Understanding the Importance of Mountain Gorillas is not hard. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of apes inhabiting the Virunga mountain ranges of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They can be trekked from any of the national parks found in these countries.
Mountain gorillas share 98% DNA with humans, just like chimpanzees and bonobos, making them close human relatives.
Gorillas also have unique nose prints significant to each of them, just as humans have thumbprints unique to them.
Mountain gorillas have adapted to their environment with thick and long fur found on their bodies, enabling them to live in cold temperatures.
The major predators of mountain gorillas are humans and leopards. Disease outbreaks also affect mountain gorilla populations due to their low birth rates.
Importance of Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas are crucial because without them consuming large amounts of vegetation as food daily, there would be a disruption in the natural food chain, which could affect other animals in the area.
Gorillas are essential to the people living near their habitat because they benefit greatly from eco-tourism when visitors from all over the world come to visit these famous apes. Countries where gorillas are trekked earn a significant income from gorilla trekking annually.
Gorillas are also vital because they disperse seeds in the rain forests where they live, creating spaces for seedlings to grow and replenish the forests. This is beneficial to humans as well because they depend on this regrowth to sustain the environment.
Mountain gorillas are also essential for the study of the great family of apes, including humans. They are also important for sustainable tourism.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking can be done in Virunga National Park in Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda.
This activity provides an unforgettable lifetime experience in Africa. It typically starts in the morning and can take about three hours to find the gorillas, depending on their location. After finding the apes, you will be allowed to observe them for a period of one hour.
Gorilla habituation
Gorilla habituation can be done at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda. Gorilla habituation is the process of making mountain gorillas get used to human presence before they can be accessed by tourists. You can join rangers and researchers in this process, which takes 4 hours in the presence of mountain gorillas. The cost is $1500 per person.
What to carry for gorilla trekking or habituation
When planning to go for gorilla trekking in Africa, you will need to carry good waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, raincoats, warm and long-sleeved clothes, insect repellents, drinking water, energy-giving snacks, sunscreen, and more.
In conclusion, you should make an effort to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations.
You will also need to obtain permits in advance.
Mountain gorilla trekking national parks also offer other tourist activities such as volcano climbing, wildlife watching, and birding.
