The Endangered Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
The Endangered Mountain Gorillas of Uganda, according to research, Mountain gorilla is ranked as the highly threatened race to near extinction and the only species of gorilla found in Uganda. Uganda is home to half of the remaining gorilla population in the world which are found in the Virunga conservation Area along the slopes of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the magical Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
According to the 2018 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park gorilla census, the total estimate was over 459 mountain gorillas in 36 social groups and 16 secluded mountain gorillas. Combining the Virunga census of 2015 and the Bwindi-Sarambwe census of 2018 came up with a world population of 1063 mountain gorillas.
Where do they live
Mountain gorillas reside in East-central Africa particularly in two distinct groups including one group living in the fringes of the montane forests of the isolated rift valley in southwestern Uganda, towards the Sarambwe Nature Reserve located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and another one in the Virunga Virunga Conservation Area that spans the three countries of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These mountain gorillas inhabit the protected areas of Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), and Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo). These majestic gentle giants survive only in high-altitude areas characterized by montane tropical rain forests and bamboo, at a range of 1400m to 3800 meters above sea level.
There are two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla, and the Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) is one of them. The gorillas are divided into two populations. One of them is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest of Uganda. The other population is located in the Virunga volcanic mountains within three national parks:
Size- The Endangered Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
Since they are the most energetic living primates, apes are the heaviest particularly mountain gorillas. A mature male mountain gorilla can weigh between 136 to 230 kgs with a standing height of 4 to 6 feet. This means that they are more powerful than humans.
Are gorillas Related to humans
Mountain gorillas are genetically similar to humans sharing 98% DNA. However, it lacks the necessary immunity to many human diseases, hence making it susceptible to even simple human diseases such as colds, flu, and many others. Slight contact such as flu can negatively affect the gorilla’s health.
Therefore, some strict measures are put in place such as it’s advisable to wear a mask when approaching these gentle giants, controlling the numbers of visitors, and maintaining the 10-meter gap upon seeing these mountain gorillas since they have few chances of surviving extinction. This helps to prolong their lifespan of 35 years in their natural habitat.
Feeding- The Endangered Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
These gentle giants are vegetarians, meaning they always feed on leaves, tree bark, fruit pulp, and wild celery, especially in the dense montane forests of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. As they traverse through these thick forests, troops get much of their vegetarian diet. A mature silver back in a day can take around 34 kgs, while the female takes about 18 kgs. Additionally, these mountain gorillas often times move on their four legs to support their heavy bodies, with huge bellies and fats. This means much of their time is spent seated, socializing, nurturing infants, fornicating, and farting to allow digestion to take place.
Nesting/ Night Life
Mountain gorillas construct temporary nests either up in trees or on the ground, where they can gather and sleep as a group for a given night from the foliage (leaves and twigs). Infants always share nests with their mothers for warmth and safety. Their bodies are covered with fur which helps them for warmth adapting to the humid temperatures in these thick misty montane forests.
Social life- The Endangered Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
These individuals always live in family groups known as troops of about 10- 30 members and above, with an alpha male known as the silverback (dominant male) whose role is to lead the troop /family, offer protection from threats, mediate conflicts, patrolling, decision maker, securing nesting spots, and leading the group to food sources, among others. Gorillas are famous for their agility strong social bonds and love for their species like any mother.
Both females and males are responsible for nurturing and taking care of the young ones through playing, hugging, and carrying them, among others. During maturity, many of the males and females, leave their birth family to another troop as a way of avoiding interbreeding. Maturing males who tend to challenge this alpha male are likely to be intimidated by the silverback’s physical prowess. However, despite the aggressive displays of the silverback as a way of assuming dominance and physical power, mountain gorillas are typically calm creatures, unless threatened.
Gestation Period
Mountain gorillas have a gestation period of 8.5 months and females always give birth at 10 years with an interval of four years between birth and a life expectancy of 35 years. Young gorillas are considered as infants until the age of 3.5 years and adults from 8 years and above. From the age of 8-12 years male gorillas are referred to as “black backs” and after 12 years their backs and hips, start developing a silver hairy patch line, achieving recognition of the name “silverback”.
Mother gorillas give birth to one tiny baby, and at 4 months, they can ride on their mother’s backs through the first 2-3 years. From this stage up to 6 years these young ones are always active and cute with delightful playful antics, where much of their time is spent swinging and climbing tree branches, chasing themselves, among others.
Communication-The Endangered Mountain Gorillas of Uganda
According to primatologists, gorillas are very intelligent and have the ability to learn and communicate using man’s simple sign language. This is common among adaptive gorillas in captivity, especially the eastern lowland gorillas. However, it’s hard for mountain gorillas to survive in captivity.
These gentle giants will always produce a low barking sound when tenderly alarmed or inquisitive. The Alpha male tends to move proudly, standing on two legs while beating its chest, making roaring voices as a way of showing strength and intimidating its rivals.
Conservation
Considering the conservation status, Way back, most of the gorilla species and subspecies were listed as critically endangered or endangered on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List (IUCN). This union is the one responsible for setting species conservation status and in 2008, after an increase in gorilla population, it changed and declared the once “critically endangered” to “endangered”.
We take this special opportunity to thank all stakeholders such as the government, conservationists, tour operators, researchers, and nongovernmental organizations for the tireless efforts exhibited in the process of ecological preservation of these mountain gorillas.
This has been exhibited through constant reports, ranger patrols, and monitoring of gorilla habitats which helps to fight poaching and community encroachment for settlement and resources. However, more restoration efforts are still desired with more vigilance and attention to prevent these mountain gorillas from getting back to that state of being critically endangered.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits
In order to have a successful gorilla tracking activity, you must have a gorilla trekking permit which is an official document, pass, or clearance that allows all visitors to have access to mountain gorillas. Non-foreign residents are charged $800, foreign residents $700, the rest of Africa at $500, and UGX 300,000 for citizens of East Africa. On the other hand, gorilla habituation costs $1500 for non-foreign residents, $1000 for foreign residents, and UGX 750,000 for East African citizens.
