In the deep layers of the volcanic slopes of East and Central Africa, the issue of climate change could be unheard of, but rather felt. The people along with the critically endangered Mountain Gorillas always encountered on gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda and Uganda have already felt the indicators of climate change.
In the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, the Bamboo that used to sprout easily constituting considerable diet composition of Mountain Gorillas is apparently unpredictable due to delay in the rains. As a result, the Mountain Gorillas have had to alter their traditional foraging patterns to adapt to the changing food distribution as explored on Rwanda gorilla Safaris and tours.
Besides the changes in their habitats, the more threats might arise from the surrounding communities. The late rains result into water shortage in the community valley water collection points which prompt the members of the community to enter the gorilla forest to secure Mountain Water.
In addition, water is not the only issue. The unreliable rains affect the crop cultivation and thus results into food shortage. In return, people look to the park for food including hunting the forest antelopes like duikers through setting of traps. Unfortunately, these traps at times get hold of the innocent Mountain Gorillas leading to injuries and death.
The Mountain Gorillas are known to be thriving only in three countries in the world namely; Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo with a total population of 880 individuals. The Uganda gorilla safari destination of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone features a minimum of 400 Mountain Gorillas while the remaining 480 Mountain Gorillas thrive in the Virunga Massif comprised of Congo gorilla safari destination of Virunga National Park, Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. They are listed as critically endangered under the IUCN red list.
This, therefore, requires increased drive in the fight against climate change.