Mountain Gorilla Numbers
Mountain gorilla numbers encouragingly are on the rise, making it the only great ape species that is considered to be increasing in population. So much so that in November 2018, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) changed its status (known as down –listing) from critically endangered to endangered.
The global mountain gorilla numbers or population has officially grown from 880 individuals in the last census back in 2010 to 1,004 in the latest census (conducted in the Virungas and during 2017/18 in Bwindi Forests in Uganda). The findings are the result of intensive surveying coordinated by the Greater Virunga Trans-boundary Collaboration and supported by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP- a coalition programme of Fauna & Flora International and WWF) along with other partners
Endangered Mountain Gorilla
For the trans-boundary Virunga Massif itself this means an increase from 480 gorillas in 2020 (36 groups +14 solitary males) to 604 in 2016 (41 groups +14 solitary males). The census involved 12 teams comprising people from more than 10 institutions, which soured over 2000 km2 of difficult, forested terrain, systematically searching for signs of the animals, recording nests sites and collecting faeces as samples for genetic analysis.
Threats to Mountain Gorilla Numbers
The latest survey on mountain gorilla numbers threats found that direct threats from wire or rope snares persists. During the surveys, the teams found and destroyed more than 380 snares, which were set for antelopes but can also kill and harm other animals. One of the snares discovered by the teams contained a dead mountain gorilla. There are also new threats looming large on the horizons including climate change, infrastructure development and the ever-present spectre of diseases, which has the potential to devastate the remaining populations. Ongoing conflict and civil unrest in the region also present an ongoing risk, impacting people and wildlife
Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Meet and encounter the Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, you will love seeing the mountain gorillas in the wild. There are about 10 gorilla families in the misty Volcanoes National park and your reservations allow you an hour watching each family eat, sleep, and move about.
Get an amazing experience to see the mountain gorillas. The chance to see the gorillas in their native habitat is amazing. You trek to where the gorillas are located and spend an hour very close to them; watching them eat sleep and play is extremely outstanding. Gorillas will come so close to you that you could touch them. The groups of people are small so it is a very intimate experience. Do not mind about the US$ 1500 cost of the mountain gorilla trekking permit the experience is far unmatched in Africa
It is advisable to secure a gorilla trekking permit well in advance to enable you see and track mountain gorillas, it is so easy when you contract a local DMC to secure your trekking permit for a date of your interest throughout the year. Each gorilla family is visited by only 8 visitors per day and Rwanda currently has a total of 96 gorilla permits sold each day which a very small number so advance booking is sought relevant for a visitor that is seeking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda.
