Mountain Gorilla Habitat – Mountain gorillas are strong, gentle giants with broad chests, shoulders, large arms, and tiny eyes set in fearless faces. They are very friendly giants with 98.3% genetic similarity to humans, making them one of our closest cousins.
Mountain gorillas have thick, black fur, which is thicker than that of other great apes. This helps them live in forests high in the mountains at elevations of 8,000 to 13,000 feet.
Over the years, the world’s smallest mountain gorilla population, which is a subspecies of the Eastern gorillas, split into two groups. This has caused debates about whether they might be two different species.
However, these mountain gorillas live in three countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.
Along the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains. In Uganda, they live in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
It is important to note that the mountain gorilla species was first discovered in 1902. Over the years, their population faced threats like poaching, deforestation, wars, and diseases. By the end of the 20th century, their population had significantly declined.
This led to worldwide awareness and efforts to conserve and protect this endangered species.
Thanks to great conservation efforts by national and international organizations, such as:
- The International Gorilla Conservation Programme (a combination of WWF, Conservation International, Fauna and Flora International, African Wildlife Foundation, and Uganda Wildlife Authority)
- And many others,
The mountain gorilla population has increased. However, it is important to remember that they are still endangered.
Mountain gorillas live in an area of about 15 square miles (39 square kilometers). They spend most of their time eating a variety of plants, insects, and fruits. They sleep in nests with their group members.
Each mountain gorilla group may have 5 to 40 members, depending on the family’s leadership and size.
Younger or lighter gorillas build nests on bent tree branches, while heavier gorillas nest on the ground in grasses. Baby gorillas stay with their mothers.
Mountain gorillas move from one place to another, often nesting where they can easily find food and water.
By and large, mountain gorillas live in forests on mountain slopes and are highly adapted to their unique way of life.