Key things to know about mountain gorillas: Uganda, Rwanda & DR Congo

In this article, we have looked into the key facts that you might need to know about the mountain gorillas including their habitats size and all other factors that make these great apes tomorrow. Gorillas are only found in four places all over the world and these places are Bwindi impenetrable forest national park and Mgahinga gorillas national park in Uganda, volcanoes national park of Rwanda and Virunga national park of DR Congo

Comparing gorilla to human

Size

Gorillas weigh considerably more than human and have larger bones, but humans are generally taller

Limbs

The stronger, longer arms of gorillas help them to climb whereas human have got tall strong legs.

Heads and brain

Gorillas are characterized with big heads compare to that human. However, the brain of gorillas is 40% smaller than that of human

Teeth

Gorilla teeth are stronger and larger than that of human teeth, especially their canines, which males use for defense

Thumbs

Gorillas and humans both have opposable thumbs, but gorillas also have opposable big toes, giving them the equivalent of four thumbs

Threats to gorillas

Today more than 0ne million species are at risk of extinction. Sadly, all four types of gorillas are among them, and humans are their biggest threat.

Risks to gorillas vary depending on where they are found. For mountain gorillas, which live only in Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo, the main threat includes

Small population size

With the population of mountain gorillas estimated to be less than 1000 gorillas that still exist. Each life of mountain gorilla is paramount and need to be protected at whatever cost.

Limited habitat

Mountain gorilla habitat is limited to only 800 square kilometers and is under pressure from the locals who also depend on the same land for food and survival. The effort is in place to ensure that there is no further encroachment to the habitat of these gentle giants.

Poaching and snares

Mountain gorillas are never hunted directly but can be caught in the snare set for other animals like antelopes. The habitats of mountain gorillas are shared by other animals which are of higher demand for there meet and snares are always set up to capture them. However, even though, there are not the main target, gorillas can be the culprit of these snare which some time can result into losing their lives.

Diseases

Gorillas and humans are genetically closely related, as a result they are likely to suffer from most diseases that humans suffer from. This also threaten their existence in their natural habitats.

Key facts about mountain gorillas

1. Gorillas have opposable thumbs and big toes and walk on their knuckles.
2. The chest beat of an adult male gorilla can be heard from one kilometer away.
3. Gorillas are vegetarians and eat up to 25 kilos of food
4. Female gorillas are pregnant for 8.5 months
5. Each gorilla has a unique nose print that scientists use for identification
6. Chimpanzee, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and humans make up the five types of great apes

 

Some of the gorilla trekking packages for Uganda & Rwanda

This safari starts and ends in Kampala. On this pristine wildlife explorer safari in Uganda, a 4WD comfortable safari vehicle will be used to allow for a first-hand view of Uganda’s spectacular and varied landscapes with awesome wildlife thrown in to the mix. Major tour activities include Gorilla Trekking, primates tracking, game viewing drives, excellent birding, cultural excursions, launch cruise and nature walks among others.

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The 10 Days Uganda Rwanda Gorilla and Wildlife Tour starts and ends in Kampala. It will take you to Uganda’s un-spoilt wildlife destinations to experience Nature at its best. Explore all the best Uganda has to offer to tourists in the tropic Africa. Major tour activities in this tour include game drives in hunt for some of the “Big 5” (African Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Elephant), birding, gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda

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This 10 days Kilimanjaro & Gorilla safari brings you to the highest peak of the tallest mountain in Africa standing at 5895m above sea level. Mountain Kilimanjaro is the longest single-standing mountain in the world. Although there are 6 routes for hiking the mountain Kilimanjaro, which are; the Shira (Londorossi) route, Lemosho route, Machame route, Umbwe route

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