Advantages of Gorilla Tourism in Bwindi – Gorilla tourism in Bwindi has created employment opportunities for local people, including the Batwa, who work as park rangers, tour guides, and wardens.
It has enabled gorilla conservation, as researchers have studied and learned more about gorillas. The funds obtained through gorilla trekking are invested in conservation programs, such as protecting gorillas from poachers.
Gorilla tourism has generated revenue for the government through the sale of gorilla permits. This revenue has contributed to the development of the country.
Gorilla tourism has fostered international relationships with other countries, both within East Africa and beyond. It has brought peace and marketed Uganda as a tourism destination.
It has contributed to community development through the construction of roads, lodges, hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure.
About Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in southwestern Uganda in the districts of Kisoro, Kabale, and Kanungu. The park was established in 1991 to protect the endangered mountain gorillas and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Bwindi is home to various wildlife species, including 13 primate species, 120 mammal species, about 350 bird species, and over 400 plant species. The park is managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority, a body responsible for national parks in Uganda.
Bwindi has the highest number of mountain gorillas in the world, with over 400 individuals.
Mountain gorillas are the most endangered primates and are a subspecies of the eastern gorillas. They live in the mountains at altitudes of about 2,200m to 4,300m. In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, there are over 400 mountain gorillas, trekked in the four sectors of Buhoma, Rushaga, Nkuringo, and Ruhija.
Mountain gorillas are one of the largest apes, with males weighing between 120kg and 200kg, while females weigh about 70kg to 100kg. They are characterized by thick fur, which helps them withstand the cold weather in their habitat, and unique nose prints. An adult male is called a silverback because of the silver-colored hair on its back.
Mountain gorillas live in families or groups of at least 4 to 30 members, led by a dominant silverback. The silverback is responsible for defending the group, mating with the females, and making group decisions such as choosing eating and sleeping times.
Mountain gorillas feed on leaves, shoots, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits. On average, an adult male eats about 30kg of vegetation per day, while an adult female eats about 18kg.
Although mountain gorillas are strong and powerful, they are gentle and peaceful towards humans. However, humans must respect them as wild animals. Mountain gorillas have about 25 vocalizations for communication and expressing emotions, such as hoots, chuckles, laughter, grunts, barks, roars, and screams.
