AfricaMammalsEndangered

Mountain Gorilla

Where Mountain Gorillas Live

Continent: Africa

High altitude montane and bamboo forests between 1,160 and 4,300 m (3,800 to 14,100 ft) in the Virunga Massif (DRC, Rwanda, Uganda) and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda.

The mountain gorilla is a high altitude subspecies of the eastern gorilla, found only in the volcanic forests of the Virunga Massif and Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It's the largest living primate, with thick, shaggy black fur that helps it survive cold mountain temperatures other gorillas never face. Once feared close to extinction, the mountain gorilla is one of conservation's genuine success stories, with numbers steadily climbing thanks to intensive protection and ecotourism. It remains one of humanity's closest living relatives, sharing about 98 percent of its DNA with people.

Africa

Quick Facts

Height1.2 to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft) standing

WeightMales up to 195 kg (430 lb), females around 90 to 100 kg (200 to 220 lb)

Lifespan35 to 40 years wild, up to 50 in captivity

SpeedKnuckle walks efficiently, not built for speed

DietLeaves, stems, shoots, bark, and roots, occasionally fruit and insects

Clutch1 infant per birth, gestation about 8 to 9 months

PopulationOver 1,000 individuals, the only growing gorilla population

RangeVirunga Massif and Bwindi, east-central Africa

Conservation Status

EXExtinct

EWExtinct in the Wild

CRCritically Endangered

ENEndangered

VUVulnerable

NTNear Threatened

LCLeast Concern

NENot Evaluated

How Mountain Gorillas Survive in the Wild

A baby gorilla with soft, fuzzy black fur and large, curious dark eyes gazes directly at the camera, its small rounded ears and expressive face framed in a close-up portrait against a muted natural background.

Thick Fur for the Cold

Mountain gorillas have unusually thick, dense fur compared to other gorillas, a direct adaptation to the cold, high altitude forests they call home.

A western lowland gorilla in a close-up shot holds vegetation near its mouth while eating, its thick black fur, prominent brow ridge, and focused dark eyes visible as it grips leafy greens with powerful dark-skinned hands.

A Huge Daily Diet

As mostly folivorous herbivores, they eat huge daily quantities of leaves, stems, and pith, with males consuming close to 19 kg (41 lb) of food a day.

A gorilla hangs from a single sturdy branch, one arm extended upward with fingers wrapped securely around the limb, body relaxed and pendant-like against blurred forest greenery.

Vulnerable to Human Illness

Because they share such close genetic similarity to humans, they are highly vulnerable to human illnesses, even a common cold, making strict health protocols essential during tourist encounters.

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Social Lives of Mountain Gorillas

A dominant male silverback gorilla in full-body view displays his impressive muscular build, silver-streaked back fur, massive shoulders, and contemplative expression as he rests in his forest habitat.

Led by a Silverback

Groups are led by a dominant silverback who mediates conflicts, decides travel routes, and protects the troop, with some groups having multiple males.

A gorilla lies down on the green vegetation and bushes looking like he has carved himself a place to sleep in it.

A New Nest Each Night

A fresh nest is built almost every night, and nest counts are how researchers estimate group size and population across the region.

A group of gorillas, mostly females and their young, are sitting together on the green vegetation.

A Conservation Success

Intensive, decades long conservation efforts, ecotourism, and community involvement have driven a rare population increase, unlike most other gorilla subspecies.

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