The mountain gorilla became known to science on 17 October 1902. Since then, these animals have had to endure uncontrolled hunting, war, disease, destruction of their forest habitat, and capture for the illegal pet trade. These factors led to a dramatic decline in numbers, and there were fears that the mountain gorilla would become extinct in the same century it was discovered. With the alarm raised, dedicated conservation initiatives were started to save this Critically Endangered gorilla.
DO YOU KNOW ????
There are only about 720 mountain gorillas left in the world.
Humans and gorillas are 98% genetically identical.
Male silverback gorillas can weigh 50-100 pounds more and are about 10 times stronger than the biggest american football players.
When the group is attacked by humans, leopards, or other gorillas, the silverback will protect them even at the cost of his own life.
GORILLAS ON VOLCANOES
Around 700 mountain gorillas survive in the wild, split almost evenly between two locations: the Virunga range of volcanic mountains on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda, and in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. Some primatologists believe the Bwindi gorillas may be a separate subspecies.
In the 100 years since its discovery, this subspecies of eastern gorilla has endured uncontrolled hunting, war, disease, destruction of their forest habitat, and capture for the illegal pet trade. These factors led to a dramatic decline in numbers. Indeed, there were fears that the mountain gorilla would become extinct in the same century it was discovered.
With the alarm raised, dedicated conservation initiatives have ensured that mountain gorilla numbers are now slowly increasing.
Physical Description
The mountain gorilla has longer hair, jaws and teeth than the lowland subspecies, but slightly shorter arms. Adult males grow a patch of silver hair on their back and hips, which has earned them the name 'silverback'.
Size
Mountain gorillas are generally larger than other subspecies. On average, adult males weigh 160 kg, and adult females 98 kg.
Ecology and Habitat
Mountain gorillas are found at high altitudes (2,500-4,000 m) in montane forests, as well as bamboo forests.
Social structure
A group of mountain gorillas usually consists of a single dominant silverback male, three adult females, and four or five offspring. There is an overlap in group territories and the silverback generally defends his group rather than his territory.
Diet
Gorillas are mainly herbivorous (vegetarian), spending almost half of the day feeding on stems, bamboo shoots, and a variety of fruits, supplemented with bark and invertebrates.
Population and Distribution
Thanks to conservation efforts, the population of mountain gorillas has increased from 620 individuals in 1989 to around 700 individuals today. This number is likely to be accurate, as these animals have been intensely monitored since the 1950s.
The population is split almost evenly into two separate groups: one in the Virunga range of extinct volcanoes on the Uganda-Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, and the other in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.
The Virunga population numbers 380, and lives at altitudes ranging from 2,300 and 4,500 m. Most of these gorillas range within the southern part of Virunga National Park, DRC, and the Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans), northern Rwanda, while a few use the Mgahinga National Park, southwestern Uganda. The Virunga population has increased by 14% in the last 12 years, thanks largely to a collaborative effort between WWF and other conservation agencies to support the three range states in protecting these apes.
The Bwindi population lives at elevations of 1,500 to 2,300 m, and has increased by 12% over the past decade. A 2002 census recorded 320 individuals, and a 2007 census recorded 340 individuals.
What are the main threats to Gorillas?
Habitat loss remains one of the greatest threats
More than 100,000 people live in the remote areas where mountain gorillas are found. Their need for land to cultivate has reduced the forest in which the gorillas live to virtual islands in the middle of expanding human settlements.
In 2004, 1,500 hectares of prime mountain gorilla habitat were cleared by illegal settlers in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to evidence uncovered by the Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature, one of WWF's partners. Convoys of people from Rwanda and DRC destroyed large tracts of the park, home to mountain gorillas and other endangered species, to create agricultural and pastoral land.
Killed during war
As many as 15 of Virunga's mountain gorillas may have been killed since the outbreak of civil war in 1990. Between 1990 and 1994, large numbers of Rwandan refugees fled to camps at the edge of the Virunga National Park, leading to uncontrolled firewood harvesting and increased poaching.
During this time, four habituated silverback gorillas were killed, along with some of their group members. Although the refugees left the camps in 1996, continued civil unrest and the presence of armed militias makes survey and conservation work difficult in the DRC's protected areas, which are now in rebel-held territory.
Hunting
In addition to being hunted for meat, mountian gorillas are also illegally hunted for trophies and live infants.
Disease
As more people move into mountian gorilla habitat, and more tourists come to see them, they are becoming increasingly exposed to a variety of human ailments.
