Why were mountain gorillas endangered?

Why were mountain gorillas endangered? When considering mountain gorillas and their locations, it is important to note that these critically endangered gorilla species are only found in three countries on the African continent. Only Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo offer exciting and daring mountain gorilla trekking safaris.

According to the most recent census, there are an estimated 1,063 mountain gorillas. Because of their small population, these gorillas are well protected from extinction by poachers and predators. Due to their sheer numbers nearly half of the country’s total population Mgahinga and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park provide the best gorilla safari experiences in Uganda.

Numerous habituated gorilla groups result from large numbers, which also means that more gorilla trekking permits are available. Unlike the other two countries, which only have one mountain gorilla destination, Uganda has two. This makes it stand out.

Gorilla trekking safari takes place in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, while Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to these primates. Prices for gorilla trekking permits vary among these three countries: permits for Rwanda are $1500, those for Uganda are $800, and those for the Democratic Republic of the Congo are $450.

Going on guided treks through the African rainforest in search of these massive primates who also happen to have over 95% of human DNA is known as gorilla trekking. They do share traits and actions with Man, including familial environments and feelings like joy and sorrow. When you get up close to these mountain gorillas, you’ll be astounded to see how accurate this is.

Gorilla trekking safari can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on the location of the designated gorilla group at the time. Certain gorilla groups prefer the high altitude regions, making it more difficult to locate them, while others remain close to the starting points and are therefore more difficult to locate.

Gorilla treks begin as early as 8:00 a.m. with a briefing from park rangers and guides. Eight-person groups then depart to visit a particular family of gorillas. Note that the number of individuals who can visit a gorilla family each day is limited to eight; this is a safety measure designed to prevent human-transmitted diseases from infecting the primates. Perfectly healthy people and those over the age of 15 are the only age restrictions taken into account for safety.

While trekking, the rangers are always aware of the location of the specific family that has been assigned to a group. Broken branches and plants that indicate the family’s previous campsite serve as some of the guides for them. Additionally, they dispatch a team ahead of time, and they communicate with them to let them know which path to take in order to locate the primates.

Before you finally get to see them, you can always hear the loud grunt of a silverback, the head of a gorilla family. Because gorilla families have become accustomed to human presence, they have become accustomed to being calm and gentle. Nevertheless, when they perceive danger, they may become hostile.

When granted an hour to spend with a gorilla family, tourists should make the most of it by observing the family, taking note of how the young ones play and the mothers nursing the babies while the silverback keeps an eye out for potential threats.

In addition to gorilla trekking, there are gorilla habituation tours available for tourists. This is the procedure that gorillas go through in order to be made available for tourist visits. The lengthy process, which takes two to four years, focuses on teaching gorillas appropriate behavior once they come into contact with humans. For a $1,500 fee per permit, gorilla habituation experiences are also available in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.

Visitors can spend roughly four hours here with a group of semi-habituated gorillas. You get to closely watch them, and by the time you depart, you will be familiar with the names and personalities of every family member.

When to go for gorilla trekking?

Everyone should have the experience of gorilla trekking at least once in their lifetime. While the activity is enjoyable throughout the year, it is best done during the dry season when there are less raindrops and less mud and slick paths for a more seamless experience.

How you can get involved in gorilla conservation?

To prevent the extinction of mountain gorillas, there are several ways to help: go on a gorilla safari in any other gorilla destination; donate to organizations that protect the gorillas; use a tour company that donates a portion of its profits to conservation efforts; support the communities surrounding the gorilla conservation areas by purchasing goods from them or contributing to their projects; and finally, spread the word about gorilla conservation and keep encouraging others to visit mountain gorillas.