Photography plays an important role in many aspects of research and conservation, and here at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund it is one of the tools we use every day.
Photos are a critical part of identifying mountain gorillas due to their unique noseprints. Our field teams take photographs of each gorilla and their noseprints are added to our long-term database. We also use photography to be able to estimate the size of the gorillas – a technique called photogrammetry – which has provided fascinating insights into how gorillas grow and how size relates to social status and reproductive success. And we have motion-activated cameras placed in the forest that help us monitor gorillas and document the other species that share their forest home.
Not to mention, we also use photos to spotlight the importance of gorillas and to inspire people from around the world to join in conservation efforts. Photography truly plays a critical role in showcasing how wonderful these animals are!
We are excited to celebrate World Photography Day on Aug. 19 – a day to recognize all things photography and share some of our favorite photographs of the year and the stories behind them. Check out these amazing moments in time with our favorite animals on the planet and a few members of neighboring species:
Habitat loss: a conservation challenge
Limited forest habitat threatens the lives of gorillas, and inevitably affects us all. In this photo, see silverback Inkumbuza resting, with the stark line between his forest home and farmland behind him. Photo by McKensey Miller.
Majestic beauty: Karibu
We know we have the privilege of observing gorillas every day, but we can never quite get over how gorgeous they are, like in this photo of silverback Karibu. Photo by McKensey Miller.
Relaxing: Ishimwe
While this may appear to be a characteristically human pose, many of the gorillas we monitor prefer to relax in this way: with their head resting on their hands. While we have no idea what was going through his mind at this moment, Ishimwe appears to be in deep thought in this photo, doesn’t he? Photo by Bertrand Mahirwe.
The elusive Grauer’s gorilla
Unlike mountain gorillas in Rwanda, which we monitor visually every day, we follow Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo a day behind, because these gorillas are unhabituated, meaning that they are not used to the presence of humans. This is a photo of BonneAnne, a habituated silverback who lives in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Photo by Frederik Van de Perre.
Mother and infant: golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park
For two decades, we have been studying golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Because this endangered species breeds seasonally (unlike gorillas, who breed throughout the year), there are certain times when we have the pleasure of seeing many, many monkey babies, just like in this sweet photo! Photo by Dr. Yntze van der Hoek.
Camera traps: elephants and hyenas!
Motion-activated cameras, also called camera traps, are extremely useful for monitoring elusive wildlife. This year, we saw the signs of elephants returning to the forests we protect in Congo and recorded the first sighting of a hyena in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Without camera traps, we might not know these species were there!
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