Mountain Gorillas Rwanda: Facts Every Wildlife Lover Should Know

Deep within the green hills of Central Africa lives one of the most powerful yet gentle animals in the world. Mountain gorillas rwanda, hidden in the dense forests and foggy hills, have astonished and fascinated by the animal lovers all over the world. Rwanda is amongst a handful of places where these rare great apes are still alive, and it is the main contributor to the safe-keeping of the latter for posterity.

Mountain gorillas are not just a wild animal but the one that exhibits strong emotional ties, shows intelligence, and lives in close family groups. Their study reveals the reasons for the emphasis on their conservation.

What Are Mountain Gorillas?

Mountain gorillas belong to the eastern gorilla subspecies. Among the gorillas, they are the largest and heaviest however, due to their thick black fur, they are able to survive in cold mountainous regions. One of the characteristics of male gorillas, the so-called silverbacks, is that they can weigh more than 180 kg. Thus, gorillas really have enormous power but mostly they behave as calm and peaceful creatures.

The main place of mountain gorillas in the nature is the ground. The slowest and most peaceful way of moving through the forest for them is to feed their way. Long arms are the gorillas’ help for maintaining support and balance while walking. Sometimes, despite their size, they are very peaceful and non-aggressive animals that avoid getting into conflicts unless they are threatened.

Where Do Mountain Gorillas Live in Rwanda?

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda are found in Volcanoes National Park. This national park is situated in the northern part of the country and formed by the Virunga Mountains, a series of volcanoes along the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The region is characterized by a climate that is cool and wet, with bamboo forests, dense vegetation, and open clearings taking up the major part of the area.

The gorilla habitat meets all the requirements of the animal namely: food, water, shelter as well as safety. The altitude at which the animals live is what makes the climate cooler and thus, it is suitable for their thick fur. Since their habitat is restricted, it is very important to secure this national park for their existence.

Daily Life of Mountain Gorillas

The daily routine of mountain gorillas is pretty straightforward . The animals rise early in the morning and start to feed right away. Mountain gorillas feed mainly on plants ,that is ,leaves ,stems ,shoots ,roots ,and bamboo. To keep their large bodies supported, the gorillas can spend many hours a day eating.

Feeding is followed by resting and playing and also grooming each other. Kids gorillas are the most playful and often chase each other and climb small trees. Such moments are important in forming the group’s strong bonds .

As the day comes to an end, each gorilla makes a nest with foliage and branches for rest. The infants generally stay near their mothers while they sleep for the sake of warmth and protection.

Family Groups and Social Structure

Mountain gorillas inhabit family groups which are under the leadership of a stronger silverback. The silverback is responsible for the decision-making of the group, guarding the group against any threats, and mediating the differences among the gorillas. A typical group consists of a number of adult females, the gorilla kids, and sometimes one or more males.

The relationship of mothers and the children is very tight. Mothers devote their time to their little ones for around three years, all the while giving them lessons about feeding, moving and even socializing. One of the reasons humans feel this strong bond with the gorillas is the similarity of family life.

Why Mountain Gorillas Are Endangered

Mountain gorillas, which are also known as gorillas located in the mountains, faced near extinction in the past. Their population was greatly reduced due to a variety of factors such as destruction of their habitats, poaching, diseases, and wars among humans. As their habitats are not very large, even a slight change could result in a huge impact on their survival.

Moreover, diseases from humans greatly threaten the gorillas’ survival. Being genetic close relative of humans, gorillas become prone to the same infections like flu and cold. Consequently, there is a strict monitoring protocol during gorilla trekking for the purpose of ensuring safety for both people and animals.

The mountain gorillas’ population in Rwanda has been slowly but surely on the uptick due to concerted conservation measures. It is one of the rare instances of a conservation triumph in Africa.

Conservation Efforts in Rwanda

Rwanda has made a name for itself globally in the area of wildlife conservation. The government seeks the collaboration of conservation NGOs and the local population in the efforts of keeping the gorillas and their surroundings safe. The poaching prevention measures, medical care for the animals, and scientific studies are some of the ways in which the animals are protected.

Moreover, the local people get some of the money that comes from tourism related to gorillas. A portion of the money obtained from selling gorilla permits goes to the small towns around for the purpose of funding educational institutions, healthcare and clean drinking water projects. Thus, the people are convinced that the gorillas are a source of income that needs to be protected.

Gorilla Trekking and Responsible Tourism

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking is a well-planned activity and extremely careful to ensure that stress caused by tourists is not an issue for the animals. Daily access to the gorillas is limited to a certain number of tourists and despite the fact that the treks are rather strenuous, involving hiking up steep and muddy hills, they are very much worth it in the end.

Tourists get instructions on how to conduct themselves when around gorillas. Among other things, they need to learn to maintain the prescribed distance, to be quiet, and most importantly, to avoid any kind of sudden movements. The rules are really effective as they make the gorillas’ living places safer and more pleasant at the same time.

Why Mountain Gorillas Matter

Mountain gorillas are very significant for the ecosystem they belong to. Their gradual march through the jungle not only results in the distribution of seeds but also the growth of plants. The very presence of mountain gorillas is an indication of the existence of a thriving forest.

They likewise serve to point out the very close bond between the mankind and the nature. The mountains gorillas’ protection will also mean the safeguarding of trees, water, and a number of other creatures that are in need of the same environment.

The wildlife lovers’ education about mountain gorillas rwanda is an opportunity for them to see how conservation, community, and nature can be allies. The organizations like Passion for Adventures Safaris & Travel still provide help in the area of creating good travel experiences that honor wildlife while at the same time fostering an individual bond with nature.