Mountain gorilla, the Gorilla Beringei Beringei is a primate of the Gorilla species. They live in the cloud forests of Africa. This species is on the brink of extinction. They live in a very fragile habitat and their dietary habit is very interesting. These Gorillas are considered as the soul of Africa's forest since they exhibit a strong family bonding.
Gorilla Habitat
So, follow me to the Virunga Mountains, a volcanoe’ line dividing such African countries as Rwanda and Uganda and connecting them with Congo. The mountain gorilla lives there, in the foggy cloud forests – an unusually cool environment where the air is thin, and the trees are painted with moisture and lichens. That is a distant land, the kingdom of the green fern and eerie silence interrupted by the morning song of the birds and the leaves rustling
Family
But mountain gorillas are far from being solitary creatures. They are incredibly social animals and can be found in family groups termed troops. The troops are controlled by a dominant silverback, a stunning male with a silver-colored patch of fur on his back. He is the worker bee, the leader, and the heart of the family. He, along with his offspring, is surrounded by females and perhaps a few supportive males. The bonds between gorilla family members are, in fact, incredibly strong. Infants cling to their parents’ backs, learning the ways of the world and the social nuances of gorilla society. Although the silverback comes off as stern, he is also very playful with the youngsters, and the ladies become intimate pals. Seeing these fantastic beings shows affection and care is very moving.
Dietary Habits
Though the mountain gorillas look so mighty and powerful, they are herbivores. Their diet consists of leaves, shoots, and stems growing in their house – the green cloud forest. Also, mountain gorillas eat fruits and have a special appetite for wild celery, and bamboo shoots. Nevertheless, eating is not the only reason why they take food. As they move from one point to the other, their route is used by other animals, and seeds scatter through their stool. Thus, the mountain gorilla is the gardener of the cloud forest.
Endangered: A Race Against Time
These magnificent creatures are in fact critically endangered. This is mainly dure to the habitat destruction due to deforestation, animal poaching, and civil war in the area have devastated their population. In the 1980s, it was estimated that there were fewer than 300 mountain gorillas alive in the wild. These animals just escaped from the brink of extinction by powerful conservation campaigns that utilized strict anti-poaching procedures with goal to develop ecotourism. However, they are not yet out of the woods. Humans pose a risk of transmitting diseases while the climate change pose a direct threat to the cloud forests where mountain gorillas live.
Guardians of the Gorilla
The battle to save the mountain gorilla is a race against time. However, it is a race worth winning. Conservationists and the communities around their habitat, as well as governments, have devoted their time and efforts towards conserving these gentle giants. Ecotourism has proven to be a useful tool, generating revenue that supports conservation and raising awareness by allowing thousands of people to have the opportunity to see these incredible creatures in their natural setting.
Nevertheless, the mountain gorilla population is near the brink of extinction. But a flick of hope can be seen in the misty darkness. With continuous support for conservation, habitat protection, and raising awareness, we need to make sure that the gorillas thrive in the cloud forest for generations to come. The forests where they live is surrounded by the local human community. Let us work together to ensure this gentle giant does not vanish into the mist. Instead, let it be a story of the resilience, hope, and continued presence of the mountain gorilla in the heart of Africa.
How can you help?
- Share this post and let everyone know about the Mountain Gorilla!
- Give money to organizations working to save the gorillas. Here are a few reputable organizations:
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF): https://www.worldwildlife.org/
- Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): https://www.wcs.org/
- Adopt a Gorilla from here
- Choose things that don't hurt the forest, like recycled paper.
