The Mountain Gorilla

The mountain gorilla  (Gorilla beringei beringei) is one of the two sub species of the eastern gorilla, found in the Viruga Volcanic Mountains of central Africa and Bwindi impenetrable national park in Uganda

The mountain gorilla is a critically endangered species discovered in 1902 its population has endured years of war, uncontrolled hunting, capture for the illegal pet trade, habitat destruction and diseases that it was once  thought that the species would become extinct in the same year it was discovered. Through conservation measures put in place and intense monitoring of the creatures since the 1950's the numbers are believed to be slowly increasing from an estimate of 600 individuals in 1980's to just over 880 individuals in the present day.

The fur of the mountain Gorilla is normally thicker and longer than that of other Gorilla species, this is a trait that enables it to live in much colder areas. It also has longer jaws and teeth but with slightly shorter arms than the lowland gorilla. One can identify different gorillas through there nose prints which are unique to every individual. Adult male gorillas have an average weight of 200 kgs  and usually weigh half as much as the females with an average weight of 100 kgs. At about 13 years of age male mountain gorillas start growing there distinctive silver colored hair on there back. The mountain gorillas are most active from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs and most of its time is spent feeding, they feed on fruits, leaves, roots and vines. Every evening they makes a new nest from the surrounding vegetation to sleep in, only infants sleep in the same nests as there mothers.

They are highly social with groups of form 5 to 30 individuals, there groups are known as troops. About 60% of the groups are lead by one dominant silver back with several females,  about 36% contain several adult males and the remainder is composed of lone males and exclusive male groups. The dominant silverback determine the movement of the group leading them to appropriate feeding sites, settling disputes in the group, protecting the group from any external threats. If a mother dies in a group the silverback takes care of the offspring that the mother has left. Some silverbacks are well experienced and are capable of removing snare traps from feet and hands of there group members. Although strong and powerful gorillas are generally gentle and shy except when disturbed. The have 25 distinct vocalizations that are used to communicate among est groups. Gorillas are also known for there fear of certain reptiles.

This magnificent creatures still face serious threats like poaching, destruction of there habitats and diseases. You can join in conservation activities through buying the gorilla permits any time you travel and other efforts by various organization that are about conservation and support the activities like Abana safaris.   See some exciting Rwanda and Uganda gorilla tracking itineraries and Special offers.