As per 2024, the mountain gorilla population has grown to 1,063, up from the recorded 1,004 individuals in 2018.
You too can increase this number by gorilla trekking in Africa.
Most of the money got from gorilla permits is channeled towards conservation.
Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of Eastern gorillas that inhabit the Virunga Mountain Range, spanning across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in southwestern Uganda.
Mountain gorillas were on the brink of extinction in the 19th century but survived due to the conservation efforts of the great American primatologist Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to the conservation of mountain gorillas and tragically lost her life in 1986 in Rwanda.
Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans, making them close relatives of chimpanzees.
They have unique nose prints, similar to how humans have unique thumbprints.
These gorillas live in higher elevations on volcanic mountains and have thick, long fur that helps them adapt to the cold temperatures.
Mountain gorillas live in groups of 5-30 members, dominated by a silverback gorilla that makes decisions regarding the group’s day-to-day activities.
They primarily feed on vegetation, although they occasionally supplement their diet with ants, insects, and termites.
How many Mountain Gorillas are left?
According to research conducted in 2018, there are only 1,004 mountain gorillas left in the wilderness, compared to 2010 when the population was estimated to be 786 individuals.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half of the mountain gorilla population.
The number of mountain gorillas is believed to have increased by 26.3% in the last seven years, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%.
Conservation efforts have significantly improved since 1981 when a census estimated only 254 individuals in the wild.
In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the population indicated a 6% increase in 2006 compared to 2002, and it is said to have increased by 12% from 1997 to 2006 in Bwindi Forest National Park.
The mountain gorilla population is estimated using traditional methods of collecting dung samples from nests.
It has been found that gorilla families habituated for research experience higher population growth than unhabituated mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas were removed from the list of critically endangered apes but still depend on conservation efforts to survive.
They face numerous threats, including poaching, habitat loss, disease outbreaks, war, civil unrest, and more.
Where to trek Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas can be trekked in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gorilla permits cost $700 in Uganda, $400 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and $1500 in Rwanda.
Gorilla permits in all of the above countries should be obtained three months in advance before traveling due to high demand for permits, especially during the peak season.
Mountain gorillas can be visited year-round in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, though some months are better than others.
The best times are from December to February and June to August.
Mountain gorillas live in higher elevations with cold temperatures and sometimes rainfall, even during the dry seasons.
Tourists should be prepared by carrying the right gorilla trekking attire, including good hiking boots, raincoats, warm clothes, energy snacks, drinking water, sunscreens, hats, insect repellents, garden gloves, and more.
