Gorilla Sub-Species (05:02)

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The northern region of the Republic of the Congo contains vast rainforests and is home to western lowland gorillas. Humans are penetrating the forests to exploit the natural environment. The Odzala-Kokoua National Park is one of the oldest parks in Africa. (Credits)

Rare Species (04:23)

The Odzala-Kokoua National Park is home to the African forest elephant, forest buffalo, antelopes, and fish eagles. Clearings are a special feature and provide minerals to the animals. Hunters kill spot-nosed monkeys and antelopes for bushmeat.

Poaching (02:43)

African Parks oversee the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in Mbomo. Poachers kill elephants for their tusks; rangers confiscate their rifles. The price of ivory has doubled in the past year.

Human vs. Animal (02:01)

Approximately 150 people live in Lango, a small village in the middle of the Odzala-Kokoua National Park. Elephants trample farms, making residents angry that they are a protected species.

Logging Industry (07:24)

Gorillas leave the park and enter an industrial area owned by a timber company; loggers cause as little damage as possible. The timber company's business is only profitable as long as the forest survives.

Forest Inventory (08:49)

Surveyors record the species, position, and thickness of trees. Experts avoid logging near zones that have a concentration of animals or rare species. Industrie Forestiere d'Ouesse provides jobs and donates money to a development fund. The Aka and Baka pygmy people mark important trees.

Environmentally Responsible Forestry (05:17)

IFO obtains a Forestry Stewardship Council label for sustainable harvesting. Negative stereotypes regarding the logging industry in the Congo exist because of international prejudice.

Preserving Endangered Species (08:05)

Independent scientists count the sleeping nests in the IFO logging region; the gorilla population is stable. The animals disseminate tree seeds when they eat. Jean-Paul Belinga installs video cameras to detect African elephants; a small herd arrives at the abandoned village of Ignoli.

Crime Prevention (07:09)

Rangers work with national parks to stop poachers who hunt elephants and capture live gray parrots. A gold mine financed by Chinese businesses destroys the natural habitat. The Democratic Republic of the Congo needs to use natural resources sustainably.

Credits: Congo: Protecting the Gorilla Forests—Paradise Preserved (00:32)

Credits: Congo: Protecting the Gorilla Forests—Paradise Preserved