Why Are Mountain Gorillas So Popular – Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered primates, with only about 1,063 individuals remaining on Earth. These magnificent creatures can be trekked in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
These primates are close cousins to humans, sharing 98% of our DNA. Mountain gorillas are peculiar creatures because of their social behaviors. They live in families of 5 to 30 individuals headed by a dominant silverback as the group leader. The dominant silverback is in charge of leading the group, deciding when to sleep and wake up, when to eat, and who builds the nest for the day.
These mountain gorillas are found in tropical rainforests because those are their habitats. Their behaviors and physical appearance make them distinctive from other gorilla species. Mountain gorillas feed on leaves, shoots, roots, and small insects.
Why Are Mountain Gorillas So Popular
Conservation Efforts
Mountain gorillas are one of the most endangered primates, and their conservation has attracted many tourists worldwide to go gorilla trekking. The funds collected from gorilla trekking help protect these primates from poachers and preserve their habitats.
Intelligence
Mountain gorillas are known for their exceptional intelligence. They can fashion natural materials into tools that help them in various ways. They are also taught sign language and have the ability to use it on different occasions, thus attracting gorilla trekkers.
Gentle Creatures
Mountain gorillas are widely known to be friendly to humans. They do not usually attack humans, and cases of gorilla attacks are very rare. Humans can come face to face with gorillas at about 7 meters without being attacked. However, the emotional well-being of mountain gorillas should be considered.
Physical Appearance
Mountain gorillas are great apes with broad chests and shoulders, large human-like hands, small eyes, and fur on their bodies. They do not have tails, and their facial features include short muzzles, brow ridges, large nostrils, and small eyes and ears. Their distinctive bodies attract tourists to learn more about them.
Social Structure
Mountain gorillas organize themselves into families similar to humans. A family has 5 to 30 individuals headed by a dominant silverback that makes all family decisions. Their behaviors are exceptional, making them popular.
Scientific Interest
Mountain gorillas are the primary basis for scientific research, particularly in the fields of primatology, ecology, and conservation biology.
Cost of Trekking
A gorilla permit costs about USD 1,500 in Rwanda and USD 700 in Uganda. In Rwanda, gorilla permits are issued by the Rwanda Development Board, and in Uganda, they are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
Rules of Gorilla Trekking
- Only 8 people are allowed to trek a particular group per day.
- A distance of 7 meters must be maintained between the tourists and the gorillas.
- Visitors are advised to always wash their hands before trekking.
- Smoking, eating, and drinking in front of gorillas is prohibited.
- Tourists are not allowed to touch gorillas while trekking.
- Use of flash cameras is not allowed while in the presence of gorillas.
In a nutshell, mountain gorillas are amazing creatures that provide an unforgettable encounter while trekking.
