Dr Richard Bergl is curator of conservation and research at the North Carolina Zoo. He’s been studying the Cross River Gorilla for over a decade.

"Our understanding of the gorilla," he said, "is based on research that’s only been going for about 20 years or so. My research has used analyses of satellite imagery to try to answer some questions of conservation relevance – specifically looking at how the gorillas move across the landscape and also at the distribution of habitat; looking at how much forest is left and how it’s connected."

Over the years, the Cross River Gorilla population has been plummeting. They reside in a region with a soaring number of people and use of forests, water and other natural resources. As a result, their habitats are frequently destroyed, while poachers hunt them for meat.

Apart from the North Carolina Zoo, the World Conservation Society has been partnering with the governments of Cameroon and Nigeria to create sanctuaries for the Cross River Gorillas in the border region.

Aaron Nicolas, a researcher with the World Conservation Society, says the newly discovered habitats will shape future conservation plans to ensure a better future for the gorillas.

"The relationship between the World Conservation Society and the North Carolina Zoo is really exciting," he said. "It’s something that is developing and growing all the time. We’re working very closely with Dr Richard Bergl and who’s answered a lot of key conservation questions for us which are helping us frame the actions that we’re putting in place in the field."