A series of science and community-led conservation efforts are increasing the number of mountain gorillas and fin whales, pulling them away from the threat of extinction.

After an extensive assessment, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) improved the status of the fin whale from endangered to vulnerable. The mountain gorilla has been moved from the critically endangered category to endangered. 

International bans on commercial whaling and hunting are considered a significant factor behind the increasing the number of whales. While the number of fin whales doubled over the last 50 years to 10,000 mature individuals, the western gray whale population also witnessed a turnaround.    

Both whales were commercially hunted for its blubber, oil, and meat. The western gray whale status has been moved from critically endangered to endangered. 

“Today's update to the IUCN Red List illustrates the power of conservation action, with the recoveries we are seeing to the fin whale and the mountain gorilla,” said Inger Andersen, IUCN Director General.

“These conservation successes are proof that the ambitious, collaborative efforts of governments, business, and civil society could turn back the tide of species loss,” he added. 

The IUCN Red List has assessed 96,951 species and categorized their status. Unfortunately, nearly a quarter of species have been listed as under threat of extinction. 

Poaching, habitat loss, civil unrest and a series of infections, have all been contributing factors in slowly wiping out the numbers of mountain gorillas.  

With habitat shrinking to merely 792 sq km in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, the mountain gorilla population was barely 680 individuals in 2018. The 2018 survey shows their number has increased to over 1,000. 

IUCN guidelines restricted the number of tourists inside the gorilla habitat to reduce the spread of infection. Anti-poaching patrols and in-situ veterinary interventions – such as the removal of snares were some of the major steps that helped the gorilla population to grow. 

Collaborative conservation efforts with local communities living around the animal's habitat also had a positive effect.

“Whilst it is fantastic news that mountain gorillas are increasing in number, this subspecies is still endangered, and therefore conservation action must continue,” warned Dr Liz Williamson of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group. 

Concerns were raised as nine percent of the 458 fish species assessed in Lake Malawi are facing a high risk of extinction. Over one-third of Malawians depend on Lake Malawi, Africa's third largest lake, for their food and livelihoods.

“Depleting fish stocks are a serious concern for food security, particularly for coastal communities in developing countries,” maintained Yvonne Sadovy, Co-Chair of IUCN SSC Grouper and Wrasse Specialist Group.

(Top Image: Gorrilla, fin whale and western whale populations are rising after a series of conservation efforts were launched. /IUCN Photos)