What to know about gorillas on Uganda gorilla trekking safaris

Are Gorillas Related to Humans in Uganda

Initially, the humans belonged to their Hominidae taxonomy family while the apes were put in another taxonomic family named Pongidae. The separation between the two was brought about by specialization in anatomy, the human brain which is highly developed along with distinct locomotion. However, this has been declared outdated over time putting the gorilla’s close relatives to humans second to Chimpanzees and coming before Orangutans.
It can be noted that the genetic composition of the apes matches that of humans to a considerable degree with a small distinction in DNA. The gene analysis indicates that man and gorillas differ by 1.6% while the man with chimpanzees differs by 1.2%. For gorillas and Chimps, the difference is 1.8%
The DNA mitochondrial which is recorded to change faster, the geneticists identified a gap of 8.8% between chimps and humans, 10.3% between gorillas and humans. It should be noted that despite the closeness of the chimpanzees and bonobos to humans, the gorillas resemble humans in a range of aspects. For example, the hands and feet of gorillas resemble those of man than other apes while their feet are more suited for walking just like humans since they spend most of the time on the ground, unlike other apes. This is common in mountain gorillas that are encountered on Uganda gorilla trekking safaris.

Where do Gorillas live in Uganda?

Mountain gorillas are known to be living in Africa’s tropical rain forests distributed into two sects with about 900km in between the eastern and western lowland gorillas.  Initially, this was a single uniform habitat before it was separated by the ice age that created patches of forests and drylands in the middle. The dry land eventually grew savannah vegetation that did not favor the existence of apes and even when the rain forests regenerated, the gorillas could not reunite again.

This kind of separation led to distinct development paths including the gorilla exterior and the genetic factor explaining the difference between the eastern and western gorillas. The western gorillas are known to be thriving in the countries of Cameroon, Nigeria, Central African Republic, Gabon, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, and the extreme west of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Eastern gorillas which include the eastern lowland and mountain gorillas are located in Uganda where they are encountered on Uganda gorilla safaris, Rwanda as viewed on gorilla safaris in Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in a geographical spread of about 112,000km². However, it can be noted that mountain gorillas are limited in range to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga massif which comprise of Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

What illnesses do Uganda Gorillas suffer from?

Gorillas in Uganda are prone to most human diseases and as a result, it is very significant to note that travelers on gorilla safaris in Uganda keep a considerable distance (7m as recommended) to stop the transmission of these diseases.

Besides the human diseases, the mountain gorilla habitats feature cold and wet climates which make gorillas contract to develop diseases like respiratory tract diseases especially Pneumonia resulting in their death.

Gorillas occasionally develop teeth cavities while mountain gorillas hardly suffer from it since they consume little fruit and thus less sugar. However, the bad tartar in mountain gorillas causes periodontitis that dissolves the jaw bone eventually leading to loss of teeth.

It can be noted that most of the free-range mountain gorillas feature intestinal parasites (worms) and these affect both man and gorillas though others only capitalize on gorillas. The malaria parasites also have got an effect on gorillas however they are different species than those that cause sickness in humans.

Snares usually set by poachers targeting other wildlife accidentally tend to grab the foot of the hand of the gorillas causing wounds that might result in death. A case like Ebola is a big threat to gorillas as it can be transferred from humans to gorillas and vice versa.

What do gorillas in Uganda eat?

The question of what the gorilla eats depends on the season of the year and what the respective gorilla habitat has to offer. It can be noted that mountain gorillas consume parts of green plants while lowland gorillas take plenty of fruit. In the dry season, the availability of juicy fruits is limited which makes the gorilla consume the tree bark and fruits. Generally, the gorillas are noted to stick on the vegetarian diet consuming the bamboo shoots, the stems along fruit while for the Western lowland gorillas that go on to consume ants, termites, and even go-ahead to break the termite nests to consume Larvae.

Since the fruits grow on trees, the gorillas of all age categories climb these trees to harvest them. Even though the western gorillas feature a lot of fruit consumption more than stems, leaves, shoots, and piths, they cannot exceed Orangutans and chimpanzees in the quantity of fruit consumption. It can be noted that the western gorillas feature a wide range of around species of plants that belong to the arrowroot and ginger families while the Virunga and Bwindi dwelling mountain gorillas consume only 38 plant species mostly thistles, nettles, Galium, and celery.

The mature Grauer’s gorilla male is noted to consume up to 30 kg of plants daily while for the females, it is around 18 kg. Gorillas feature strong chewing muscles that allow them to process this plant material gathered. The teeth of the gorilla are like those of humans apart their long pointed canines possessed by mature gorilla males though it is used for fighting other than feeding.

What threats do gorillas in Uganda face?

It is noted that Mountain gorillas are critically endangered which is even highlighted on a gorilla safari in Uganda.  The gorillas are sensitive to environmental alterations, especially their habitats. In the Virunga Volcanoes, gorillas are disturbed by loggers, cattle herds, honey, and grass collectors, poachers, and smugglers not forgetting the visitors on gorilla safaris themselves. Mining is also a point of disturbance to gorillas in some parts.

In most aspects, the poachers tend to set wire snares to catch the duiker but unfortunately, the gorillas become victims losing their hands or feet resulting in death. The vets tend to remove such snares in the habituated gorilla groups.

For the western and Grauer’s gorilla are hunted for their meat by the local people despite its illegality. The gorillas also raid on people’s gardens and are killed since it is noted that one gorilla group can put down the entire harvest.

The increasing gorilla habitat loss arising from rain forest deforestation creates small patches of isolated forests which are inadequate for the gorillas to forage. The Ebola virus is also the main threat to Western Lowland Gorillas.

The Habitat and ecology of Mountain gorillas – where to find mountain gorillas on a gorilla safari in Uganda 

Uganda Mountain gorillas are noted to be thriving in the cloud montane forests in the Albertine rift that stand at an altitude of 2,200–4,300 m above sea level.  These are distributed into two separate but close ranges with the Virunga Volcanoes which is a chain of eight volcanic mountains stretching from Congo through Rwanda to Uganda and the detached Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest of Uganda.  It can be noted that the vegetation on these raised altitudinal landscapes is very dense and it definitely gets scarce when approaching the higher elevations of the Mountains. The mountain gorilla forests are noted to be misty, cloudy with cold conditions.

Mountain gorillas are recorded to be herbivore Species and the majority of their diet is comprised of leaves, stems, and shoots (85.8%) from the 142 Species of plants. The gorillas also feed on the tree bark (6.9%), fruit (1.7%), and flowers (2.3%) along with minor invertebrates (0.1%). The mature male gorillas are noted to consume up to 34 kgs every day whereas a female can consume up to 18kgs.

The Mountain gorilla home range is determined by the availability of food sources and the home range normally features a range of vegetation zones. Some of the vegetation zones frequented by mountain gorillas include the lower Bamboo standing at 2,200–2,800m, the Hagenia forests standing at 2,800–3,400m, and the giant Senecio zone standing at 3,400–4,300m. It should be noted that the mountain gorillas spend much of their time in the Hagenia forests where their preferred gallium vines exist throughout the year. The parts of the gallium vine are eaten including the stems, leaves, berries, and flowers. The mountain gorillas tend to dwell in the bamboo forests in the few months when the fresh Bamboo shoots exist. The mountain gorillas would then climb to the subalpine regions to have a taste of giant Senecio trees’ soft centers.

Research: Exploring the intensive studies about Mountain gorillas of Uganda

Captain Robert Von Beringe in October 1902 put down two (2) gigantic apes on his expedition to mark the boundaries of German East Africa. One of the two-shot apes was recovered and forwarded to the Berlin Zoological Museum from where Professor Paul Matschie based to classify the animal as a new gorilla form and named it Gorilla beringei after the man who had discovered it.  Subsequently, Carl Akeley who was a hunter attached to the American Museum of Natural History in 1925 convinced Albert 1 of the Kingdom of Belgium to establish the Albert National Park with the aim of protecting the mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains

In 1959, George Schaller embarked on his twenty (20) month study of the mountain gorillas after which he published two (2) books namely the Mountain Gorilla and the Year of the Gorilla. It can be noted that prior to his research, little was known about mountain gorilla life. He described the life history, social organization along ecology.

After Schaller’s studies, the American Dian Fossey embarked on an eighteen (18) year study commencing in 1967. Dian Fossey ascertained new observations conducted the initial accurate census and started conservation practices which included anti-poaching patrols. She went ahead to start the Digit fund which facilitated her work and the fund was later renamed Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. Dian Fossey established a research station at Karisoke. However, the close studies and monitoring of the mountain gorillas of Bwindi commenced in the 1990s.

Physical description of Mountain gorillas encountered on Uganda gorilla safaris

The Mountain gorilla fur is noted to be thicker and extended in length than that of other gorilla species which gives them the capacity to thrive in colder temperatures.  The Mountain gorillas are distinguished by the nose prints that are distinct to every individual. The male gorillas feature an average weight of 195 kg and stretch to 150 cm in height while standing upright and they at times weigh twice that of female gorillas. The female gorillas feature a mean weight of 100 kg and stretch to 130cm in height.

The Mountain gorilla subspecies are noted to be the second-largest Primate Species second to Eastern Low land gorillas. The adult male gorillas feature more notable bony crests which appear on top and the at the back of their skulls presenting their heads with a more conical shape. The crests get hold of the strong temporalis muscles that are attached to the lower jaw. The mature females also feature crests but are less prominent.  The Mountain gorillas like other gorillas feature dark brown eyes that are framed by a black ring surrounding the iris.  It can be noted that adult male gorillas are referred to as Silverbacks as a result of a silver patch that develops on their back coming along with age. The hair on the backs of the mountain gorillas is noted to be shorter unlike on other parts of the body while the long hair is on their arms.

The mountain gorillas are recorded to be terrestrial (land-dwelling) and quadrupedal (walking on four legs). It can also be noted that the mountain gorillas will climb the trees to extract fruits provided the branches can contain their weight and the mountain gorillas can run bipedally up to 6m. Just like in most apes, unlike humans, the mountain gorilla arms are noted to be longer in length than the legs and it applies knuckle-walking to support the weight on the backs of curved fingers other than the palms.

Mountain gorillas in Uganda are noted to be diurnal and are active between 6 am and 6 pm and considerable hours of this period is spent foraging lots of food (vegetation mostly) that is needed to fill its gigantic bulk. The mountain gorillas forage in the morning, rest around midday, forages again in the afternoon and then retire for overnight. Every gorilla puts up a nest from the available vegetation and it does this every evening and cannot sleep in the previous nest even if it is at a very close distance. However, the infants tend to share with their mothers. The mountain gorillas depart their nests at dawn at 6 am unless it is very cold and overcast which forces that force them to delay in their nest a bit.

Mountain Gorilla Conservation: The Continuity of mountain gorillas and gorilla safaris in Uganda Population size and growth rates

The conservation of mountain gorillas has contributed to their increasing numbers in two of their habitats namely the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park Uganda and Virunga Volcanoes. Apparently, the mountain gorilla population is given at 880 individuals. There are also three young gorillas that were affected by trauma as a result of poaching, snare injuries and the loss of the mother as a result of brutal killing thrive at in the DR Congo’s Senkwekwe Centre orphanage.

Virunga National Park official website announced in December 2010 an increment in the mountain gorilla populations thriving in the Virunga massif by 26.3% for the seven years past with an estimated mean growth rate of 3.7% per year. The census that was conducted in the same year gave the figure of the mountain gorillas at 480 in the massif which is shared by nations of Uganda, Congo and Rwanda rising from 380 mountain gorillas that were ascertained in 2003 and the 320 members in 1989 not forgetting the 254 gorillas in 1981.

In Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in the southwest of Uganda, the 2011 study gave the gorilla population at a minimum of 400 individuals showing a steady increase from the 340 in 2006 and the 320 in 1997. It can be noted that these numbers were ascertained using traditional methods of gorilla counting including collecting dung samples from the night nests of gorillas. In contrast, the genetic analysis indicated that there were 300 gorillas in Bwindi by 2006.

It can be noted that either in Bwindi or the Virunga massif, the gorilla groups which are habituated for Gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo have a considerable growth rate compared to those groups that are not habituated as given by computer modeling of dynamics of their populations. The Habituation can be interpreted as the repeated and neutral contact of gorillas with humans resulting in the gorillas getting used to people and would depict normal behavior even when people are around.  The habituated gorillas have opportunities of being guarded by park rangers, receiving veterinary treatment in case of Habituated gorillas are snares or other diseases unlike the unhabituated.  However, gorilla researchers still recommend that a section of gorillas should remain wild (unhabituated) to avoid gorilla extinction in case dangerous human pathogens are transmitted to the habituated ones.

It should be noted that regardless of increasing numbers, the mountain gorillas are still threatened and the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them as critically endangered.

How much space do gorillas need? More about gorillas encountered on gorilla safaris in Uganda

The gorilla families do not actually need independent territories nor do they position themselves to defend their territory from the rest. It can be noted that gorillas roam in the home ranges of which the size is dependent on the availability of food.

The home ranges are noted to be extended in areas where food is spread widely but in case of abundant availability of food the range tends to be limited.  The space also depends on the family members possessed by a given gorilla group. The more the members, the wider space it would require thriving. This at times explains the difference in duration for gorilla trekking activity between different gorilla families.

The gorilla home range contains differing vegetation zones which are utilized seasonally stretching between 4 & 8km² and even to 30km² in the areas that are less fertile. It can be noted that home ranges at times overlap and it is no surprise to find one gorilla group entirely within the home range of another gorilla group.

The gorilla groups tend to move an average distance of 0.5 – 1km to do foraging per day depending on the availability of food. At times, gorillas move to far distances targeting the trees of their loved food. This also affects the duration Gorilla trekking tour in Uganda and Rwanda.

How do Gorillas sleep: Questions on gorilla trekking safaris in Uganda

Gorillas have been observed to sleep in nests which are built either in trees or on the ground considering various aspects including the vegetation along with security situation

It can be noted that new nests are constructed per evening by the gorillas even if the previous nest is within close reach. Every gorilla puts up his / her nest except for the infants who sleep with the mothers in the same nest. The gorillas settle in their respective nests about half an hour to the dark. It is on rare occasions that gorillas out up nests for midday use.

Regarding the construction of a ground nest, the gorillas pull the branches of plants to the center, layer, and anchor them on each other while other plants are also bent in to form the rim of the nest.

For the tree nests, they are put up in forks of branches or related structures and they are built to strength in order to contain the weight of the gorillas. The young ones and females prefer to sleep in trees but the silverbacks rarely do because of their enormous weight.

Evolution, Taxonomy, and Classification: Exploring the background of gorillas on Uganda gorilla safaris

Mountain Gorillas are noted to be the descendants of old world monkeys and the apes that are known to have thrived in Africa and Arabia at the onset of the Oligocene epoch about (34-24 million years ago). The evidence gathered from fossil records indicates the existence of hominoid primates (apes) in the region of East Africa approximately 18–22 million years past.  However, it should be noted that the fossil record in the area where the mountain gorillas are known to thrive in poor which gives an unclear history of evolution.

It can be noted that around nine (9) million years ago, the primate group that was to evolve into gorillas disintegrated from the common ancestor along with humans and chimps resulting in the formation of the genus gorilla.  Though it is not certain who the earliest gorilla relative was, it’s believed that Proconsul Africanus the early ape could be the one.

Mountain gorillas are noted to have disintegrated from the eastern lowland gorillas about 400,000 years past and the two are believed to have disintegrated from their western counterparts about 2 million years. About the classification, one can note that there has been considerable debate and this can be described here; the genus was initially given as Troglodytes in the year 1947 but in the year 1952, it was reverted back to the gorilla naming. After a couple of years, the taxonomist in the names of Colin Gloves suggested that all gorillas should be referred to as one Species Gorilla gorilla in the year 1967 distributed in three subspecies namely; the western lowland gorilla scientifically Gorilla gorilla gorilla, the eastern lowland gorillas scientifically Gorilla gorilla graueri and then mountain gorillas scientifically Gorilla gorilla beringei which are mostly encountered on gorilla safaris in Uganda and Rwanda.  The argument continued until the year 2003 when the International Union for the Conservation of Nature reviewed the classification and divided the genus into two (2) species namely; the Gorilla berengei and Gorilla gorilla

Do Gorillas fear Water: Questions on Gorilla safari in Uganda

Just like the humans and other apes, the gorillas are not able to swim naturally and as a result, tend to avoid expanse water bodies. However, it can be noted that gorillas including the young and adult-like playing with water, and during their quest for food, the gorillas move through swamps walking on two legs with the water reaching up to their waist.

When the rain shower is heavy enough to their surprise, the gorillas tend to stay motionless waiting for the rain to end.  They will sit under the cave or any shelter of a similar sort if it is within the reach. The gorillas never utilize branches or leaves to cover themselves from rain something that is occasionally done by the Orangutans and the Bonobos.

Day time of Mountain gorillas: Day moments with gorillas on Uganda gorilla safari

According to the study conducted in Virunga Volcanoes, the mountain gorillas embark on foraging early in the morning, rest in the late morning, and around midday. They do forage again in the afternoon before retiring overnight. The mountain gorillas depart their nests about 6 am except for the cases of forecast and coldness where they are compelled to stay longer in their nests.

It can be noted that mountain gorillas spend close to half-day foraging while the resting times take about 1/3 of the day. The mountain gorillas spend around 6.5% of their daytime moving from one point to the other while engaging in social behavior for around 3.6% of the gorilla daytime. This tends to happen during the resting periods and as a result, mid-day becomes a significant period regarding the social life of the gorillas since it is the period when the animals interact with their mates and when the baby gorillas play with no interruptions.

Can Gorillas climb trees: Exploring more on a gorilla safari in Uganda

It can be noted that gorillas primarily thrive on the ground and spend around 5 – 20% of their daytime in trees which is lesser than the chimpanzees that spend 5 – 20% along with the orangutans that spend close to 100%.

Gorillas climb to extract fruit or play and they usually climb quadrupedally on rare occasions, they jump from one branch to another.  The Silverback gorillas hardly move off the ground as a result of their enormous size and would climb into fruiting trees provided the branch can contain their weight.

Besides Humans, do Gorillas have enemies: Uganda gorilla safari questions

Besides the humans, the gorillas have a few predators. The Leopard is noted to be the only one preying on gorillas. In the Virunga Volcanoes, the remains of a range of gorillas were found by Walter Baumgärtel after being killed by a leopard. A similar case was confirmed in Gabon when a sick young gorilla was noticed to have been killed by a leopard.

The gorilla group would behave in a certain (special) way when threatened. The Silverbacks send off an intensive smell and produce characteristic sounds while other members congregate together, hug one another or surround the Silverback. The adult males are charged with the responsibility of defending the group positioning themselves amidst the group and the attacker. At times, this duty is taken over by the young males who take the group away from the danger source.

The behavior of Mountain Gorillas – How do Mountain gorillas behave while on Gorilla Safaris in Uganda?

Mountain gorillas are social animals and thrive in stable and cohesive groups which are kept together by long-term bonds among mature males and females. It can be noted that female relationships are averagely weak. The mountain gorillas are non-territorial Species and the silverback gorilla would aim at defending the family other than the territory.

It can be noted that 61% of the gorilla groups feature one mature male and a count of females while 36% have features of more than one mature male. The remaining gorillas either live alone like males or form exclusive male groups which feature one mature male and a range of younger males.   The mountain gorilla group sizes range from five (5) to thirty (30) with the common average being ten (10) members. The atypical group features one main silverback whose leadership is unquestionably followed by another subordinate silverback who is commonly the half-brother, younger brother, or even an adult son of the reigning silverback. From this position, there follow the one (1) or two (2) black backs that act as watchmen, three (3) or four (4) that are sexually mature and more bonded to the main silverback for life, and these are followed by a range of Juveniles ranging from three (3) to six (6) and the infants.

It can be noted that a considerable number of males and around 60% of the females depart their natal group. The males tend to leave the group when they are around 11 years old and the process of separation takes time with them starting to forage on the group edge up to when they depart altogether. They can leave alone or with an entirely male group of 2 – 5 years before attracting females to join them and put up a new group. The females are known to leave the group when they are eight (8) years and they either transfer directly to an already established group or form up a new one with a lone male. It is noted that females tend to transfer to many gorilla groups before settling in one.

Dominant Silverback decides on the group movements leading them to the ideal feeding areas all year round. The Silverback settles conflicts within the group and ensures that the group is protected from external threats. In case of any attack from predators like leopards, other threats like humans, or attacks for other gorillas, the Silverback is dedicated to fighting beyond self.  The Silverback is the center of focus during the resting periods and the young gorillas always stay close to him and engage him in their playful games. When a mother dies or happens to evacuate the group, the Silverback tends to take care of the abandoned baby even sharing his nest with the young. This alloparental care is also encountered in a range of other animals including the wolf and the elephants.  The silverbacks which are experienced can even remove the poacher’s snares from the feet or hand of any group member.

It can be noted that in cases where the Silverback passes away succumbing to disease, poaching, or accident, there happens a family disruption unless when he has left a capable successor behind. The group splits up or can be taken over by a foreign male. At times, the new Silverback can kill all the infants left by the deceased in order to enable the female to conceive its young ones. However, this infanticide has never been encountered in stable gorilla groups.

Aggression

Despite the fact that mountain gorillas are powerful and strong, it can be acknowledged that they are gentle and shy. In the same group, aggression is limited but when the two gorilla groups meet, the two silverbacks can even fight to the death using their sharp canines to impose deep injuries. The sequence of aggression follows nine (9) steps and these include;

1. Progressive quick hooting
2. Symbolic feeding
3. Bipedal rising
4. Vegetation throwing
5. Chest beating using cupped hands
6. One leg kick
7. Running sideways
8. Vegetation slapping and tearing
9. Ground thumping with palms ending the display

Affiliation

Mountain gorillas use the midday rest as a significant time to establish and reinforce relations within the group.

Mutual grooming aims at reinforcing social bonds and keeping the hair free from parasites and dust. However, this is not very common in gorillas compared to other primates though the females do the young one grooming regularly.

The young gorillas tend to play often and like playing with trees more than the adults. The playing elements enable them to learn how they can communicate and behave in their respective groups. The playful activities that young gorillas engage in include; chasing, wrestling not forgetting somersaults. It can be noted that the silverback along with the mature females do tolerate the games and can even engage in them once encouraged

Vocalizations

There are twenty-five (25) vocalizations recognized among the mountain gorillas most of which are applied within the group to communicate while foraging in the dense vegetation that they inhabit. The Sounds that are categorized as barks and grunts are made when the gorillas are on the move and help to locate the whereabouts of various group members. These sounds can also be used in social interaction when there is a call for discipline.  The warning or alarm is done by screaming or roaring and is mostly released by the silverbacks. In times of contentment especially during periods of feeding and resting, the deep, rumbling belches can be heard. They are also commonly used in intragroup communication.

Fears

Mountain gorillas are reportedly naturally afraid of the given reptiles due to unclear reasons. The infants which are noted to have a habit of chasing anything that might present itself in moving motion would dive away for caterpillars and Reptiles.   The Mountain gorillas are noted to fear water and would do stream crossing if they can do so without becoming wet such as crossing on the fallen logs. However, in situations where they do not have the option, they cross the water bipedally. It can be noted that Mountain gorillas also dislike rain and in situations of heavy downpour, they can stand still or sit below a cave or a similar structure.

Are Gorillas Stronger than Humans: Questions to ask on gorilla safaris in Uganda

The issue of whether gorillas are stronger than humans is still a matter of debate. It can be noted that gorillas can uproot small trees while others have been encountered shaking even the mature well-grounded trees. The fight between two silverbacks can lure a person into remarkable trembling. These are yardsticks to ascertain the strength of a gorilla but there not the exact gorilla strength. Various people argue that a male gorilla is stronger than a man 10 times though others claim 27 times none of these have been proved.

Other arguments indicate that a group of 8 strong men is required to hold down a silverback gorilla. Other groups argue that a gorilla can crush the limbs of 10 heavy-weight boxers even when they are using drugs.

As a result, it is noted that man should desist from angering gorillas even when the gorillas are habituated. Even a female gorilla can beat a human being to death.  Even the young gorillas are strong enough not to be contained by humans because a single person cannot contain 4-year-old gorilla.

It can be noted that Gorillas still do swinging and walk on four legs which makes their arms more engaged and thus stronger than those of human beings.