5 facts about mountain gorillas. As you plan or go on your Uganda/Rwanda gorilla safari, knowing a few facts about the mountain gorillas is worth knowing. Mountain gorillas are endangered animals that were until 2018 regarded critically endangered. Mountain gorillas can be found in Bwindi Gorilla National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park both in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
With only about 1063 mountain gorillas in the world, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one to inhabit about more than half the total population of the mountain gorillas. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has about 22 habituated gorilla families that travelers can encounter while on a gorilla trekking experience in the park.
Mountain gorillas are primates which are biggest of all species. The habituated gorilla families live in groups of about 5-12 individuals or more. Below are the top 5 facts about mountain gorillas that one would find worth knowing.
- Gorillas are an endangered species as indicated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The 2018 census of the gorillas in the Virunga Massifs and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park however indicated that the gorilla population had increased. The increase in the gorilla population is greatly attributed to the various efforts of the different gorilla conservationists. Gorillas share a 98% DNA with humans that the gorillas are quite susceptible to human infections, thereby one of the biggest threats to the gorillas. Other threats to the mountain gorillas include poaching, civil unrests among others.
- The gorillas that travelers encounter while on gorilla trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are fully habituated. Though habituated, care is still expected to be considered while on a gorilla trekking experience. While gorilla trekking the habituated mountain gorillas, travelers are still advised to follow all the gorilla trekking rules and regulations including among others maintaining a 7m distance away from the gorillas, no making eye contact, as well as maintaining low voices while gorilla trekking, lest the gorillas are stressed and thus charge at you.
Bwindi Gorillas - Mountain gorillas are omnivorous animals feeding on both fresh vegetation like leaves, shoots, fruits and pith, rarely drinking plain waters as they get most of the moisture or wetness from the lushly shoots and vegetables. Mountain gorillas are also social animals that they live in groups and families led by the silverbacks. Silverbacks lead the gorilla families, defining what the family eats, where to sleep and so much more.
- Mountain gorillas have and follow schedules that they follow throughout the day. A typical day of the mountain gorillas starts as early as 6am with the gorillas waking up, and start foraging for most parts of the morning hours, till about 12pm after which they rest, relax and bond with the family. Mountain gorillas bond by grooming one another, infants playing with themselves or even with the juveniles in the gorilla family. After a while bonding and grooming, the gorillas forage yet again throughout the afternoon, make their nests that they would make use for their night stay.
- Mountain gorillas are found in mountainous and densely forested areas, and can be encountered while on gorilla trekking safaris. Gorilla trekking is one of the most amazing activities that have travelers hiking through the dense forests in search of the gorillas. Gorilla trekking is the one activity that anyone after encountering the mountain gorillas can take part in to encounter the gorillas.
The above are the 5 facts about mountain gorillas that you may want to know as you plan your gorilla safari experience.
Gorillas are endangered species that are most sought after by travelers looking to see the largest primates in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking, though an amazing experience, is an activity that can be quite strenuous that travelers are encouraged to plan for the activity not only physically but also mentally. Gorilla trekking safaris can be done in the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda as well. Gorilla trekking can be done all throughout the year. Simply get in touch with a reputable tour operator to help you pitch an amazing gorilla trekking safari experience in any of your preferred gorilla safari location.
