By Jean Claude MUTUYEYEZU
In the 30 years since, WWF’s partner organization, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) has led efforts to protect and restore mountain gorillas and their one and only home in the mountainous forests of central east Africa.
But major threats persist: habitat degradation and destruction, disease transmission, injury and death as non-target species of poaching, human-wildlife conflict and climate change induced alterations of habitat all pose a risk to the survival of the world’s last remaining mountain gorillas.
As the globe celebrates international gorilla day in every September 24th of the year, let’s have a look on the 10 facts about mountain gorillas.
1. Around 1,063 of gorillas exist in the wild
There are two gorilla species in the world: the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla. The mountain gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla. Mountain gorillas are endangered: there are an estimated 1,063 in the wild according to the latest census results (which come out every 5-10 years).
Mountains gorillas region bordering with Rwanda, Uganda and DRC
6. They cozy up at night
At night, mountain gorilla groups sleep together in nests on the ground, or in trees, that they make from foliage. Infants will share their mother’s nests, staying safe and warm.
7. They have 16 different types of call
This includes short barks when they’re mildly alarmed or curious.
To intimidate rivals, male gorillas strut with stiff legs, beat their chests, and use vocalisations like roars or hoots.
8. They live in family groups
Most mountain gorillas live in stable family groups of around 10 individuals, with one dominant male and several females. Both males and females in the group care for their infants; hugging, carrying and playing with them.
When they get older, most males and around 60% of females then leave their birth group to join another troop. This helps prevent inbreeding.
9. In the wild, gorillas can live to over 40 years old
Gorillas are classed as infants until they reach around three-and-a-half years old, and adults from around 8 years.
Males between 8-12 years are called ‘blackbacks’. Then from 12 years old, they develop a silver section of hair over their back and hips, earning them the name ‘silverback’.
10. They’re under threat
The main threat to mountain gorillas is the degradation of their habitat. As the region’s population grows, the land is increasingly converted for agriculture and competition for limited natural resources leads to deforestation. With little other choice, people enter mountain gorilla forests to collect water and firewood, putting gorillas at risk from human contact and illnesses. People may also lay snares intended for bush meat, which can accidentally injure the great apes.
Gorillas don’t just stay in their forests. They venture onto farmland to eat crops like maize and bananas, which can cause conflict with people who need to make a living.
Gorilla tourism that isn’t well managed is another potential issue, as it can impact the behavior and health of mountain gorillas.
Many organizations like WWF andthe International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP), Conservation International and Fauna & Flora International, among others work together to conserve mountain gorillas and their habitat, working with partners and local people.
Protected Area Authority rangers regularly patrol gorilla habitats looking for signs of illegal activities and removing snares.
RWANDA side: 22 baby gorillas to be named in October 2024
For the 20th times, Rwandan government through its Development Board (RDB), it is organizing the lovely cerebration of annually baby gorilla naming.
As usual, the event will be done in Kinigi, Musanze District where the national, regional and international people in gorilla conservation will be gathered physically and virtually. On 18th of October 2024, around 22 baby gorillas will be named. This is the 20th times for gorilla namimg in Rwanda. Up to know, 395 baby gorillas have been named in last 20 years.
Kinigi, Musanze District: site for annually gorillas naming celebrations
Tourism is an important source of income for people and its necessary that benefits are equitably shared, as well as working to minimize any negative impact of tourism on gorillas.
Gorilla tourism stands at 30% of tourism revenues in last year
