The aim is to boost conservation of humankind's closest relatives and their habitats by increasing the livelihoods and incomes of local people. Currently, three out of four gorilla species are critically endangered. Major threats to gorillas are poaching for bushmeat, habitat degradation, armed conflicts and diseases.

Living Planet speaks to gorilla expert and Chief Consultant to the UNEP/UNESCO Great Ape Survival Project, Ian Redmond, and asked him how the situation of gorilla populations has changed since his early work with Dian Fossey in the 1970s.

(Interview: Irene Quaile)