Recovery Potential of a Western Lowland Gorilla Population following a Major Ebola Outbreak: Results from a Ten Year Study

A western lowland gorilla population in Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo, shows potential for recovery following a devastating Ebola outbreak that reduced its numbers from around 380 to fewer than 40 individuals. Over ten years, the population remained stable but underwent significant structural changes, including the disappearance of solitary males and the immigration of adult females forming new breeding groups with young silverbacks. Despite some females joining unlikely sire silverbacks without observed infanticide, the population's demographic shifts suggest resilience. This study highlights the long-term impacts of Ebola on gorilla populations and provides demographic indicators for detecting outbreaks in non-monitored areas.

Genton, C., Cristescu, R., Gatti, S., Levréro, F., Bigot, E., Caillaud, D., Pierre, J.-S., & Ménard, N. (2012). Recovery Potential of a Western Lowland Gorilla Population following a Major Ebola Outbreak: Results from a Ten Year Study. PLoS ONE, 7(5), e37106. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0037106