Rwanda gorillas saved by funds of visiting tourists

The remaining gorillas still alive inhabit the volcanic mountains of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are only 700 of the animals left on the planet. Poaching in the region, human encroachment and decades of conflict have continually threatened the species.

Rwanda reserves, thanks to money coming in from “gorilla tourism”, have helped reverse the trend of the shrinking population, with a noticeable increase in mountain gorillas over the past five years.

The money is funding work to protect their forest habitat and anti-poaching patrols.

"We need the visitors because it is their money that helps to save the gorillas," said gorilla guide Kwizera Diogene.

Rwanda conservationists are managing a delicate balance; restricting the number of visitors to ensure the gorillas are not disturbed, but letting enough through to fund their protection. Each group of gorillas may be visited by a maximum of eight tourists for not more than an hour, at a cost of around €365.

"It was amazing to get so close," said American tourist Carol Hart. "It cost a lot of money but it was worth it."
Gorilla tourism is worth €3.5 million a year to Rwanda and has created thousands of jobs.

A former poacher, Anastase Gasaga, has also come to recognise the animals worth, saying "I make money helping the foreigners see the gorillas, so I don't need to poach anymore."