Directions: Read the article below about endangered gorillas in central Africa, and answer the questions that follow.  As you do the reading, think about the relationship between humans and the environment, and the sometimes surprising links between human social/political/economic issues and environmental degradation.

Article: “Grauer’s Gorillas May Soon Be Extinct, Conservationists Say”

Questions:

1. State how much the population of Grauer’s gorillas has declined in the past 20 years.
2. Describe how Grauer’s gorillas are different from other sub-species of gorillas.
3. Explain at least three reasons for the decline in population.  Include in your explanation a discussion of the role that humans have played in the population decline, as well as a description of the human conflicts that have led to the gorilla’s endangerment.
4. Explain some of the measures that are being taken to help protect the gorillas, including protected areas and microcredit.
5. Explain what it means to have a “gorilla-free” cell phone or iPad, and why this is important.
6. Discuss the relationship between human conflicts and other species, including a discussion of Grauer’s gorillas.