Overview
Mountain gorillas are one of our closest living relatives, sharing approximately 98% of their DNA with humans. Found only in the misty volcanic mountains of Central Africa — straddling the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda — these gentle giants were once predicted to go extinct by the end of the 20th century. Instead, thanks to decades of dedicated conservation efforts pioneered by Dian Fossey and continued by local communities and international organizations, mountain gorilla numbers have slowly climbed from an estimated 620 in 1989 to over 1,063 today, making them one of the few great ape populations that is increasing.
Physical Characteristics
Size & Build
Adult male mountain gorillas (silverbacks) can stand up to 5.5 feet (1.7 m) tall and weigh 300–485 lb (136–220 kg). They are stockier and have longer hair than lowland gorillas, an adaptation to their cold, high-altitude habitat at 8,000–13,000 feet elevation.
Silverback
Mature males develop a distinctive saddle of silver-gray hair across their backs, earning the name "silverback." This marking signifies maturity (around age 13) and leadership status within the group.
Unique Identity
Like human fingerprints, each gorilla has a unique pattern of wrinkles on their nose, called a "nose print," which researchers use to identify individuals.
Social Behavior
Family Groups
Mountain gorillas live in stable groups of 5–30 individuals led by a dominant silverback. The silverback makes all major decisions — where to travel, eat, and sleep — and protects the group from threats.
Gentle Nature
Despite their imposing size, mountain gorillas are predominantly gentle and shy. Aggressive displays — chest-beating, charging, and roaring — are usually bluffs intended to intimidate without actual contact.
Communication
Gorillas use over 25 distinct vocalizations, including grunts, barks, and belch-like sounds indicating contentment. They also communicate through body language, facial expressions, and gestures.
Daily Life
Gorillas spend about 30% of the day eating, 30% traveling, and 40% resting. Each evening, they build fresh sleeping nests from vegetation — even infants practice nest-building from an early age.
Diet & Ecology
Herbivorous
Mountain gorillas are primarily herbivores, consuming over 140 plant species including bamboo shoots, wild celery, thistles, nettles, and various fruits. An adult male can eat up to 75 lb (34 kg) of vegetation per day.
Ecosystem Role
As large herbivores, gorillas play an important role in seed dispersal and vegetation management in their montane forest habitat, helping maintain forest health and diversity.
Threats & Conservation
Habitat Encroachment
The Virunga Mountains and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest are surrounded by some of the most densely populated rural areas in Africa. Agricultural expansion continues to press against park boundaries.
Disease
Because of their genetic similarity to humans, gorillas are susceptible to human diseases. A single respiratory illness outbreak could devastate a small population. Strict tourist health protocols help mitigate this risk.
Poaching & Conflict
While direct poaching of gorillas has decreased, they can be caught in snares set for other animals. Political instability in the region, particularly in eastern Congo, also threatens their habitat and safety.
Ecotourism Success
Rwanda's gorilla tourism program generates over $200 million annually and shares revenue with local communities. This has transformed mountain gorillas from a liability into a valuable economic asset, giving local people a strong incentive to protect them.
