Mountain gorillas are a distinctive subspecies of the eastern gorilla, inhabiting the high-altitude forests of central Africa. These primates contribute to forest health through seed dispersal. Their iconic status has drawn global attention, especially given their history of being on the brink of extinction. Their survival and recovery represent a notable achievement in wildlife conservation.
Current Global Population
The global population of mountain gorillas stands at 1,063 individuals, according to the most recent comprehensive census data. This figure, released in 2019, combines results from the 2015 Virunga Massif census and the 2018 Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Sarambwe Nature Reserve census. The population has shown a consistent upward trend, increasing from an estimated 786 individuals in 2010 to 1,004 in 2018. This growth led to their reclassification from “Critically Endangered” to “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2018, marking a rare success in great ape conservation.
The mountain gorilla population is divided into two distinct groups. One group resides in the Virunga Massif, an area encompassing protected parks across three countries, accounting for 604 individuals in the 2016 census. The second, larger population, estimated at 459 individuals in the 2018 census, inhabits Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the adjacent Sarambwe Nature Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A new census for the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem began in May 2025, with findings anticipated in 2026.
Mountain Gorilla Habitats
Mountain gorillas are found exclusively in the high-altitude, dense cloud forests of central Africa. Their natural range spans three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They inhabit four specific national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the DRC.
These habitats are characterized by elevations ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level, featuring rich ecosystems of bamboo, mixed forests, and subalpine grasslands on volcanic peaks. The gorillas’ thick, dark fur provides insulation, allowing them to endure the cold and damp conditions of their montane homes. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda hosts approximately half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.
Conservation and Recovery Efforts
The increase in mountain gorilla numbers results from dedicated conservation efforts spanning several decades. In the early 1980s, their population had dwindled to just 254 individuals, prompting urgent action. A multi-faceted approach involving governments, international organizations, and local communities has been central to this recovery.
A primary strategy involves rigorous anti-poaching patrols conducted by rangers who dismantle snares and deter illegal activities within national parks. These patrols are complemented by veterinary care from groups like Gorilla Doctors, which offers medical interventions for injured or ill gorillas. Tourism, specifically gorilla trekking, has emerged as a significant revenue stream for conservation, with permit fees directly funding park management, ranger salaries, and community development projects. Strict guidelines are in place for visitors to minimize disturbance and prevent disease transmission, such as maintaining a safe distance from the animals.
Community involvement is central to successful conservation, ensuring local populations benefit from the gorillas’ protection. Programs include revenue sharing, where park entry fees support community initiatives, and the creation of employment opportunities as guides, porters, and lodge staff. Education and alternative livelihoods, such as handicrafts and sustainable agriculture, reduce reliance on forest resources, mitigating human-wildlife conflict and habitat destruction. These efforts have fostered stewardship among local communities, contributing to the population’s rebound.