Key Characteristics and Traits of Mountain Gorillas

There are numerous attributes of mountain gorillas.

It appears that the global population of mountain gorillas is fewer than 1000, with Bwindi Impenetrable National Park housing half of this figure.

By ascending the summits of certain Virunga volcanoes, tourists can enhance their gorilla trekking expedition with breathtaking natural vistas.

Standing at the summit of Mount Sabyinyo is equivalent to simultaneously being in three countries: Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo.

In addition to the compliments, this article provides a comprehensive list of the most notable characteristics of mountain gorillas in Africa.

Mountain gorillas exhibit the following characteristics:

One of the most highly sought-after tourist activities in Africa is the trek to see mountain gorillas.

Gorillas are exclusively located in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Area, which includes Virunga National Park in Congo, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Gahinga are among the forested Virunga Mountains in the Virunga Conservation Area, where mountain gorillas reside in the foothills.

19 Mountain Gorilla Characteristics You Should Be Aware Of

Tropical forests with dense bamboo trees are the habitat of gorillas. They are unable to endure in institutions and frequently succumb to death after a brief period. Lowland gorillas are the species of gorillas that are commonly observed in sanctuaries.

Mountain gorillas are exceedingly tender creatures. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that they are untamed animals and may become aggressive when they perceive a threat.

Mountain gorillas possess broad shoulders and chests as well as short trunks. Just as the cranium is dwarfed by a large muscle, the eyes and ears are similarly small.

The nose impressions of mountain gorillas are a reliable method of identification. Their nose impressions are distinctive to each individual, as they are to humans.

Each family of gorillas is commanded by a dominant silverback who establishes and enforces rules within the group. Gorillas typically travel in groups of 5–30 members. This is one of the most intriguing facts about mountain gorillas.

Mountain gorillas are found in regions with elevated elevations that occasionally experience extreme weather. They are capable of adapting to this environment due to the dense hair and fur that cover their bodies.

Gorillas are capable of retrieving food from cavities using stems and storing it in their mouths.

Gorillas will scream, stamp the ground, tear vegetation, and erect on their hind legs when they charge. In these circumstances, the silverback also instructs the other members of the family to seek refuge.

Starting at the age of 10, a female mountain gorilla will give birth to 2–5 offspring in her lifespan. Their gestation period is approximately eight to nine months.

Mountain gorillas also have milk teeth, but permanent teeth eventually replace them. Similar to humans, they possess 32 canines.

Gorillas are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases, including the common cold, influenza, pneumonia, and Ebola. They may contract pneumonia as a result of climatic fluctuations or transmission from humans.

After chimpanzees, mountain gorillas are the closest living descendants of humans, as they share over 98% of their DNA. Additionally, they possess feet that are comparable to those of humans.

Just like humans, infant mountain gorillas are born weighing four pounds. From the ages of 2-4 years, they frequently attach to their mothers’ backs and breastfeed for one year.

Even at the risk of their own lives, dominant silverback gorillas safeguard their families. Additionally, female mountain gorillas are responsible for safeguarding their offspring.

A diverse diet that encompasses bamboo, shoots, stems, fruits, flowers, leaves, bulbs, tree bark, termites, insects, and more is maintained by mountain gorillas.

The majority of the food that gorillas ingest contains substantial quantities of water, which is why they rarely consume water. Additionally, they are apprehensive of water and employ logs to traverse streams.

Every evening, mountain gorillas construct new shelters from plant materials and leaves. The nests are shared by a mother and a baby, while males lie in their own nests.

Female mountain gorillas groom their infants, and infant gorillas also groom themselves.

The silver hair that grows on the backs of male mountain gorillas as they age is the reason they are referred to as “silverbacks.”

Mountain gorilla trekking

Gorilla permits are necessary for trekking mountain gorillas. In Uganda, they cost $800; in Rwanda, they cost $1500; and in the Congo, they cost $400.

It is recommended that you purchase a gorilla permit at least three months in advance if you intend to trek during the peak season.

During the dry season of June to September and December to February, the roads to the parks are readily accessible, making it the optimal time to trek mountain gorillas.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is required if you intend to trek during the rainy season.

The climate in the Virunga conservation area is unpredictable, with rain occasionally occurring during the arid season.

Consequently, it is crucial to bring a variety of items, such as hiking footwear, garden gloves, energy snacks, insect repellents, raincoats, warm clothing, and drinking water.