Africa Mountain Gorillas: Location, Facts, Size And Behavior

Mountain gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla, scientifically classified as Gorilla beringei beringei. They inhabit the mountainous regions of Central and East Africa, specifically within four national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Mountain Gorillas Location

Mountain gorillas are primarily found in the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests, which range in elevation from 2,200 to 4,300 meters (7,200 to 14,100 feet). Most of these gorillas reside on the slopes of three dormant volcanoes: Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke. The dense vegetation at lower elevations provides a suitable habitat, becoming sparser at higher altitudes.

Virunga Mountain Range: This area spans the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

1. Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda)
2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda)
3. Virunga National Park (DRC)

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Located in Uganda, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to about half of the world’s remaining mountain gorilla population.

Key Facts

• Scientific Name: Gorilla beringei beringei
• Population: About 1,063 individuals, based on recent conservation efforts.
• Conservation Status: Endangered, but the population has seen growth thanks to conservation efforts.
• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, disease, and human conflict.

Size

• Males: Typically weigh between 136-195 kg (300-430 lbs) and stand 1.4-1.8 meters (4.6-5.9 feet) tall.
• Females: Smaller, weighing around 68-113 kg (150-250 lbs) and standing about 1.25-1.5 meters (4-5 feet) tall.

Behavior

• Social Structure: Mountain gorillas live in family groups known as troops, usually led by a dominant male called a silverback. Troops can range from 5 to over 30 individuals.
• Diet: Primarily herbivorous, mountain gorillas eat leaves, shoots, fruit, and bark. They occasionally consume ants and insects.
• Movement: They are mostly terrestrial but can climb trees in search of food. Mountain gorillas move by knuckle-walking.
• Communication: Gorillas use various vocalizations to communicate, from roars to grunts. Body language, chest-beating, and facial expressions are also key forms of communication.
• Reproduction: Females give birth to a single infant after a gestation period of around 8.5 months. Infants stay close to their mothers for several years.

Interesting Facts

• Lifespan: Mountain gorillas live for about 35-40 years in the wild.
• Silverbacks: The dominant males are called silverbacks due to the silver streak of hair on their back that develops with maturity, typically after 12 years.
• Tourism: Responsible tourism, like gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC, has become a major conservation tool, providing funding for protection efforts.

Mountain gorillas are a symbol of conservation success and an extraordinary example of wildlife in Africa’s mountainous regions.

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