Ebola is a major threat particularly to the gorillas, with severe casualties following outbreaks. As these come in addition to deaths from poachers and habitat loss, the outbreaks can become detrimental.

Trans-boundary collaboration in parks in the greater Congo Basin.

Degree of protection of terrestrial ecoregions and large marine ecosystems (per cent)

Hunting inside protected areas to supply bush- meat is extensive in many regions, and much is transported by bicycle to i.e. larger towns like Kindu. The great apes, sometimes smoked, constitute up to several percent of the total bushmeat, but with devastating impacts on the great ape populations with their slow reproductive rates and complex social structure.

Ebola epidemic outbreaks across the Congo Basin are a significant threat to gorillas, and also impact the few remaining populations less exposed to poaching and habitat loss.