Mountain Gorilla Predators

Mountain Gorilla Predators : In their natural environment, mountain gorillas face predators just like other wildlife. Compared to other wildlife species, they have fewer predators due to their size and strength, which is an advantage. The two known predators of mountain gorillas, particularly the babies and infants, are crocodiles and leopards.

Adult male mountain gorillas are rarely preyed by leopards, but they usually do especially for western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla). Leopards often avoid silverbacks because of their size and strength then target the infants/baby gorillas or off springs.

Predators don’t risk hunting a huge family of mountain gorillas. Strong family groups of two to forty people comprise the mountain gorillas. A mature male known as the “silverback,” who leads each group, gets his name from the silvery grey hair that grows on their backs as they mature.

A gorilla family will act differently when they perceive danger. Once the adult males, who are the leaders, start to smell strongly and make noises, the other members can either huddle up around them or give each other hugs. One of the main roles that silverback gorillas play is protecting the other gorilla members. He defends them from attacks, and the young men can lead the other members away from danger or enemy attack while their leader fights back.

The greatest danger to mountain gorillas’ ability to survive in the wild has been shown to be human activity. Human activities such as illegal hunting/poaching, civil wars and habitat loss due to mining, farming etc. People living near gorilla safari parks often clear vegetation to create space for farming activities yet forests play a significant part or as a home to these large apes.

However, because they are the closest relatives to us, they are prone to infectious diseases that affect humans. Up to 98% of human DNA is shared with mountain gorillas.

Mountain Gorilla Diet.
Living in the forests, mountain gorillas mostly eat leaves, plants, fruits, bamboo, nettles, and other natural materials. Their primary source of nutrition is succulent plants, which explains why they don’t often drink water.

What is the size of a mountain gorilla?
Male mountain gorillas can reach heights of up to 161–171 cm, arm spans of 2-2.7 m, and weights of 120–191 kg. The females weigh between 70 and 98 kg, making them slightly smaller. The Eastern gorilla species is made up of both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas, with the latter being somewhat larger.

Where do mountain gorillas stay?
The Albertine Rift Montane Forest regions of Africa, or the Virunga Mountain ranges, are home to mountain gorillas. The majority of the families are found on the slopes of volcanoes like Visoke / Bisoke, Mikeno, and Karisimbi. They are found in the high altitudinal region between 2,200 and 4300 metres. When going on a gorilla trekking expedition, the park guide can clear the dense vegetation where the gorillas reside using a machete.

The Virunga Mountain areas to visit to see mountain gorillas include Virunga National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Volcanoes National Park. The rest live in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Southwestern Uganda.

Population of mountain gorillas on earth.
Not more than 1063 mountain gorillas still exist on planet earth today and strictly, they can be visited in the 4 parks mentioned above. There are three national parks: Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.

The cost of gorilla permits in Congo, Rwanda and Uganda?
Travellers wishing to take a gorilla safari vacation can choose to travel to the Congo, Rwanda, or Uganda; however, they can only track mountain gorillas if they have a valid gorilla permit. If you are visiting Uganda, then prepare USD 700 to secure a gorilla permit that will allow you trek any of the country’s 23 habituated gorilla families. There are one group of mountain gorillas in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and twenty-one groups in Bwindi National Park.

How to obtain a Uganda gorilla permit?

Working with a reputable tour operator like Focus East Africa Tours in Uganda is the simplest way to secure your gorilla permit in advance. Alternatively, you can purchase directly with Uganda Wildlife Authority which is more stressful and a tiring process. That is why we do it on your behalf and you only come for actual gorilla trekking adventures to see these large apes.

In Rwanda, gorilla permits for tracking mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park can be purchased at USD 1500. A local tour operator plays an important role when it comes to organizing tailor-made gorilla safaris, booking gorilla permits, etc. Or you can deal directly with Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

If you travelling to D.R. Congo, gorilla permit costs USD 450 per person and this applies to tourists with plans to see either mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas in the wild. Congo mountain gorillas exist in the Virunga National Park and lowland gorillas are in Kahuzi-Biega National Park (open for trekking), but others live in Maiko National Park in eastern part of the country.