Reposted from @rowenabaker Did you know mountain gorillas are prone to the same respiratory illnesses that afflict humans. A common cold can kill a gorilla, and as coronavirus infects more people around the world, conservationists are warning of the risk to another vulnerable species: Africa’s endangered mountain gorilla. Around 1,000 mountain gorillas live in protected areas in Congo, Uganda and Rwanda, for whom tourism is an important source of revenue. But COVID-19 has led to restrictive measures. The world’s most iconic threatened species - the mountain gorilla could be in danger. UNESCO’s Rapid Response Facility (RRF) is now providing critical emergency support to safeguard the world’s last remaining mountain gorilla populations from this potentially existential threat. The RRF is therefore providing emergency funding to Uganda Wildlife Authority to enable implementation of COVID-safe practices, such as use of personal protective equipment for staff interacting with habituated gorilla groups. Although all tourist visits have ceased, essential monitoring will be maintained to track population health during the pandemic, enabling a swift response to any possible disease outbreak. As well as the risk of disease, there is also increased threat of illegal activities in the park resulting from the economic shutdown. For example, 822 snares were found in the park during March-April this year, compared to 21 in the same period in 2019. The devastating Rafiki to poachers, one of Bwindi’s most famous silverbacks, is evidence of the pressure the park and its precious biodiversity is under. Alongside keeping the gorillas safe from disease, support will also enable extended patrol efforts to cover the gorilla nests overnight, to counter the increased risk of poaching. The status of the Mountain Gorilla was changed from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2018, representing a rare conservation success story - it is vital that this recovery is not jeopardized. Stay safe my friends. Till we meet again❤️ Pic Credit: @farizulcreatives #africatoursadventure #farrowtouganda #gorillasinthemist #ugandatourism #natgeouganda #mountaingorilla #savinggori https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ8hGksMatN/?igshid=9la1t2s1i1mi