When we set out to protect animals, we must learn what they need first. That's why field biologists devote hours to tracking, observing and recording animal behavior. From this data, field biologists learn how much space the animals need, what and how often they eat and how much competition they face from other animals.

On the next page is a map with a grid. On the bottom of the grid are letters, and on the left-hand side of the grid are numbers. These letters and numbers will help you find specific data points on the grid.

Next to the grid you'll see a field note recorded by a biologist in the Congo. The field note identifies a data point- a combination of a letter and a number- that indicates where in the grid the gorillas are at a particular time. The field note also describes something the gorillas are doing-eating, resting, moving and more.

The data point is shown as a green circle with a gorilla footprint in it. Drag the green circle onto the grid, dropping it in the place where the data point letter and number intersect.

Another data point will appear next to the grid. Plot that data point on the grid and continue until all the data points are plotted.

When all the data points are plotted, a circle will appear. Look at the cluster of gorilla footprints on the grid and remember to consider the three things gorillas need in their reserve: shrubs, high forest and wild ginger. This information will help you identify places that are most important to protect. Drag the circle to the area you think should be a protected reserve.

go to gorillas on the move