Endangered Species of Gorillas

As one of the world’s most endangered species, mountain gorillas are found in three African countries: Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills; Uganda, known as the Pearl of Africa; and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Approximately about 880 mountain gorillas are in existance in the world, according to international national statistics. About half of the remaining mountain gorilla population is found in Uganda, whilst the rest is shared between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda is home to the majority of the endangered mountain gorilla population.

The endangered mountain gorilla populations of Uganda are housed in two national parks: the south-western Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. There are roughly 80 mountain gorilla populations in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and about 400 mountain gorilla populations in Bwindi, which are located in the high altitude parts of the forest.

There are roughly eighteen (18) habituated gorilla families in Uganda, seventeen (17) habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi Forest, and just one habituated mountain gorilla family in Mgahinga Forest National Park.

Because most mountain gorilla populations are easily located in groups, Bwindi Forest National Park is the most well-known and highly recommended national park for an amazing mountain gorilla trekking experience.

Lowland gorillas are exclusively found in the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is also home to mountain gorillas. Lowland gorillas are not found in Uganda.The volcano conservation massif area includes the Virunga National Park in the eastern Congo, the Mgahinga Forest National Park in south-western Uganda, and the Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda.

What causes the extinction of mountain gorillas?

Due to a variety of factors, including both natural and man-made dangers, mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered animal species in the world, hence facing extinction.

The governmental organizations responsible for overseeing wildlife and the three countries’ designated national parks have made great efforts to stop the illicit poaching of mountain gorillas, which is a lucrative endeavor for the poachers. In order to obtain their skin and sell a portion of their body for study, gorillas must be killed. As a result of this process, the population of mountain gorillas declines, endangering rare and endangered species in the wild.

Diseases: Because mountain gorillas are 98% human, they are susceptible to human diseases like the flu and cough if they come into close contact with someone who has them. Because mountain gorillas live in families, there is a high likelihood that if one of them gets sick, it will spread to the others. This could make the diseases more difficult to treat and eventually cause the gorillas to pass away, which would lower their population.

Loss of habitat:

Bwindi forest and the volcanic conservation mass are where mountain gorillas can survive at high altitudes, but agricultural farming and human development have completely taken over these areas. Because of this, even though the number of mountain gorillas has increased, the locals will kill them and clear the forests in which they live. For instance, in Virunga Forest National Park, locals have illegally cleared forest trees for commercial use, which has decreased the number of mountain gorillas.

What is the risk of the extinction of mountain gorillas?

The tourism authorities in the three African countries of Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo have developed mountain gorilla permits, which they sell to any individual or traveler who wishes to experience gorilla trekking and gorilla habituation. In order to acknowledge the value of gorilla tourism, the authorities have taken concrete steps to ensure that a portion of the proceeds from the industry is returned to the local communities through direct investments in community projects, including schools and hospitals.