Legendary nature broadcaster Sir David Attenborough has asked fans for donations in a bid to save mountain gorillas.

The wildlife expert has launched his first crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com, and wants to raise $160,000 (£100,000) to support Fauna & Flora International's campaign to protect the primates from poaching and habitat loss in Africa.

Launching the drive on Wednesday (30Oct13), his mission statement reads, "If we are to ensure the survival of mountain gorillas, it is vital that the global community supports our efforts.

"By supporting this campaign and promoting it through your networks, you will not only be helping to secure a future for mountain gorillas, but also the tens of thousands of Rwandan, Ugandan and Congolese people who have come to depend upon them for their livelihoods and wellbeing."

Attenborough is hoping the campaign will reach its target by 11 December (13). Fans had already donated almost $3,000 (£2,00) by Friday (01Nov13).

The money will go towards paying for rangers to secure the gorillas' habits, drinking tanks for the animals and to boost breeding programs.

Attenborough made headlines around the world in 1979 when he was filmed interacting up-close with gorillas in Rwanda as part of his groundbreaking Life on Earth Tv documentary series.