The endangered mountain gorillas are subspecies of the eastern gorilla, mostly found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Endangered Mountain Gorillas

August 1, 2024
News Journeys Uganda

The endangered mountain gorillas are subspecies of the eastern gorilla, mostly found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the Virunga Mountains in central Africa. Only the verdant forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga Conservation Area, which includes Volcanoes, Mgahinga, and Virunga National Parks, are home to these critically endangered mountain gorillas.  With over 1068 individuals, they are the largest primates on Earth. Adult males can grow to a height of 6 feet and weigh between 136 and 180 kg (300 and 400 pounds). For tourists, witnessing mountain gorillas in their native habitat is an incredible experience.

Habitat and Distribution of the endangered mountain gorillas

Primarily, mountain gorillas inhabit dense vegetation areas of the Virunga Mountains, which are a part of the Virunga Conservation Area that crosses three nations: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They inhabit woods at elevations of 8,000–13,000 feet above sea level, where the weather is damp and chilly. The famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda are the top locations where one can witness these endangered mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas mainly inhabit the lush woodlands in the Virunga Mountains, which are part of the Virunga Conservation Area spanning across three countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. They live in high-altitude forests, between 8,000-13,000 feet above sea level, where the climate is cool and humid. These endangered mountain gorillas can be seen in Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo) and the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Behaviour and Social Structure of the endangered mountain gorillas

As herbivores, mountain gorillas consume leaves, stems, and shoots. They are dominated by male silverbacks and live in stable, patriarchal communities. These groupings usually include adult females, juveniles, and newborns, ranging in age from five to thirty. The silverback keeps the group’s internal order and defends it from outside dangers. Male gorillas stand between 161 and 171 centimetres tall. Male mountain gorillas usually weigh between 120 and 191 kg, while females can weigh between 70 and 98 kg. Adult males are called silverbacks because of the saddle of grey or silver-coloured hair that grows on their backs with age. Nevertheless, in contrast to most other body parts, their hair grows shorter as they age.

Where to find the endangered Mountain Gorillas

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is situated in south-western Uganda and is home to about 400 mountain gorillas. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park offers an atmosphere that is ideal for the species. These extraordinary creatures have the ideal habitat in the park’s wild terrain and dense, misty forests.

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park, located in Rwanda’s northwest and home to about 604 mountain gorillas, is one of the most popular destinations for gorilla trekking. Rich forests, massive volcanoes, and other gorgeous vistas can be seen all around the park, providing an amazing backdrop for your encounter with these gentle giants in the land with a thousand hills.

Democratic Republic of Congo’s Virunga National Park

Besides the endangered mountain gorillas, Africa’s oldest national park, Virunga National Park, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is home to mountain gorillas. Though small, the gorilla population is healthy. The park offers a unique home for these incredible animals, ranging from lush woods to volcanic highlands. Travelling with gorillas is an experience of a lifetime, but you must carefully plan and prepare with a reputable tour operator in order to secure the necessary permits and abide by park limitations. In addition to making sure you are properly prepared for your study of these gentle giants, never forget to honour these incredible animals and their natural habitats.

Initiatives for conservation, such as habitat preservation and ethical tourism, can be partly responsible for the steady increase in mountain gorilla populations. inspiring hope for the long-term survival of these incredible animals, like the well-known silverback gorilla Titus in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, who has been observed and researched for more than 40 years and is a shining example of the resilience and beauty of mountain gorillas.

Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

One of Uganda’s smallest parks, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, is a stunning location for gorilla trekking despite its smaller size. The park’s unique beauty and ecosystem will make tourists have a fantastic experience, even though there are not as many mountain gorillas as in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Conservation Status of the endangered mountain gorillas

According to the IUCN Red List, there are only about 1,068 gorillas left in the wild, making them an endangered species. A number of human activities, including clearing forests for the production of charcoal, settlement, agriculture, poaching, and changes in the weather and climate that affect their habitat and food supply, are the main causes of the threats to their survival.

Through national parks and protected areas, habitat conservation and restoration are achieved. To comprehend gorilla behaviour and population dynamics, research and monitoring initiatives are needed. strategies for community-based conservation that involve the local community in the protection of gorillas. tourism, fostering ethical gorilla trekking, and producing revenue for environmental preservation.

Conservation Efforts of the endangered mountain gorillas

Since conservation efforts began in the Virunga Mountains, the number of mountain gorillas has grown, from 600 in 1985 to around 1,068 currently. By conducting research, keeping an eye on things, and organising community outreach initiatives, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International has played a significant role in Mountain Gorilla conservation. By generating revenue and encouraging gorilla conservation, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has effectively incorporated sustainable tourism techniques.

Conclusively, there are many dangers to the survival of the critically endangered mountain gorillas, which makes their population growth unstable. However, their population has started to rebound thanks to coordinated conservation efforts from a number of governments and organisations, research, and community involvement. For these amazing animals to survive over the long term, support and protection must be provided consistently.

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