Mountain Gorilla
The only great ape whose population is increasing — and a conservation success built on tourism revenue
No photo available for Mountain Gorilla
Population
Around 1,000 individuals
Location
Virunga Mountains (Rwanda, Uganda, DRC) and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (Uganda)
Overview
Mountain gorillas live only in two isolated forest areas in central Africa. Their population reached a low of approximately 254 in the early 1980s before intensive protection, veterinary intervention, and tourism revenue directed to local communities reversed the decline. They are the only great ape whose numbers are increasing.
Why they're at risk
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Civil conflict and political instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo has repeatedly disrupted conservation operations and endangered rangers and researchers.
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Habitat encroachment from one of the world's most densely populated rural regions, where forest is cleared for agriculture and fuel wood.
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Disease transmission from humans — gorillas are highly susceptible to human respiratory illnesses, requiring strict health protocols for visitors and researchers.
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Historically, poaching for the illegal pet trade and bush meat market.
Reasons for hope
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The population has more than tripled since the 1980s low, from approximately 254 to over 1,000 individuals today.
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Gorilla tourism generates over $40 million annually for Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC combined, creating powerful economic incentives for protection at the national level.
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A veterinary team provides direct medical care to injured and sick gorillas — treating snares, respiratory infections, and injuries — in a level of intervention unprecedented for wild great apes.
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Mountain gorillas are the only great ape not held in captivity anywhere in the world — they don't survive outside their mountain forest habitat.