Mountain gorillas have several important roles in the ecosystem
Mountain gorillas produce carbon dioxide, and plants absorb that carbon dioxide and produce oxygen that humans breathe.
Mountain gorillas play an important role in the ecosystem by eating fruits and dispersing seeds throughout the forest, where the seedlings grow and replenish the forest. This is crucial for gorillas, other animals in the habitat, as well as humans because it sustains the environment.
Mountain gorillas play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to balance the natural food chain through their daily consumption of large amounts of vegetation. Without mountain gorillas, this could affect other animals living in the forest.
Mountain gorillas also play an important role in eco-tourism through gorilla trekking activities, benefiting the locals living near mountain gorilla national parks by generating income annually.
Mountain gorillas have not only played a significant role in the ecosystem but have also been of great importance to the countries in which they are found and the surrounding communities within the parks.
Gorilla tourism has created employment opportunities for locals, such as game rangers and guides, leading to improvements in people’s standards of living.
Infrastructure development has occurred in and within the national parks where mountain gorillas are found, including the construction of hospitals, hotels, schools, and roads leading to gorilla national parks.
Gorilla tourism has also contributed to the conservation of these endangered apes. The revenue generated from mountain gorillas is used for their conservation, research, and studies, as well as compensating those involved in this work. This has greatly contributed to the increase in mountain gorilla populations.
Gorilla tourism has also promoted and marketed other destinations in Uganda. Tourists who come to visit mountain gorillas often end up visiting other national parks in Uganda, such as Queen Elizabeth National Park.
About Gorillas
Mountain gorillas live at high elevations of 1500-4000 meters above sea level in the subtropical and tropical rain-forests of the Virunga volcanoes and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – The best place for gorilla trekking in Uganda.
Gorillas are the world’s living primates divided into two species: Eastern gorillas and Western gorillas. The Eastern species is further divided into sub-species of mountain gorilla and eastern lowland gorilla, while the Western species is subdivided into cross river gorilla and western lowland gorilla.
Gorillas are entirely herbivorous animals that feed on vegetation, with fruits making up the highest percentage of their diet. However, they sometimes supplement it with ants, termites, insects, and occasionally eat soil.
Gorillas are very humble and gentle animals but can become extremely aggressive when they are disturbed or feel insecure. Before a mountain gorilla attacks, they will send warnings with displays of expressions like grunting, beating chests, and throwing vegetation.
