25/01/2019
TOP ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES IN UGANDA: #2 MOUNTAIN GORILLA TREKKING
Mountain Gorillas are one of the most endangered species on earth almost on the verge of extinction. They are only found in three countries; Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo and almost in the same location.
In 1960, American researcher George Schaller estimated that only 450 mountain gorillas lived on the volcanoes, a number that decreased further as gorilla was reduced by agricultural encroachment, poaching and hunting safaris to provide gruesome tourist ‘Souvenirs’.
By 1973 gorilla numbers had dwindled to just 250. However through sustained and concerted efforts at conservation of the mountain gorilla and its habitat, mountain gorilla numbers have slowly increased today.
Their totals are only about 1100 regarding the latest census that had 604 individuals from Virunga Massif; Mgahinga, Uganda’s smallest National park, Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of Congo. The census left out Bwindi Impenetrable National Park of Uganda which stood at 400 in 2011. Uganda only harbors more than a half of these amazing species while the rest are shared by Rwanda and the Democratic republic of Congo only.
You can read more about Mountain Gorillas and trekking here: http://www.ugandaadventuresafaris.com/mountain-gorilla-trekking/