Park guards patrolling the boundary of Virunga National Park. To track gorillas, you have to buy a gor… Findings show populations in the Virunga Massif have grown to 604 individuals, up from 480 individuals in 2010. What Do Mountain Gorillas Eat – Mountain Gorillas Diet, Why Are Mountain Gorillas Endangered – Mountain Gorilla Conservation, Where Do mountain Gorillas Live – Mountain Gorilla Habitat, What Is The Scientific Name For A Gorilla – Gorilla Scientific Name, How Strong Is A Gorilla – Gorilla Strength vs Human. The mountain gorilla is confined to mountainous forests in just two main areas in Africa, the Virunga range of extinct volcanic mountains of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda and Rwanda, and the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. WWF also promotes the adoption of Forest Stewardship Council certification. Habitat Over one third of the estimated 1,000 remaining mountain gorillas live in the protected forests of Virunga National Park. They are adapted to places at such high altitudes because they have thicker fur compared to other primates, and have more of it. Virunga National Park is home to around a third of those gorillas, which reside in the dense forests on the lush slopes of the Virunga volcanoes. Habitat loss: as humans have moved into areas near the habitat of mountain gorillas, they have cleared land for agriculture and livestock. As the … These gorillas cannot survive in captivity, so it is only safe for them to be kept in their natural habitat. Inside gorilla habitat in Virunga National Park, people harvest charcoal for use as a fuel source in cooking and heating. While recognizing the need for affordable protein for the growing human population, WWF works to eliminate hunting in protected areas. This helps them survive in subzero temperatures. Mountain Gorillas Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Beringei) are found in the jungles of Zaire, Rwanda and Uganda and particularly in the Virunga Mountains. Gorillas that come into contact with humans can be vulnerable to human diseases, which gorillas experience in more severe forms. However, each subspecies is found in particular habitats. Western Gorillas live on the western side of the Congo River, while Eastern Gorillas inhabit the volcanic mountains on the eastern side. Also, these volcanic slopes are rich in many types of vegetation, which perfectly meet the food requirements of mountain gorillas (roots, shoots, fruit, wild celery, and tree bark and pulp). The remainder can be found in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. They are habitual of human presence, so tourists can also access these rare animals safely. Mountain gorillas are indeed in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Speak up for species and places through WWF's Action Center. It pays special tribute to the rangers and other conservationists of Virunga who dedicate their lives to protecting gorillas. The locals depend greatly on wildlife-based tourism for their welfare, but political instability caused a sharp decline in tourism, so gorilla trekking cannot be done. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. So, who better to encourage people to protect and nurture Virunga than one of their own? The song Les Gorilles des Montagnes focuses on why mountain gorillas and their habitat in the Virunga landscape are important, emphasizing that they are the foundation of ecotourism, which will improve local livelihoods. Who else lives in the gorillas' habitat? Gorilla groups usually have the silverback male, one or two other younger male gorillas, a few female gorillas, and the baby gorillas. Through this activity, people all around the world can participate in the conservation of this species. The world’s smallest population of mountain gorillas—a subspecies of the eastern gorilla—is split in two and scientists have debated whether they may be two separate subspecies. Mountain gorillas are an important and endangered species, but there are many other key animals – and plants – in the forests where they live, creating an interdependent ecosystem. View our inclusive approach to conservation, Nine reasons to feel hopeful for wildlife, Mountain Gorilla: WWF Wildlife and Climate Change Series. Mountain gorillas wander around a home range of up to 15 square miles (39 square kilometers). Washington, DC 20037. They live on the slopes of the Virunga Mountains. Surrounded by cloud forests and volcanic slopes with rich vegetation, this valley is the natural habitat of mountain gorillas, making it an excellent spot to build a conservation center for these primates. Gorilla trekking is thought to be easier in Rwanda due to thinner vegetation as compared to Uganda, where the dense vegetation makes the hike tougher. The mountain gorilla is a subspecies of eastern gorilla, a critically endangered African primate.On this page we’re going to discover where it lives, its preferred habitat, what it eats, how it communicates and much more. The world’s entire population of endangered mountain gorillas live only in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi, which spans parts of Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. These factors led to a dramatic decline in numbers. In honor of World Wildlife Day, we celebrate some hopeful conservation stories to remind us actions make a difference and there’s still time to preserve our natural world if we all do our part. Although it is critically endangered due to hunting and habitat loss, the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda has been a sanctuary for this species, providing a refuge from human activity. And as the park recovers from civil unrest, WWF has worked to reforest areas and fund antipoaching patrols. Bwindi being home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. Despite ongoing civil conflict, poaching and an encroaching human population, both populations of mountain gorillas have increased in numbers. Even land within protected areas is not safe from clearing—in 2004, for example, illegal settlers cleared 3,700 acres of gorilla forest in Virunga National Park. A rise in poaching of mountain gorillas landed the park on the List of Heritage in Danger in 1994, and its status has remained unchanged ever since. Mountain Gorillas got their name for a reason. Park ranger clearing away wire snare animal traps. Some become victims of poachers, when they fall prey to traps intended for other animals like antelopes. There are two populations: One is found in the Virunga volcanic mountains of Central Africa, within three National Parks: Mgahinga, in southwest Uganda; Volcanoes, in northwest Rwanda; and Virunga, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Since 1996, 140 Virunga rangers have been killed in the line of duty. Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates. In the 100 years since its discovery, the mountain gorilla has endured uncontrolled hunting, war, disease, destruction of its forest habitat, and capture for the illegal pet trade. Buy a "Gorilla's Paradise" WWF gift and help support the Gamba Complex of protected areas in Gabon – home to western lowland gorillas as well as hippos, … However, due to war in DRC for over 14 years, the government of this country could not pay attention to the park. That is the same height a skydiver would jump out of a plane. Mountain gorillas are not found in the wild anymore. That is because they are naturally adapted to live in the volcanic slopes of the Virunga mountain region; it serves all their food requirements and they have thick fur to sustain the cold climate of this area. Mountain gorillas are native to the cloud forests of the Virunga Mountains. WWF works with governments throughout the Congo Basin, timber companies and international lending institutions to encourage dialogue and promote the use of positive environmental practices in the logging industry. The mountain gorilla is one of the two subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Many lightweight gorillas nest in trees, making beds of bent branches. The challenge inspires people to save an irreplaceable natural treasure like the gorilla when they face hunger, desperation and even death. Mountain Gorillas mainly inhabit tropical forests. Their food includes a variety of plants, along with a few insects and worms. The … WWF teamed up with the much-loved Congolese musician Samba Mapangala and his Orchestra Virunga to work on a conservation tool—one that drives home a positive message in an upbeat tune and uplifting tone. Interesting Facts about Gorilla Habitat 15) Wild gorillas are only found in a few countries in sub-Saharan Africa. 17 Strange Facts about Mountain Gorillas that you need to know. It was distributed as a free resource in the Congo Basin where the message has taken root as it spilled out of local radio stations, in homes, at schools and on the streets. On the other hand, precipitation in the tropics varies significantly and is a major factor in the form of vegetation developing in a region. © 2021 World Wildlife Fund. That is why they are now confined to national parks where efforts are made to protect them from extinction. They are Gentle Giants. Uganda is famous for holding most of Africa’s undeniable beauty, and it is believed that if not for the conservation methods used at Bwindi to save this species from extinction, mountain gorillas would have died out by the end of the twentieth century. This explains why all the conservation centers for mountain gorillas were built in these three countries only. WWF® and ©1986 Panda Symbol are owned by WWF. The song was recorded in Swahili—the most commonly spoken language of the Virunga landscape—and debuted in September 2009. When refugees and displaced people encroached upon park land to flee a war zone, WWF and the United Nations purchased emergency fuel wood supplies so that the people were less likely to look to the park as a fuel source. Like mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas are threatened by habitat loss, but the illegal trade in charcoal and mining in DRC, combined with a lack of legal protection for their habitat are putting even greater pressure on the gorillas. The other population is found in Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The gorilla population of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is however, being studied and thought to could be a different population from that of virunga because of their activities. Currently, the mountain gorillas habitat is limited to protected national parks in two regions of Africa. Therefore trekking for mountain gorillas involves hiking. Mountain Gorilla Habitat Mountain gorillas are native to the cloud forests of the Virunga Mountains. These apes are kept in the Virunga National Park, which is situated in the Albertine Rift Valley. The eastern lowland gorilla inhabits the tropical forests of Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. One group is a "bachelor troop" consisting of … They possess thicker furs than other apes. facts about mountain gorillas : When you choose to go to Uganda for mountain gorilla trekking, its recommended to always find out a few facts about these endangered gentle giants.In this article, we point out some of the facts about mountain gorillas that every traveler out to know.. 1. In Rwanda, you choose the family on the morning before the hike. One group of mountain gorillas lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda while the other group is found spread over three national parks in the Virunga mountain region of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are about a thousand mountain gorillas remaining on Earth, and about half live in the forests of the Virunga mountains in central Africa. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN as of 2018. For instance they eat much more and trek for longer distances. Mountain gorillas can even die from the common cold. The western lowland gorilla inhabits the tropical forests of Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea (West Africa). Indeed, there were fears that the mountain gorilla would become extinct in the same century it was discovered. Amazing Facts About the Mountain Gorilla. To reach where mountain gorillas are found, you visit the respective national parks. At night the animals make a nest to sleep in. Each troop gets a half day on exhibit, every day. They have thicker fur, and more of it, compared to other great apes. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) possess a number of traits that contribute to their resilience to a changing climate: they are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, are exposed to fairly high climate variability, have low freshwater requirements, and feed on a variety of abundant food. To visit the gorillas of Dzanga-Sangha in Central African Republic, contact: info@dzanga-sangha.org. Gorilla trekking is also practiced here, especially since the local police began using better security methods, making the place safer for tourism. 16) Gorillas are ground-dwelling animals that reside in tropical and subtropical forests. 1250 24th Street, N.W. Give a gift! The presence of these two locations is why Uganda has the biggest population of gorillas in the world. They are adapted to places at such high altitudes because they have thicker fur compared to other primates, and have more of it. Even land within protected areas is not safe from clearing—in 2004, for example, illegal settlers cleared 3,700 acres of gorilla forest in Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park, established in 1925, is Africa’s first national park and home to more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. They’re under threat. This might make it obvious that they live in mountains, but there is much more than what meets the eye in this case. this is also why it is greatly regarded for gorilla trekking tours and gorilla conservation efforts. The live high in the steep mountain forests of four different national parks in Africa in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. They are so greatly endangered that their total population was estimated to be made up of 1,004 individuals in 2018. The Cross River gorilla inhabits a small area between Nigeria and Cameroon. The Cross River gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli) is a subspecies of the western gorilla (Gorilla gorilla).It was named a new species in 1904 by Paul Matschie, a mammalian taxonomist working at the Humboldt University Zoological Museum in Berlin, but its populations were not systematically surveyed until 1987.. They are called mountain gorillas because they inhabit places that are at high altitudes. All rights reserved. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the only three countries in the world where mountain gorillas can be found. Once the trekking trip begins, the tourists are put into groups, each with a tour guide, and they hike uphill towards the place where the mountain gorillas are found. Civil war, loss of habitat, poaching and disease pose a huge threat to the survival of the species. As their name implies, mountain gorillas live in forests high in the mountains, at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. A bit more than half live in the Virunga Mountains, a range of extinct volcanoes that border the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Mountain gorillas do not need to go far from the conservation centers where they are made to live and they can only be found in the national parks mentioned above. Make a symbolic gorilla adoption to help save some of the world's most endangered animals from extinction and support WWF's conservation efforts. This charcoal production—an illegal, multi-million dollar industry—has destroyed gorilla habitat. At least six park rangers were shot and killed and several others wounded Sunday in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The fur enables them to survive in cool mountain temperatures. DRC is unsafe, so Uganda and Rwanda are both prime locations for gorilla trekking. For example, the gorillas rely on plants for their … The war in Rwanda in the early 1990s and years of civil unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo have sent waves of refugees into the region around the Virunga Mountains parks that are home to more than half the mountain gorilla population, leading to poaching and destruction of gorilla habitat. The Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, in the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, outside of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, are community-owned tourism lodges that benefit the local people who share their backyard with great apes by generating income through tourism. Mountain gorillas live in forests on hilly areas. Mountain gorillas are losing their habitat due to the fast expansion of human settlements. This helps them survive in subzero temperatures. Your email address will not be published. Despite years of civil unrest in the region where mountain gorillas live, conservation efforts have found success. There is little to no direct targeting of mountain gorillas for bushmeat or pet trade, but they can be caught and harmed by snares set for other animals. The area is isolated from the rest of the … In Uganda, you can see mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, officials are blaming one of the many militia groups that vie for control of natural resources in the endangered gorillas' habitat. Mountain gorillas spend much of their time eating. This fur enables them to survive in their habitats which are characterized with low temperatures. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. But as humans have moved more and more into the gorillas’ territory, the gorillas have been pushed farther up into the mountains for longer periods, forcing them to endure dangerous and sometimes deadly conditions. The mountain gorilla inhabits the high altitude (1,650-3,790 m/5,413-12,435 ft) tropical forests of Zaire, Rwanda, and Uganda (around the Virunga volcanoes). Tropical forests are defined as low temperature (around 23 ° C) and daylight duration (around 12 hours). It is no exaggeration to say that the Virunga Landscape is known as much for its famed mountain gorillas as it is for a long and bloody conflict that has taken a toll on millions of people. Mountain Gorilla Habitat : Mountain gorillas inhabit forests in high mountains that are about 8000 to 13,000 feet height. This puts the total global wild gorilla population over 1,000 individuals. These are usually set to catch smaller forest mammals such as duikers and rodents, but also unintentionally trap gorillas from time to time. As humans have moved into areas near mountain gorillas, they have cleared land for agriculture and livestock. Moreover, rebel groups throughout the area put pressure on park rangers, who risk their lives to protect the animals living in the park. The other group is spread over three national parks in the Virungas mountain region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda. Compared to their eastern lowland cousins, mountain gorillas have thick hair, an adaptation which protects them against the sub-zero temperatures often … However, studies have found that mountain gorillas that are regularly habituated with researchers and tourists have survived better than unvisited gorillas; they benefit from the greater protection available in those areas and from regular monitoring. The park is home to more than half the global population of mountain gorillas. Mountain Gorillas have longer and darker hair than other gorillas, enabling them to live at high altitudes and … As their name implies, mountain gorillas live in forests high in the mountains, at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Thanks a lot for the information. And have more of it, compared to other primates live at elevations of 8,000 13,000. Rangers were shot and killed and several others wounded Sunday in Virunga National Park are at high altitudes because inhabit! 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