What Is Special About Mountain Gorillas?
Each and every traveler planning a visit to Africa to see the endangered mountain gorillas asks “What is Special About Mountain Gorillas”.
Mountain gorillas are famously known as the largest primates on earth, each with a unique nose print which is similar to the human finger print which is unique to each human being.
Mountain gorillas are special because they are social beings, similar to human beings they live in groups of 5 to as many as 30 individuals. These gorillas have unique patterns of winkles on their nose which differentiate them from each other and are used for study purposes and research about these endangered species.
Most people wonder why gorillas are special, while forgetting about the legendary information left behind by the famous primatologist – Dian Fossey who made these primates world famous. Because of her tremendous work in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda, the population of mountain gorilla is surviving, unfortunately she was murdered by unknown individuals said to be poachers.
Mountain gorillas are the world’s most photographed apes which attributes to their popularity as a safari attraction. This type of gorilla species is one of the rare primate species only found in the rainforests of Central East Africa region, in four destinations that is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.
Note: Currently DR.Congo’s Virunga National Park is close to gorilla trekking because of the on-going political unrest.
What Is Special About Mountain Gorillas
If you are still wondering about what is special about mountain gorillas, here is why
- Mountain gorillas are our closest cousins who we share 98% of our DNA composition
- Mountain gorillas move in groups/family/troops led by a dominant silverback (an adult male gorillas) who will fight to his last breath protecting his family
- Females gorillas have strong long-term relationships with males, but not with fellow females
- Mountain gorillas are rare gorilla species with only 1,064 individuals left in the wild, they are classified as an “endangered species” by the IUCN.
- Mountain gorillas are one of our closest living relatives after chimpanzees and bonobos, they share 98% of DNA to humans
- They feed in a special way, they use their knuckles to carry the weight of their head which is so amazing
- Mountain gorillas are special as they are the largest of the primate species in the world, they are the most recognized and the most endangered primate species in the world.
- Gorilla’s hands have opposable thumbs which they can use to walk upright on two legs
- Mountain gorillas are the subspecies of the Eastern gorillas
Mountain gorillas are among the most fascinating and majestic creatures on earth, captivating wildlife enthusiasts, conservations and travelers a like. In addition to the above listed factors what make mountain gorillas special, here is more of what you need to know.
Mountain Gorillas are only found in two isolated populations in the world – The first population of mountain gorilla is found in the Virunga Massif which spans the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are primarly found in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The second population of mountain gorillas is found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda, this is the largest population of gorillas.
The gorilla areas are characterized by high altitudes and dense forest, making them an ideal habitat for these animal species.
Habitat and Range of Mountain Gorillas – Mountain gorillas inhabit montane and bamboo forests at elevations between 8,000 and 13,000 feet (2,400 to 4,000 meters). The Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are the only two regions where mountain gorillas are found.
These areas are characterized by steep slopes, dense vegetation, and diverse ecosystems, providing mountain gorillas with abundant food sources and shelter.
Mountain Gorilla Behavior and Social Structure – These gentle giants live in social groups called troops, typically consisting of one dominant silverback male, multiple adult females, and their offspring. Troops can vary in size from 5 to over 30 individuals.
The dominant silverback leads, protects, and mediates group interactions. Gorillas communicate through vocalizations, body postures, and facial expressions. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, shoots, stems, fruits and occasionally insects.
