Mountain Gorilla Facts
There are actually two species of gorilla — the Eastern gorilla and the Western gorilla — and each has two sub-species:
- Eastern Gorilla:
- Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)
- Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri)
- Western Gorilla:
- Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
- Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)
All gorilla species live in tropical and subtropical forests across central Africa, but mountain gorillas are unique in inhabiting high-altitude montane forests.
The primary differences between the two species include:
– Nose shape and size
– Vocalisations and communication sounds
– Body size, with Eastern gorillas (including the mountain gorilla) typically being larger and more robust than their Western counterparts
Mountain gorillas are also distinguished by their long, thick coats, which help them survive in the cool, misty mountain environment.
Family Structure
Mountain gorillas live in cohesive, close-knit groups known as troops or families, typically made up of 5 to 30 individuals. At the heart of each group is a dominant silverback male, responsible for leading the group, making decisions, and protecting its members. The group also includes several females, their offspring, and occasionally younger subordinate males. Social bonds are central to gorilla life — they groom each other, play, and communicate through vocalisations, gestures, and facial expressions. Infants are nurtured by their mothers for several years and are also cared for by other members of the troop.
Feeding and behaviour
Unlike their lowland cousins, mountain gorillas are almost entirely vegetarian. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, shoots, stems, bark, and wild fruit. They spend much of the day foraging and resting, and travel only short distances compared to other primates. They are largely ground-dwelling, although young gorillas may climb trees to play or feed. Observing gorillas in their natural habitat reveals a calm and gentle rhythm to their day, filled with feeding, interacting, and looking after young. This peaceful behaviour makes trekking to see them a deeply moving experience.
Where can you see them?
Mountain gorillas are only found in a few specific protected areas in central East Africa:
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
- Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
- Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
These regions are characterised by dense forests, steep slopes, and high altitudes — all part of the gorillas’ natural range. Trekking permits are strictly regulated to protect the animals and limit human impact.
What is being done to protect them?
Once on the brink of extinction, mountain gorillas are now slowly increasing in number thanks to long-term conservation efforts. Key strategies include:
- Habitat protection through national parks and reserves
- Strict regulation of gorilla trekking tourism
- Ongoing veterinary care via organisations such as Gorilla Doctors
- The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Community-based conservation, ensuring local people benefit from protecting wildlife
- Anti-poaching patrols and monitoring
The success of these combined efforts is a rare conservation success story — and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, science, and community support. While still classified as endangered, the mountain gorilla’s story offers genuine hope.
