Conservation workers explain how humans pass on disease to gorillas and outline the difficulties inherent in restricting tourists to a seven metre distance.

Transcript -- The Negative Effect of Gorilla Tourism

Genetically, mountain gorillas are amongst our closest living relatives, and also one of the world's most endangered species. Half the world's remaining population survive in the forests of Uganda. This album explores the challenges facing conservationists at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Known for its exceptional biodiversity, the Park became a major tourist destination when it opened for gorilla tourism in 1993. The problem is, because the Park lies in the heart of one of the most densely populated parts of Africa, it’s continually under threat from people, eager to use the forest's rich resources. The 13 video tracks on this album explain the ways in which conservationists are working to preserve the gorillas' natural habitat and develop quality of life for the locals. This material forms part of the course U116 Environment: Journeys Through a Changing World.

Contact with Gorillas