WHY ARE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS ENDANGERED? ENDANGERING OF GORILLAS

Despite their recent population growth, the mountain gorillas are still threatened. As of 2020, mountain gorillas are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List and are dependent on conservation efforts to survive.

Besides having few natural predators, the most dangerous enemies of mountain gorillas are humans. In some areas like in Democratic Republic of Congo, gorillas are hunted for bushmeat; they suffered wars, habitat loss through deforestation and often fall in traps destined for the small animals like duikers.

The other great threats that have led to their endangerment include diseases and reducing genetic diversity as a result of a slow rate of reproduction. Female gorillas get their sexual maturity when they are 10 years and above. Females produce once after four years. Males become sexually active when they are fifteen.

A baby gorilla grows up surrounded by caring adults is looked after by its mother until it is nearly six years old. In spite of all this support, more than 40 per cent of the young gorillas rarely survive during their first year.

if you are to trek and see gorillas in Uganda they are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda in Volcanoes National Park or the Democratic Republic of Congo in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park

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