Rwanda Mountain Gorillas

Rwanda is home to one of the few remaining populations of endangered mountain gorillas in the world. Here are some things to know about Rwanda’s mountain gorillas:

Habitat: Mountain gorillas are found in the dense forests of the Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Rwanda, they can be found in Volcanoes National Park.

Population: According to the latest census conducted in 2020, there are approximately 604 mountain gorillas in the wild, and around a third of them live in Rwanda.

Conservation Efforts: Rwanda has made significant efforts to protect the mountain gorillas from habitat destruction, poaching, and other threats. Volcanoes National Park is a protected area where gorillas can roam free without the risk of being hunted or harmed.

Gorilla Trekking: Visitors to Rwanda can go gorilla trekking, which involves hiking through the forest to observe the gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking permits are required and can be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board.

Guidelines: To protect the gorillas, there are strict guidelines that visitors must follow when trekking, including maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas, not making direct eye contact, and not touching or feeding them.

Tourism Impact: Gorilla trekking has become a significant source of tourism revenue for Rwanda, which has helped fund conservation efforts and provide economic benefits to local communities.

Threats: While the mountain gorilla population has been increasing in recent years, they still face threats from habitat loss, disease, and poaching. Continued conservation efforts are crucial to their survival.

Overall, the mountain gorillas of Rwanda are a unique and fascinating species that are worth preserving and protecting for future generations.

Mummy Gorilla Taking Care Of Baby Gorilla