Mountain gorillas have several important roles in the environment. They produce carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by plants. In return, these plants release oxygen that people and animals need to breathe.
Mountain gorillas help the forest grow by eating fruits and spreading seeds as they move. These seeds grow into new plants, which help keep the forest alive. This is helpful not only to gorillas but also to other animals and people who depend on the forest.
By eating large amounts of vegetation every day, mountain gorillas help keep the natural food chain balanced. If they disappeared, it could affect many other animals that live in the forest.
Mountain gorillas also support tourism. Many people visit national parks to see them, which brings money to the local communities near the parks.
Gorillas are not only important for the forest but also for the countries where they live and for the people living around the parks.
Tourism has created jobs for local people, such as rangers and guides. This has helped improve their quality of life.
In areas where gorillas live, there have been developments like new hospitals, schools, roads, and hotels. These improvements help both visitors and local people.
Tourism has also helped protect gorillas. Money from gorilla permits is used for their protection, research, and to support the people who work in conservation. Because of this, the number of mountain gorillas has increased.
Many tourists who come to see gorillas also visit other places in Uganda, like Queen Elizabeth National Park. This helps promote the country as a travel destination.
About Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas live in high mountain forests, between 1,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level. They are found in the tropical rainforests of the Virunga volcanoes and in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is the best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Gorillas are the largest primates on Earth. They are divided into two main species: Eastern gorillas and Western gorillas. The Eastern gorillas include the mountain gorilla and the eastern lowland gorilla. The Western gorillas include the cross river gorilla and the western lowland gorilla.
Gorillas mainly eat plants. Most of their food is fruits, but they also eat leaves, ants, termites, insects, and sometimes soil.
Although gorillas are very calm and peaceful animals, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Before they attack, they give warnings such as grunting, beating their chests, or throwing plants.
