UGANDA'S MOUNTAIN GORILLAS

Mountain Gorillas are the most threatened primate species in the world with the remaining Mountain Gorillasliving in Africa and in countries; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The Mountain Gorillas are 10th of the most endangered species in the world recorded to be only about 700 individuals in the world. Approximately 400 species are left in the Virunga Mountains of Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda, while approximately 350 species are found in the Bwindi impenetrable rain Forests of Uganda. All the remaining mountain gorillas are found living in their natural home that is the; mountain forest home and are protect by the international law for conservation of endangered species thus, capturing or killer a gorilla is illegal.

The largest Living Primates..........

The gorillas are re-known to be the largest living primates on Earth, with species that include; Bwindi Impenetrable Forestthe Eastern Lowland Gorillas, which reside in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Western Lowland Gorillas which live only in West Africa (Gabon)  and: Mountain Gorillas, which are only found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Where They Live.........

Gorillas live in groups / families devoid of territorial boundaries with a family range of 2 to 15 square miles. It is the female gorillas who determine the group size. That is; they will decide on who the members of the group should comprise for instance, they will fight with a new member they are not willing to join the group until they keep her out of their group. The same applies to a member who wishes to leave the group yet other members like her; they often hold her legs and guard her from leaving the group.

Size, Weight...........

An adult male gorilla weighs approximately 700 pounds while their female companions weighTrekking in Uganda approximately 350 pounds. Adult gorillas can grow to a height of about 7 feet tall with an arm span of about 8 feet. Gorillas are believed to feed on up to 58 different types of plant species, including; leaves, roots, stems, ferns, flowers, thistles, bamboo shoots, and tree wood. Fruits, celery and Gallium vines are their favorite foods. In order to grind foliage, bamboo and bark, the gorillas are comprised of larger teeth in the back of their mouth.

Gorillas exhibit a high degree of likeness to the human. This is established by the varying habits which include; being excited, afraid, curious, being thoughtful, having pleasure, being bored, bold, showing affection, worrying, being thoughtful and often, they are seen being hostile.

Communication among the Gorillas..........

Gorillas communicate using different mechanisms for instance; rumbling the stomach which Bwindi Gorillasmeans they are contented, a pig grunt of harsh staccato grunts often when complaining or disciplining, roaring or screaming is set when a gorilla is threatened. A loud hoot is given when silverbacks are interacting, always accompanied by chest beating and thrashing of trees. When gorillas are afraid they send out a powerful scent from their glands.

Threats to the Gorillas.......

The gorillas are affected by the overwhelming costs of increased habitat loss, spread of dangerous diseases, and above all, poaching for bush meat and trade. A tour to see these threatened by exciting primates who exhibit human nature is so rewarding for many have regarded it as being a tour worth while and for a life time. Check out our gorilla safaris here.

GORILLA SAFARIS IN UGANDA