In pictures: Gorilla guardians

After the ceasefire was signed in February, Mr Kambale said: "If this peace lasts a long time, we know we can do our work and the gorillas will be safe for the first time in so many years."

However, with these recent attacks and Gen Nkunda's threat, these rangers could once again be forced to reduce their patrols, or even to flee, and the future of these critically endangered animals will, yet again, be at stake.

Text and images: Georgina Cranston, June 2007