Made up of 15 members, the Bitukura family is found in the eastern Ruhija sector of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. This mountain gorilla group derives its name from a river that runs through Bwindi forest, where the group was first found and where it still lives.
Its habituation process began in July 2007, and the family was officially opened for tracking in October 2008, making it the fastest family to be fully habituated in the history of mountain gorillas in Bwindi National Park.
Bitukura’s habituation lasted only 15 months, which is remarkable since this process normally lasts for a period of not less than 2 years. This achievement was possible in such a short time due to the group’s close connection with the Kyaguriro gorilla family. It is believed that the two families still have regular interactions. Due to the frequent encounters with Uganda Wildlife Authority rangers during interactions with the Kyaguriro family, their habituation process became much easier.
However, the Bitukura group, which originally had 24 members, has been drastically reduced to only 15 members over the last couple of years. It is one of the most peaceful gorilla families, with three silverbacks living together in harmony.
Surprisingly, one of the youngest silverbacks, Ndahura, was the leader until it died when it fell from a tree in 2016. Ndahura had taken on the role of group leadership from silverback Karamuzi, who had been leader for over 40 years and has now peacefully retired. The Bitukura family is now under the leadership of silverback Rukumu.
Despite losing several individuals to defection to other gorilla groups, Bitukura is steadily growing, and members are living happily and closer to one another, especially after the birth of its newest member by Ruhara, the adult female.
Some of the members of the Bitukura family include Rukumu, the dominant silverback; Karamuzi, the second silverback; Rukara, the third silverback; Betina, Ruhara, and Kamuga, the adult females; Mugisha and Obia, the black backs; Twakire, a juvenile; Kabandize, a juvenile who moved from the Kyaguriro family; plus the infants Kadogo and Mubwindi.
