Mountain Gorilla Mortality and Climatic Factors in the Parc National des Volcans, Ruhengeri Prefecture, Rwanda, 1988

Abstract

During the spring of 1988, an unusual epidemic of respiratory disease and six concurrent deaths of mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) occurred in the Parc National des Volcans, Ruhengeri Prefecture, Rwanda. Available climatological data were examined in an attempt to determine possible causal linkages between disease and local weather patterns. The data indicate that March through May of 1988 was indeed wetter than average for the two stations reviewed, and most likely cooler. However, it was concluded that climatic factors were probably secondary to those of age, previous exposure to the infectious agent, and individual susceptibility. Seasonal climatic effects on disease susceptibility are nevertheless reflected in the higher incidence of gorilla mortality during the March-May period, based upon a 23-year record.