Where to see mountain gorillas in Africa, Uganda, Rwanda and DRC, Congo
Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) is one of the two subspecies of the Eastern gorilla and was listed as endangered by the IUCN as of 2018. Mountain gorillas have two populations of which one is found in Virunga volcanic mountains with the three national parks that is Mgahinga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda and Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). today we would love to know more about where do Mountain gorillas lives?
Where do Mountain gorillas lives? According to primatologists, the Bwindi population of the mountain gorillas is a separate subspecies though no description has been finalised. Mountain gorillas are believed to be descendants of the apes and ancestral monkeys found in Africa and Arabia. About 12 million years ago, it is believed that some primates that were to evolve into the mountain gorillas split from their ancestor with humans and chimpanzees. Mountain gorillas later were proposed to be one species that included three sub species that is Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla graueri) this one mainly found in the Virungas and Mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) found in the Virunga and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park.
Adaptations to the environment
Mountain gorillas inhabit the Albertine rift and the cloud forest which includes the Virunga mountains that range with an elevation from 2,200-4,300m. Most of these mountain gorilla groups live on the slopes of the Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno. This is because the vegetation is very dense at the bottom of the mountain. Forests are most of the time cloudy cold and misty. Mountain gorillas live in families of between 5-10 individuals and they are usually headed by the male silverback. Gorilla trekking is one of the most rewarding experiences a client on any African safari should not miss as you get to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat as they carry out their daily activities like feeding, grooming and nursing the young ones. It should be noted that mountain gorillas mainly feed on bamboo shoots, stems and fruits though this is at times supplemented by the termites at larvae stage that are usually picked from the nests.
How many Mountain Gorillas are in the Wild?
It is believed that there are about 1,000 mountain gorillas left in the wild due to the fact that these have been decreased due to human conflict. This has been due to increased pressure on the gorilla habitat by human encroachment with the aim of practicing human activities like agriculture. The mountain gorilla is now listed as the critically endangered due to the fact that they are depopulated and a few are remaining in the wild. Mountain gorillas are closer to humans as they share 98% DNA with us.
Mountain gorillas are known to be shy and gentle at the same time but this does not mean that they don’t be aggressive. Aggression comes in at times when there is a fight between two and this sometimes leads to death as they may get deep injuries but this has rather been reduced by studying and researching on their threat behaviors.
Mountain gorillas are considered to have thick fur which enables them to survive in the areas with freezing temperatures. They are believed to survive in mountains with elevations of between 8,000-13,000ft. Mountain gorillas have been recognized with over 25 vocalizations used during communication in their natural habitat. This always helps to indicate and know where other group members could be taking a nap or grazing from. They use screams and roars as a sign of warning. They can also be used in situations of social interactions.
Mountain Gorillas Permit
Mountain gorillas get involved so much in seasonal migrations. Mountain gorillas can be tracked at USD700 per person in Mgahiga gorilla national park and Bwindi impenetrable forest national park in Uganda, USD1,500 per person in Volcanoes national park in Rwanda and USD450 in Kahuzi Biega national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Gorilla habituation in Uganda at the moment costs USD1,500 per person. It should be noted that before the tourists set off for either gorilla trekking or gorilla habituation, they are always required to observe the rules and regulations. This makes it flexible for both the gorillas and rangers.
Time limitation with Mountain Gorillas
During gorilla trekking, tourists are allowed to spend a full hour with the gorillas while during habituation tourists spend four full hours with the mountain gorillas. It should also be noted that the mountain gorillas can live in the wild for a period of between 35-40 years according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). You can book with Pamoja safaris for this wonderful experience, and find out Where do Mountain gorillas lives?
