What conservation implication arises from the deep genetic separation of the Cross River Gorilla (*G. b. diehli*)?
Answer
Losing this subspecies represents a greater loss to biodiversity due to its unique evolutionary branch
Because the genetic distance between the Cross River Gorilla and the Western Lowland Gorilla is established by ancient barriers and subsequent fragmentation, each subspecies represents a distinct evolutionary unit. The critically endangered *G. b. diehli* has accumulated irreplaceable genetic variation during its long isolation. Therefore, its extinction would equate to the permanent loss of an entire unique evolutionary branch, a far greater deficit to overall gorilla biodiversity than the simple reduction in numbers within a single, broader population. Conservation must target the preservation of this irreplaceable genetic architecture.
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