largest living primate in the world was listed as 'critically endangered' due to poaching, according to the latest update of the Red List launched by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The eastern gorilla was raised to the highest degree of risk due to the devastating decline in its population - more than 70% in 20 years. Currently, there are less than 5,000 representatives, covering two subspecies found in the forests of the Congo, the gorilla-to-grauer and the mountain gorilla.

Despite being illegal, the slaughter and capture activities are still the biggest threat to these animals. Large specimens are easy targets because they are easily identified, and are more profitable.

If slaughtered, yield many kilograms of meat and their hands are transformed into a morbid souvenir - ashtray - sold high numbers on the black market. If kept alive, they are exploited by industries entrenimento and zoos of dubious reputation, and even prostitution activities.



Thus, four of the six great ape - the eastern gorilla, the western gorilla, Borneo orangutan and the Sumatran orangutan - are now 'critically endangered', while the chimpanzee and bonobo are listed as 'threatened' with extinction.

"Seeing the eastern gorilla, one of our closest cousins, so close to extinction is truly distressing," said Inger Andersen note, IUCN Director General.

"We live in a time of great change and each update of the Red List makes us realize how quickly the global extinction crisis is increasing. It is our responsibility to strengthen our efforts to turn the tide and protect the future of our planet."

The plight of these animals turned documentary theme Oscar nominee Virunga, available on Netflix, which tells the true story of the guards who risk their lives to protect the most precious national park of Africa and its gorillas.