Mountain gorillas are descendants of ancestral monkeys and apes found in Africa and Arabia during the start of the Oligocene (24-34 million years ago). The total population of these gigantic primates is slightly above 1000. Their diet mainly consists of plants.
They are one of the rarest mammal species in the world. It was 9 million years ago that this group of primates evolved into gorillas from common ancestors with humans and chimps. This is when the genus Gorilla emerged. Mountain gorillas are of great importance to the environment and ecosystem.
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Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the Eastern gorillas – the largest gorilla species among living primates. They have massive chests, muscular arms, and broad hands and feet. Another amazing aspect of mountain gorillas is their thick black hair that protects them from cold weather.
The Eastern mountain gorilla has long hair and shorter arms than its lowland cousin. Mountain gorillas share 98% of human DNA and can live up to 54 years. Males are called Silverbacks because they grow silver-like hair on their backs when they get old; however, mountain gorillas don’t have tails.
Social Behavior
The most interesting and unique fact about this primate is its behavior, which resembles humans. Mountain gorillas are considerably social and live in groups of 2 to 40, led by a Silverback (male gorilla). This dominant male is the chief leader, decision-maker, and protector of the entire family.
He guards other members from attacks by humans, other gorillas, or any other threats. Males usually leave their biological group around 11 years old. The Silverback leads the group to the most ideal spots for feeding and resting throughout the year.
Female gorillas give birth when they turn 10 and have offspring every 4 years. The infants become independent around age 3.
Herbivorous Diet
A mountain gorilla’s diet consists of various plant species, mainly thistles, wood, and roots. They rarely drink water, as they get most of their water from the fresh plants they consume.
In fact, these apes eat a lot and are herbivores by nature.
Endemic Habitat
Mountain gorillas are endemic to the Virunga ranges and Bwindi. They can be found in two separate locations: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and in the Virunga Range of extinct volcanic mountains along the boundary of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, and Rwanda.
In Uganda, mountain gorillas can be trekked in Bwindi Impenetrable NP and Mgahinga National Park, making Uganda a premium gorilla destination. Besides Uganda, mountain gorillas can be trekked in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and Virunga National Park in D.R. Congo.
Population
Due to conservation efforts by a number of non-governmental and governmental bodies, the population size of mountain gorillas has kept on increasing in the respective national parks.
In Bwindi and Mgahinga NPs (Uganda), there are about 500 individuals living in the wild, whereas in Virunga National Park (Rwanda & DRC), there are approximately 600 individuals, making the total about 1100 mountain gorillas in the world, up from 400 individuals ten years ago. This portrays a perfect success story in mountain gorilla conservation.
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking can be done year-round depending on your convenience. However, experts advise that the best times to find gorillas easily are from mid-June to early October and mid-December to March when it’s the dry season and jungles are easily navigable.
Gorilla tracking permit prices may differ depending on different destinations. In Virunga National Park in Congo, the permit costs $400 per person per trek, while in Uganda, it costs $800 per person per trek. In Rwanda, a permit costs $1500 per person per trek, making it an expensive destination for gorilla trekking.
Given these facts, mountain gorillas are among the most interesting mammals to watch and interact with. When you give yourself a chance to interact with them, learn about them, and rediscover more, you’ll truly appreciate their uniqueness.
