The Ebola virus may be wiping out a number of endangered western lowland gorillas in the conflict-torn border region between Gabon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. An Ebola outbreak in the area has killed hundreds of people in recent years, and perhaps thousands of gorillas, say scientists. “Chimpanzees and gorillas are already endangered, and Ebola adds yet another threat to those already facing these species, such as deforestation and the wild meat trade,” said Jean-Christophe Vie of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The organization warns that primates are susceptible to many of the same diseases that afflict humans. A sizable sanctuary in northwestern Congo aims to protect gorillas, but political instability in the region has stymied conservation efforts.
