Endangered gorilla habitats threatened in rebel-held Congo

The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to hundreds of species of birds and one of the last groups of eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer's gorillas - (Getty/iStock)

Illegal logging has surged in the tropical forests of eastern Congo after falling into rebel hands earlier this year, stoking fears of widespread environmental damage, according to residents and environmentalists.

The affected area includes the Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site west of Bukavu, eastern Congo's second-largest city.