How Can You Save Mountain Gorillas From Extinction: While the urge to bond with one of our closest relatives is natural, such intimate contact with this endangered species is not in its best interests. Disease transmission via human contact is a very significant concern for mountain gorillas, with some becoming unwell as a result of their closeness to humans. Having said that, tourism and the efforts of scientists and researchers are critical to the survival of the species.
Mountain gorillas had long been a critically endangered species facing extinction, but in recent years, because to conservation efforts, the mountain gorilla species has been moved from the critically endangered list to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s endangered species list (IUCN). Mountain gorillas are an indigenous species of the Albertine area and the Bwindi forest, and there are only two spots in the world where you may see them.
Mountain gorillas may be seen in four national parks in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. According to the most recent census, there were around 1,063 mountain gorillas living in the area and throughout the world, as these mountain gorillas can only survive in the wild and not in captivity, unlike lowland gorillas, which can be seen in a number of zoos around the world.
One of the most amazing facts about mountain gorillas is that they share up to 99 percent of human DNA. The number of mountain gorillas continues to increase, and a large number of newborns are being accepted in all of the national parks. This has a beneficial influence on the mountain gorillas, and there are a variety of ways you, as an individual, may help to the species’ survival and thriving.
How to Save Mountain Gorillas
Trek Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda, Congo
Mountain gorillas may have been extinct if gorilla tourism had not exist. Mountain gorilla habitats are home to the densest human populations in Africa. The majority of the people who reside in these areas are farmers, therefore land is essential to their lives. However, in order to conserve the gorillas, the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo have maintained the gorillas’ volcanic habitat off-limits to cultivation, mostly because the cash generated by tourists surpasses the value of utilizing park property for other reasons. Gorilla trekking permits are expensive ($400 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, $700 in Uganda, and $1500 in Rwanda), but by purchasing them, you are not only purchasing a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with this charismatic species, but you are also providing an economic incentive for their protection.
Postpone your gorilla safari if you are feeling well.
Because of their genetic closeness to humans, mountain gorillas are susceptible to many of the same viral illnesses that affect humans. Mountain gorillas are also immunologically naive to specific diseases, which mean they are especially vulnerable to some human diseases due to their historical seclusion from humans. Mountain gorillas have perished as a result of illnesses that originated in humans, according to research undertaken by the Gorilla Doctors and other experts. After trauma, infectious illness is the greatest cause of mortality in mountain gorillas. The most prevalent infection is respiratory illness, which can vary from a simple cold to a serious case of pneumonia. To protect gorillas from such diseases, national park officials recommend that anybody who is ill or has a fever refrain from trekking gorillas.
Maintain a 7 metre distance from mountain gorillas
To decrease the possibility of illness transmission and to prevent modifying or disrupting the gorillas’ normal behavior, the Gorilla Doctors collaborated with national park officials to create the rule of always keeping 7 meters (21 feet) or more away from the gorillas. The gorillas themselves, particularly young ones, are unaware of the regulations and may approach visitors, although tourists should make an attempt to back away and avoid touching the animal if at all possible. Even when gorillas leave the national park and travel into land held by tourist hotels and camps, the 7-meter guideline should be followed at all times.
Donate to Gorilla Conservation Organizations
Donating money to groups working on the ground to save mountain gorillas is one of the most efficient methods to aid the species. Several groups, including Gorilla Fund, Dian Fossey Foundation, have spent decades researching viable techniques for safeguarding mountain gorillas, and the majority of their funding comes from grants and contributions.
When contributing money to a cause, it’s crucial to analyze the organization you’re thinking about helping to see how successful the group is at carrying out its objective. You should be able to obtain answers to queries such as, “What strategies does the organization utilize to achieve its stated goals?” “Does the organization have any data or statistics demonstrating that its tactics are having an impact?”
Take Part in other activities during your gorilla trekking safari.
The great majorities of visitors who visit gorilla national parks spend only a day or two trekking gorillas and then leave. All of the gorilla parks, however, provide other incredible nature experiences. As with gorilla trekking, the cash generated by these activities incentivizes governments and local communities to conserve mountain gorilla habitat. Climb the active Nyiragongo volcano in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is home to the world’s biggest lava lake. Hike extinct volcanoes in Rwanda and Uganda, such as Mt. Karisimbi’s snow-covered summits or Mt. Sabyinyo’s fluted peaks. Both Rwanda and Uganda offer excursions to observe golden monkeys (another critically endangered primate), and in Rwanda, you may also visit Dian Fossey’s cemetery and former research station, How Can You Save Mountain Gorillas From Extinction.
Support local businesses and Community projects in Gorilla national parks.
As much as governments and conservation groups work to conserve gorillas, the assistance of the local communities surrounding the parks is critical to ensuring the preservation of gorilla habitat and the protection of mountain gorillas. The more locals who gain from tourism earnings and NGO and community work in the region, the more likely they are to wish to conserve mountain gorillas. Tourists may contribute by patronizing local restaurants, stores, and other businesses, or by donating to community initiatives across the park. Tourists, for example, may pay to visit the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where former poachers work as cultural interpreters and performers.
Don’t Purchase any ornaments made out of Gorilla parts.
While poachers seldom target mountain gorillas, other species in the national parks where gorillas dwell are routinely poached. Poachers generally use snares to capture tiny antelopes to carry home to their families for sustenance, although larger species such as buffalo or elephants are occasionally targeted. Poachers’ snares set for other animals frequently catch gorillas.
Furthermore, the presence of poachers in the forest disrupts the ecology and raises the danger of zoonotic disease transmission. While the primary goal of poaching is to get bush meat, wild animal skins, bones, and ivory may be utilized in crafts and other tourist-oriented things. If you have any doubts regarding the origins of a product, don’t buy it. In addition, if you see or hear of someone selling a live wild animal, report it to the national park authorities.
Book a gorilla trekking safari with a trustworthy tour operator company.
When searching for gorilla tour packages, look for a company that donates a percentage of its income to conservation efforts. Explore Rwanda Tours, for example, which provides 8-day Rwanda tours that include a visit with the Gorilla Doctors, gives a percentage of the trip cost to the park and local communities neighboring the national park. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you may arrange packages that include permits, transportation, and hotels directly via Virunga National Park, with all proceeds going back into the park.
Spread the word about gorilla trekking and gorilla conservation.
Anyone can help the gorillas by informing their friends, family, and coworkers about the mountain gorillas and the efforts being done to conserve them. Remember that, despite being highly endangered, mountain gorillas have a happy ending! Mountain gorillas are the only non-human great ape subspecies that is increasing in population. When Dian Fossey started investigating gorillas in the mid-1980s, less than 250 animals were tallied, but currently the population numbers almost 800 creatures. If we continue to strive to address conservation issues, this species has a fighting chance of survival.
Respect Rules and Regulations of Gorilla Trekking
The ranger guides will advise all trekkers on the required code of behavior while in the forest prior to the mountain gorilla trekking. Each mountain gorilla family will be limited to 8 members in order to avoid making the mountain gorillas uncomfortable with human intervention. Trekkers will also be expected to keep their voices quiet, maintain a 6 meter distance, and refrain from feeding the mountain gorillas. By adhering to these regulations, you are conserving the mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
With all the above put into action, you can save mountain gorillas from extinction. Contact us if you are looking to book a gorilla tour to Uganda, Rwanda or Congo.
