Global News - February 2008
< Back to Global News
African countries unite to save gorillas
Thu 21 February 2008 12:35 UK — Africa,Primates
Officials from three African countries have joined forces in an effort to save the continent's endangered mountain gorillas.
Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have agreed to co-operate on a ten-year conservation plan in an attempt to prevent poaching and the destruction of the apes' habitat.
While half of the total population of the gorillas living in the wild is found in the Virunga Volcanoes Conservation Area, shared by the three nations, this new initiative represents the first time a formal plan has been launched by the countries.
"For the first time, the three countries have decided to protect the great apes which are threatened with extinction and insecurity in the region," said Moses Mapesa, the head of the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
His colleague, Lillian Nsubuga, told AFP: "About four million euros (£3 million) will go into this project," with the Dutch government providing £3.1 million for the first four years of the scheme.
There are thought to be around 700 mountain gorillas left in the wild, though ten of the apes have been killed and two have gone missing in the DRC section of Virunga park since January 2007.
Help IAR rescue and rehabilitate endangered wildlife.
News brought to you by International Animal Rescue, leaders in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
< Back to Global News |
Read IAR News
Read IAR News >
|
November 2008
A win for greyhounds in Massachusetts
On 4 November the people of Massachusetts, USA voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Greyhound Protect Act. This legislation will phase out commercial dog racing in the state by 2010.
October 2008
Help the Street Animals of Morocco (HSAM)
International Animal Rescue has twice assisted with the treatment of cats and dogs in Morocco by a group of local and foreign volunteers. The initiative was led by vet nurse Claire Sedgewick. She has produced a report describing their work.
October 2008
Sainsbury's seal protest update
On 29 October we entered discussions with Sainsbury's officials and now await a favorable response to our demands for a statement of their intention to stop killings seals.
|
