Book details

  • Genre:nature
  • Sub-genre:Endangered Species
  • Language:English
  • Pages:156
  • eBook ISBN:9798350985887
  • Paperback ISBN:9798350985870

Dancing Poachers: The Gorilla Guardians of the Virunga

By Edwin Sabuhoro

Overview

This book is about mountain gorillas and the local communities that have coexisted with them for generations. It delves into how gorillas have endured and rebounded, defying scientists and others who predicted their extinction due to their endangered status. In 2004, when Dr. Sabuhoro began his work with mountain gorillas as a ranger, he encountered compelling evidence that conservation methods needed to change. He realized that guards and guns wouldn't protect the gorillas; only local people could save them. Rather than viewing them as poachers to be prosecuted, Dr. Sabuhoro recognized them as potential protectors and conservationists. Since then, Dr. Sabuhoro has persistently advocated, fought, worked, and conducted research to enhance the lives, health, and ecosystems of gorillas and their habitats through an integrated conservation and development approach.
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Description

This book, therefore, is about a captivating story of the community residing near the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. It is about a group of individuals who were once poachers but made a remarkable choice to embrace a different path - a path of dance instead of poaching. It is especially about an extraordinary journey of transformation from being poachers to becoming the protectors that the park desperately needed. As an eyewitness and active participant in this journey for the past two decades, I have had the privilege of witnessing their remarkable progress and contributing to their cause. In this book, you will uncover the untold stories of this resilient community. These are stories that have remained hidden, waiting to be shared with the world. One of the most remarkable stories in this book is the incredible rebound of the gorilla population. In 2010, these mountain gorillas were critically endangered, with a mere 480 individuals remaining in the Virunga. However, through the collective efforts of this village and its people, the gorilla population has surged to over 604 individuals today, and their numbers continue to grow. This is a testament to the unwavering dedication and commitment of the community to protect these endangered species. Moreover, this book sheds light on the profound realization that the villagers had - the realization that they could benefit from the presence of the gorillas. They discovered that a harmonious coexistence was possible, where both the gorillas and the people around them could thrive together in the Virunga mountains. It is a story of harmony, resilience, and the power of choice. This book is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion. It is a celebration of a community's journey from darkness to light, from destruction to preservation. Through its pages, you will witness the incredible dance of life, where the rhythm of the villagers' footsteps replaced the sound of gunshots, and where the protection of the gorillas became a shared mission. It's a captivating adventure as we explore the depths of this community's remarkable story and the enduring bond between humans and nature.
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About The Author

Dr. Edwin Sabuhoro, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management and African Studies at Penn State University, has dedicated over two decades to working closely with indigenous communities in the Virunga-Mountain Gorilla Landscape. His groundbreaking efforts in developing integrated conservation and community development programs have significantly improved the lives of indigenous communities, as well as the mountain gorillas and their habitat. In 2008, Dr. Sabuhoro was honored with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Young Conservationist of the Year Award, highlighting his unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving the Mountain Gorillas and their habitat. His contributions were further acknowledged in 2015 when he received the United Nations-GRASP-Ian Redmond Conservation Award. The following year, Dr. Sabuhoro was presented with the eChievement Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to society. His exceptional leadership and dedication to his cause were also acknowledged when he was selected and invited by President Obama to participate in the 2010 Young African Leaders Forum. His work with Mountain Gorillas and indigenous communities garnered international attention. He was featured on CNN African Voices in 2015 and was recognized as a CNN Hero in the same year. He recently published his memoir "Between Gorillas: My Mother, Her Dreams and Me.
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