Understanding the Gorilla Habitat pt. 1
To understand how and why the Mountain Gorillas and Natives coexist in East Africa we need to go back to the beginnings. The story of Gorilla Habitat begins around 3 million years ago with the emergence of Australopithecus in East Africa. If we look at the image of Lucy and observe the Laetoli footprints in the mud preserved near Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, we see signs of our earliest ancestors. From those beginnings humans and gorillas diverged but are still inked as close biological relatives. The Twa, precursors of modern Batwa pygmies lived in harmony with the Mountain Gorillas for centuries. Over the last 5000 years Hutus and Tutsi as well as refugees from adjacent countries moved into the area surrounding the habitat.
Over the next few weeks we will review the events that have led to the current situation. STAY TUNED!
Laetoli footprints in the mud preserved near Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania
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