Situation Worsens at Virunga National Park (DRC): Two Male Gorillas Killed

The situation continues to get worse at Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo), where 2 male silverbacks have been killed.

The gruesome tally continues: since late December the mountain gorilla, a flagship species that contributes to the recognition of the outstanding universal value of the Park, has suffered serious losses by armed groups. On January 6 and 11, two male gorillas were killed by gunmen.

UNESCO field partners also report an overall increase in illicit activities within the protected area, including charcoal production and raising illegal livestock.

In response to the rapid deterioration of the Park, inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger since 1994, UNESCO has decided to alert the Congolese authorities on the ecological tragedy that could result in Virunga National Park if strong measures are not urgently taken to safeguard the exceptional biodiversity of this property.

For further information about this issue and the activities of the ICCN (the Congolese body in charge of protected areas management) and its partners in the field, please consult the following link: wildlifedirect.org