The endangered Mountain gorillas are the world’s most endangered apes found only in small portions of protected misty afro-montane forests in northwest Rwanda, southwestern Uganda & eastern DR Congo. In 2018, the IUCN listed Mountain gorillas as an endangered species.

Scientifically called Gorilla beringei beringei, a Mountain gorilla is one of the 2 subspecies of Eastern gorilla. Its cousin is the Eastern lowland gorilla found in Kahuzi Biega National Park in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Globally, Mountain gorillas have two populations! One is found within the Virunga Mountains of East or Central Africa spanning 3 national parks; Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in Congo, and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda is the other place holding the other Mountain gorilla population. Some primatologists speculate that the Bwindi population is a separate subspecies however, no description has been concluded.

Note that as their name implies, Mountain gorillas live in high altitude areas usually above 8000 to 13000ft.  Since they are social primates, they are usually spotted in a family group each led by a dominant Silverback male.

In this article, we are to explore all aspects of Mountain gorillas- the gentle humanlike primates.

Interesting Facts About Mountain Gorillas

1. They live in family groups just like humans
2. These once critically endangered apes live in higher elevations- above 8000- 13000ft
3. Each Mountain gorilla family is led by a dominant Silverback gorilla/ dominant adult male gorilla
4. The population size of Mountain gorillas in the world is over 1063 individuals
5. These gorillas have great genetic relation with humans. They share 98% DNA.
6. This great ape can’t survive in captivity
7. These gentle giants are primarily herbivores
8. Scientifically, this great ape- a Mountain gorilla is called Gorilla beringei beringei
9. A silverback generally defends the gorilla group
10. Adult females give birth to 1 offspring every after 4-6 years
11. The growing human populations are a great threat to Mountain gorillas
12. They spend most of the time in bamboo forest zones when bamboo shoots are fresh
13. In comparison with their Lowland cousins, Mountain gorillas are bigger
14. The gestation period of these gorillas is similar to that of humans- 9 months
15. A silverback protects the whole gorilla family

Mountain Gorillas Habitats- Where Do Mountain Gorillas Live?

Globally, Mountain gorillas only inhabit the Albertine Rift montane forests including the Virunga Mountains in elevations of around 2,200- 4300m above sea level. These forests are usually cloudy, cold, and misty.

Most of the Mountain gorilla groups live on the slopes of Virunga dormant volcanoes in Mgahinga National Park Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC.

Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is another destination for Mountain gorillas in Africa and this site holds almost half the Mountain gorilla population size on Earth.

According to the latest Mountain gorilla population census in 2018 (done every after 5-10 years), around 1,063 Mountain gorillas were recorded in the wild.

Mountain Gorillas Diet- What Do Mountain Gorillas Eat?

Mountain gorillas are mostly herbivores, eating celery leaves mainly, shoots, backs, roots, and stems from various plants. Sometimes they devour insects, flowers, and fruits. They spend a lot of time foraging each day, utilizing items like twigs to remove ants out of their nests.

A specialized digestive mechanism lets mountain gorillas get nutrition from fibrous plants. Their huge intestines and extensive digestive system allow them to digest difficult plants. Their multi-chambered stomach ferments plant material to get additional nutrients.

On average, a male Mountain gorilla can eat 18.8kg of Vegetation while female Mountain gorillas 14.9kg per day. These mighty giants rarely take water since they consume usually succulent vegetation which holds water and even the morning dew.

Physical Structure of Mountain Gorillas

Male Mountain gorillas can weigh up to 180kg while adult females 90km and this makes them one of the largest primates in the world. When standing straight upright, Gorilla beringei beringei is around 4 feet. When males mature, these adult males develop a silver hair saddle at their backs thus getting a name- Silverback gorilla.

In contrast to other subspecies, Mountain gorillas have longer hair, which aids them to live in misty forest areas at higher altitudes of extinct volcanic mountains where temperatures sometimes drop below the freezing point. They are stocky amazing creatures with broad chests, shoulders, and large arms.

These beautiful great apes have opposable thumbs on their hands that enable them to hold objects and operate tools. Additionally, they have big canines that they exhibit for dominance and defense. Regardless of their great size, Mountain gorillas are gentle giants that usually avoid conflicts.

If interested in Mountain gorilla safaris (visiting gorillas in their natural habitats) you can go Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes National, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of DR Congo, or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga park in Uganda.

Social Structure of Mountain Gorillas

Just like most primates, Mountain gorillas are highly social animals living in family groups. A Mountain gorilla family consists of multiple females, young ones, and juvenile males as well as a dominant male silverback that heads the group and keeps it safe from external threats.

The social dynamics of the Mountain gorilla group are heavily reliant on the females, who are intimately bonded to one another.

Due to their highly developed social skills, they use a range of vocalizations, body postures & facial expressions to interact with one another. In addition, grooming serves as a social and bonding tool for them.

Mountain Gorilla Group Size

The group size of Gorilla beringei beringei varies from 5-30 individuals but on average, it’s 10 members.  Most males leave their typical group when they reach their puberty stage.

In case a silverback dies due to diseases, poachers, or any other accident, the family can be distributed however, with time a capable male will take over his position. If this happens, the new silverback might kill all the infants of the former silverback!

This practice has not been noticed in stable groups in Virunga gorillas or those in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Mountain Gorillas vs. lowland Gorillas

• Mountain gorillas are the ones that dwell in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. The Eastern Lowland gorillas live in Kahuzi Biega National Park
• Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi park are bigger than Mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
• Lowland gorillas dwell in lowland rain forests whereas Mountain gorillas inhabit the mountainous misty forests in Virunga mountains and Bwindi Forest
• A Mountain gorilla holds thick longer hair than the Eastern gorilla
• The best way to understand the difference between these 2 gorilla species is to undertake a Rwanda gorilla trekking safari or Rwanda gorilla tour with the Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla safari in Kahuzi Beiga park.

Mountain Gorilla Communication- How Do Gorillas Communicate to Each Other?

Gorilla communication involves both verbal as well as nonverbal forms of communication. Normally, grunts and grumbles are the most noted according to DR. Elena Less at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. All the sounds come from the throat!

Note that just like humans, the communication of the gorillas can be by facial expression, postures, and even vocalizations in dense vegetation.

Communication is useful during social interaction! Roars & screams imply an alarm or a warning usually done by silverbacks. During feeding and resting times, deep, rumbling belches are commonly heard, suggesting contentment. They’re the most widely used method of communication within Mountain gorilla groups.

Aggression of Mountain gorillas

In general, mountain gorillas are gentle and quite shy, despite their strength and power. In stable groups, severe aggressiveness is rare, but when two groups of mountain gorillas come together, there’s a chance that the two silverbacks will fight to the death, using their teeth to inflict serious, gaping wounds. Most of the time, threats and other behaviors meant to intimidate without resorting to physical force are used to resolve conflicts.

How do you know when a Mountain gorilla is fully charged?

• It gradually quickens hooting
• Symbolic feeding
• Rising bipedally
• One leg kick
• Throwing vegetation,
• Sideways running four-legged
• Chest beating with cupped hands
• Slapping and tearing vegetation
• Thumping the ground with palms

If this great ape charges at you while tracking gorillas in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Congo Virunga National Park, or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, just remain calm! Don’t run, the gorilla will turn away.

Threats to Mountain Gorillas

Mountain gorillas in their natural habitats or protected areas like Virunga National Park Congo, Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park Uganda face various changes/threats. Most of these are from human activities.

The main threats to gorillas are discussed below;

a)     Habitat Loss, Human-Wildlife Conflict

Since local communities inhabit areas adjacent to gorilla parks, there has been human encroachment on park land. Human settlements have been registered in Virunga National Park areas in the Democratic Republic of DR Congo.

For instance in 2004, over 3700 acres of Virunga Park forest were taken by illegal settlers.

Sometimes fragmentation of the forested areas has led to the isolation of Mountain gorilla groups from one another thus, reducing their genetic diversity.

b)    Political Instability, Civil Unrest

Political instabilities for example in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC also are a threat to these endangered humanlike primates.

The civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC from various rebel groups has put pressure on Virunga National Park, putting these great apes in danger.

c)     Poaching and Illegal Pet Trade

Often, gorillas are killed or injured by traps set for other animals in the forest, for instance, Bushbucks or giant forest hogs.

Also, the abduction of young Mountain gorillas for sale in zoos or as pets and even cultural rituals negatively affect the population of gorillas in Africa; Virunga National Park, Volcanoes park, and Bwindi Forest.

In the process of snatching young gorillas from the gorilla family, old gorillas end up dying usually the Mountain gorilla mother and the silverback male! It fights to the extent of losing its own life while saving the family!

d)    Diseases That Affect Gorillas

As tourists come for gorilla tourism for instance in Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park, or Bwindi Forest, there is a possibility of them transmitting communicable diseases to these great apes. Among these diseases are flu and Pneumonia.

e)     Local Communities

The local communities living adjacent to the habitats of these great apes are also a threat. Usually, local people illegally penetrate the park and destroy gorilla habitats mostly the bamboo forests.

Note that:

• Regardless of the above threats to these great apes, great conservation efforts have been carried out to preserve the population size of Mountain gorillas. International organizations are leading this move, for instance, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme, and African Wildlife Foundation, etc.
• As tourists come for gorilla tours in East Africa, they are contributing to the conservation of these beautiful great apes. Some revenue collected as tourists go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda Volcanoes Park or Virunga National Park is directed to gorilla conservation.
• Most gorilla conservation programs brought up aim also at community development. In the local community, roads, schools, and health centers have been built to show natives the value of gorilla tourism.
• The great conservation efforts to raise the Mountain gorilla population size have raised their status from being a critically endangered species to endangered! This is according to the 2018 report of IUCN. There are park rangers that do anti poaching patrols daily.

FAQs About Mountain Gorillas

1. Which Country Has the Most Mountain Gorillas?

Uganda holds the highest population of Mountain gorillas in Africa. Just its Bwindi forest park alone holds almost half of the 1063 gorilla population on Earth.

2. How Intelligent Is a Gorilla?

Gorillas are intelligent! Those in captivity for example Koko have learned some sign language. Some can laugh, weep, and have strong family relationships. Lastly, they can utilize tools, and think about the past and future like other great apes.

3. What Is the Lifespan of a Mountain Gorilla?

Typically, Mountain gorillas can live between 35- 40 years. Some go beyond.

4. Why Are Mountain Gorillas Special? :  What is Special About Mountain Gorillas?

Mountain gorillas are human-like primates! Most of their behaviors and emotions are comparable to those of man. Also, these great apes have 98% of their DNA similar to that of the humans thus, they are our closest cousins after chimps & Bonobos.

5. Are Gorillas Friendly to Humans?

Mountain gorillas are called the gentle giants therefore, they are peaceful regardless of their incredible size! However much they are cool giants, don’t prove them, this can cause them to charge at you.

6. What Is the Best Time of to See Mountain Gorillas in Africa?

Visiting Mountain gorillas in the dry months offers the best gorilla trekking experience. These months include; December to February & June to September. Rainfall is less in these months and the gorilla trekking trails are usually easier to hike since they are drier.

In conclusion, Mountain gorillas are amazing great apes with distinctive physical characteristics, an intricate social life, and interesting habits. They continue to captivate people’s hearts and minds all over the world despite their small population size.

Therefore, we can guarantee that these giant humanlike primates flourish in their native habitat and continue to play a crucial role in the ecosystem by raising awareness of them and supporting conservation initiatives.

So, the next time you think of taking a safari in Africa, consider taking gorilla tours in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park Congo, or Bwindi Forest Uganda with us. Check on our gorilla safari packages in Africa for a memorable experience with these gentle humanlike primates.