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By Jean Claude MUTUYEYEZU
In the 30 years since, WWF’s partner organization, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) has led efforts to protect and restore mountain gorillas and their only home in the mountainous forests of central East Africa.
However, major threats persist: habitat degradation and destruction, disease transmission, injury and death as non-target species of poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change-induced alterations of habitat all pose a risk to the survival of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
As the globe celebrates International Gorilla Day every September 24 of the year, let us have a look at the 10 facts about mountain gorillas.
1. Around 1,063 of gorillas exist in the wild
There are two gorilla species in the world: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. The mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla.
Mountain gorillas are endangered: there are an estimated 1,063 in the wild according to the latest census results (which come out every 5-10 years).
Mountains gorillas region bordering Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC
2. They live in two isolated groups
Mountain gorillas live in east-central Africa in just two isolated groups: one in the Virunga Volcanoes (a region spanning 3 national parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)) and one in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda, which connects to Sarambwe Nature Reserve, DRC.
They are found in high altitude mountain and bamboo forests, which are surrounded by agriculture and settlements.
3. We share around 98% of our DNA with gorillas
This means that exposure to human illnesses even a cold can have potentially detrimental impacts on gorillas as they are so genetically similar to us, but they haven’t developed the necessary immunities.
4. They are one of the biggest, most powerful living primates
An average silverback gorilla can weigh up to 180kg (that is almost 30 stone), and measure 170cm (over 5’5”) tall on all fours. In contrast, female mountain gorillas weigh 90kg, and measure up to 150cm (4’9”), as WWF researchers explained.
5. They can eat all day long
Mountain gorillas spend about a quarter of their day eating, mainly plants. Around 85% of their diet is made up of leaves, shoots, and stems, but gorillas can also eat larvae, snails, ants, and even roots, barks, and rotting wood (a good source of sodium/salt).
6. They cozy up at night
At night, mountain gorilla groups sleep together in nests on the ground, or in trees, that they make from foliage. Infants will share their mother’s nests, staying safe and warm.
7. They have 16 different types of call
This includes short barks when they are mildly alarmed or curious.
To intimidate rivals, male gorillas strut with stiff legs, beat their chests, and use vocalizations like roars or hoots.
8. They live in family groups
Most mountain gorillas live in stable family groups of around 10 individuals, with one dominant male and several females. Both males and females in the group care for their infants; hugging, carrying, and playing with them.
When they get older, most males and around 60% of females then leave their birth group to join another troop. This helps prevent inbreeding.
9. In the wild, gorillas can live to over 40 years old
Gorillas are classed as infants until they reach around three-and-a-half years old, and adults from around 8 years.
Males between 8-12 years are called ‘blackbacks’. Then from 12 years old, they develop a silver section of hair over their back and hips, earning them the name ‘silverback’.
10. They are under threat
The main threat to mountain gorillas is the degradation of their habitat. As the region’s population grows, the land is increasingly converted for agriculture, and competition for limited natural resources leads to deforestation. With little other choice, people enter mountain gorilla forests to collect water and firewood, putting gorillas at risk of human contact and illnesses. People may also lay snares intended for bush meat, which can accidentally injure the great apes.
Gorillas do not just stay in their forests. They venture onto farmland to eat crops like maize and bananas, which can cause conflict with people who need to, make a living.
Gorilla tourism that is not well managed is another potential issue, as it can affect the behavior and health of mountain gorillas.
Many organizations like WWF and the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), Conservation International, and Fauna & Flora International, among others work together to conserve mountain gorillas and their habitat, working with partners and local people.
Protected Area Authority rangers regularly patrol gorilla habitats looking for signs of illegal activities and removing snares.
RWANDA side: 22 baby gorillas to be named in October 2024
For the 20th time, the Rwandan government is organizing the lovely celebration of annual baby gorilla naming through its Development Board (RDB).
As usual, the event will be held in Kinigi, Musanze District where the national, regional, and international people in gorilla conservation will be gathered physically and virtually. On the 18th of October 2024, around 22 baby gorillas will be named. This is the 20th time gorilla names have been named in Rwanda. Up to, now, 395 baby gorillas have been named in the last 20 years.
Kinigi, Musanze District: site for gorillas naming celebrations
Tourism is an important source of income for people and benefits must be equitably shared, as well as working to minimize any negative impact of tourism on gorillas.
Gorilla tourism stands at 30% of tourism revenues in last year.
