There are approximately only 1000 mountain gorillas remaining in the world, all dwelling in only four African national parks situated in the Virunga Massif in Central and East Africa. The Virunga Massif is a series of eight volcanoes shared by three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The ranges are carpeted with tropical rainforests that make them a perfect home for the mountain gorillas.
More than 700 mountain gorillas live in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which is almost three quarters of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas, making Uganda the best gorilla trekking destination of the three countries. The other gorillas are found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Gorillas have several adaptations that allow them to survive in the rainforests. Possessing 98% of human DNA, it’s a common question how mountain gorillas adapt to their environment.
The herbivorous nature of mountain gorillas makes it easy for them to adapt to the rainforest environment. Gorillas feed on tree leaves, plant stems, fruits, and roots, making it very easy for them to find food in tropical forests. Perhaps if they were carnivores, they wouldn’t be able to stay in the forest. The gorillas staying in the dense vegetation also saves them the burden of walking long distances in search of food.
The long and thick fur helps the mountain gorillas regulate their temperature, keeping them warm amidst the tropical forests in the mountainous areas. The fur also protects the gorillas from insect bites.
The leadership system, with the silverbacks heading the gorilla families, has enabled peaceful stays of the gorillas in the jungle. The dominant silverback dictates the daily activities such as feeding, sleeping, and wake-up times. Only the silverback mates with the females; if one of the black backs wants to mate, he has to leave for another gorilla family.
Mountain gorillas have also adapted to the use of body language and vocalization as a way of socializing. These beautiful apes use expressive faces to show their emotions, desires, and needs to their companions. This is a very touching behavioral adaptation of the gorillas that is worth witnessing.
Gorillas have fingers to help them gather and prepare food. They use their fingers to peel fruits, stems, or even uproot roots. They also use their fingers for protection; a silverback would fight to the death to ensure the safety of his family. Their long arms are used for locomotion, and the powerful muscles in their arms enable them to gather foliage and move easily.
The secretive nature of mountain gorillas helps them easily sense and detect danger, allowing them to avoid problems. These gentle forest creatures rarely pose a threat, with only a few mountain gorillas being aggressive enough to attack when threatened.
These are all interesting behavioral adaptations that trekkers enjoy observing during any gorilla trekking safari in Africa. Note that for any trek, tourists must have gorilla permits, which cost $1500 in Rwanda, $800 in Uganda, and $400 in DR Congo.
Gorilla trekking can be done all year round, but the best seasons are the dry months of June to September and December to February. During these seasons, there are lower chances of rainfall interfering with your trekking experience in the forest. You can book a gorilla safari in Uganda, Rwanda, or DR Congo with any registered and reputable tour company. Choose the best gorilla safari company carefully, as the tour operator can make or break your trip in Africa.
