Gorilla beringei beringei
Currently, the mountain gorilla’s habitat is limited to protected national parks in two regions of Africa. One group of gorillas lives in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The other group is spread over three national parks in the Virungas mountain region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Mountain gorillas are as shy as they are strong. But when threatened, they can be aggressive. They beat their chests and let out angry grunts and roars. Group leaders will charge at the threat. Mothers will fight to the death to protect their young.
Mountain gorillas live in groups of up to 30. The group, or troop, is led by a single alpha male, an older silverback. These males are called silverbacks because of the silver stripe they develop on their backs when they mature. The oldest males of the group are at least 12 years old. These troops also include several younger males, adult and juvenile females, and infants.
In addition to providing protection to group members, silverbacks maintain order and decide all activities within their troop. They schedule feeding trips, resting time, and travel. They also father the majority of the young in the group.
Female mountain gorillas can produce young beginning at age 10. They carry one or two babies at a time and give birth after a 8.5-month gestation period. In general, they will bear between two and six offspring in a lifetime.
Newborn gorillas weigh about 1.8 kg (4 lb.) at birth. They are as weak and uncoordinated as human babies. For the first four years of their lives, they get around by clinging to their mothers backs. By 3.5 years of age, the young gorillas are fully weaned from their mothers milk and start the same diet as mature mountain gorillas: plants, leaves, roots and shoots.
Fully-grown male mountain gorillas can weigh up to 180 kg (400 lb). Females weigh half that at about 90 kg ( 200 lb). Aside from the silver stripe on their backs, male mountain gorillas are distinguished from females because they have a crest of fur on their heads. Both genders have similar thick black hair covering their body. Their thick hair keeps them warm in cold mountain temperatures.
Conservation Status
Mountain gorillas are considered critically endangered by IUCN’s Red List. Not only are mountain gorillas threatened by loss of habitat due to human encroachment, they have also become victims of human violence. As civil war rages in Africa, efforts to conserve mountain gorilla populations have been curtailed. Mountain gorillas have also been killed or captured by poachers. Their body parts are sold to collectors, and baby gorillas are sold illegally as pets, research subjects, or private zoo animals.
Save The Gorilla
1) Keep your distance from gorillas.
If you ever take an exciting visit to any of the three National parks that covers the habitat of mountain gorillas, make sure you keep your distance. Despite the urge to get closer, to gain an awe-inspiring photograph or to feel as one with nature, this can impose disease threats to the gorillas.
2) Take part in a gorilla event!
Organised Gorilla events are great fun to participate in! They bring awareness to the declining numbers of the mountain gorillas whilst raising money for global conservation projects. Its fun for everyone! Those who take part in these events wear a full gorilla costume! That’s right – from head to toe!
3) Buy Gorilla Related Merchandise
Buying Gorilla related gifts such as mugs, bags, sponsorship, calendars and cute cuddly toys is another small way of contributing towards gorilla charities. The WWF online store is an exciting place to start looking! With both merchandise and virtual gifts to choose from, you would be excited to see what you can find!
4) Visit the Mountain gorillas in Rwanda
Taking a journey of a lifetime to visit the magnificent mountain gorillas in their natural environments brings in revenue to the parks that protect them. Going with an experienced company with good morals and aims such as the Dian Fossey Gorilla fund not only provide you with extraordinary experiences and comfort, but ensure that the welfare of Gorillas remain unaffected by the tourism industry.
5) Adopt a Gorilla
I know it means giving away money, and not everyone seems very comfortable at the moment spending their money freely, but this is certainly something rewarding. Even if you know a nature lover in the family, or its birthday time for someone and you want to get something exciting and different, adoption packages may be the answer. Not only does your money contribute to conservation, but you receive a gorilla bio, photograph and adoption certificate.
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