Following an Ebola outbreak in the Republic of the Congo, what was the observed drop in one local Western Lowland Gorilla population within two years?
Answer
From 377 individuals to just 38
Disease outbreaks, particularly Ebola, represent a catastrophic modern threat to the survival of the Western Lowland Gorilla subspecies. A specific example cited involves an outbreak within the Republic of the Congo, affecting areas like the Lossi sanctuary and Odzala-Kokoua National Park. In one documented instance, the density of a local population was severely reduced over a short period. The numbers fell drastically from an initial count of 377 individuals down to a mere 38 individuals surviving within just two years, illustrating the devastating and rapid impact that disease can have on population viability and subsequent genetic health.
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