Best Guide to How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda, 2025

How many mountain gorillas are in Uganda? Discover Uganda’s thriving mountain gorilla population, home to nearly half of the world’s 1,063 endangered gorillas in protected parks.

Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei), a critically endangered subspecies of the eastern gorilla, are one of the most iconic wildlife species in Uganda.

Found primarily in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda is home to roughly half of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Let’s the current population of mountain gorillas in Uganda, the factors influencing their numbers, conservation efforts, and the broader ecological and socio-economic context.

Current Mountain Gorilla Population in Uganda

As of the most recent estimates, the global population of mountain gorillas stands at approximately 1,063 individuals, based on censuses conducted up to 2018, with some sources suggesting slight increases since then due to ongoing conservation efforts.

Uganda hosts nearly half of this population, with estimates ranging from 459 to 500 individuals, primarily in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and a smaller number in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem, which includes Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (331 km²) in Uganda and the adjacent Sarambwe Nature Reserve (9 km²) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was home to 459 mountain gorillas according to the 2018 census.

This figure includes 36 social groups and 16 solitary individuals. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Massif that spans Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, hosts a smaller population, with only one habituated gorilla family, making it less significant in terms of numbers but still critical for conservation.

A new census of the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem is planned to begin in March 2025, coordinated by the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP) and the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

This survey aims to provide updated population figures and assess the impact of conservation strategies. Until these results are released, the 2018 figure of 459 in Bwindi, combined with an estimated 20–40 individuals in Mgahinga (based on ranger observations and cross-border movements), suggests Uganda’s total mountain gorilla population is likely around 480–500.

Habitats Supporting Uganda’s Gorillas

Mountain gorillas in Uganda inhabit two distinct regions: the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

These areas provide the high-altitude montane and bamboo forests essential for gorilla survival, with elevations ranging from 1,160 to 2,600 meters in Bwindi and 2,227 to 4,127 meters in Mgahinga.

Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the primary stronghold for Uganda’s gorillas. Its dense, tangled rainforest, often shrouded in mist, supports a rich biodiversity, including 120 mammal species and 350 bird species.

The park’s 21 habituated gorilla groups, accessible for tourism, make it the epicenter of gorilla trekking in Uganda. The 2018 census confirmed Bwindi as home to roughly half the global population, a testament to its ecological significance.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, part of the Virunga Massif, is smaller (33.7 km²) and hosts fewer gorillas.

It includes three volcanic peaks—Mount Gahinga, Mount Muhabura, and Mount Sabyinyo—and is contiguous with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the DRC’s Virunga National Park.

The Nyakagezi gorilla group, the only habituated family in Mgahinga, occasionally crosses borders, complicating precise population counts.

These habitats are critical not only for gorillas but also for regional biodiversity. The fertile volcanic soils and heavy rainfall (over 2,000 mm annually) support a variety of plants, such as wild celery, bamboo, and nettles, which form the bulk of the gorillas’ herbivorous diet.

Factors Influencing Gorilla Population Numbers

The mountain gorilla population in Uganda has seen remarkable growth since the 1980s, when numbers dipped to as low as 240 globally. Several factors have influenced this recovery:

• Conservation Efforts: Intensive conservation programs, initiated by pioneers like Dian Fossey and continued by organizations like the IGCP, WWF, and UWA, have been pivotal. These efforts include anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and community engagement. The 2018 Bwindi census showed a rise from 400 to 459 gorillas, reflecting the success of these strategies.

• Ecotourism: Gorilla trekking, a major revenue source, funds conservation while raising awareness. Permits cost $700 in Uganda (compared to $1,500 in Rwanda), making it more accessible and attracting thousands of tourists annually. Twenty percent of park entry fees are shared with local communities, fostering support for conservation.

• Community Involvement: Programs like the Human-Gorilla Conflict Resolution Initiative (HUGO) in Bwindi mitigate conflicts when gorillas venture onto farmland. Revenue-sharing schemes fund schools, roads, and health centers, aligning community interests with gorilla protection.

• Health Interventions: Mountain gorillas are susceptible to human diseases, with respiratory infections causing up to 20% of sudden deaths. Veterinary programs, led by figures like Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, monitor gorilla health and minimize disease transmission through strict trekking protocols, such as mandatory masks and a 10-meter distance rule.
• Threats and Challenges: Despite progress, gorillas face ongoing threats. Habitat loss from agriculture, poaching (e.g., the 2020 killing of Rafiki in Bwindi), and political instability in the DRC disrupt conservation. Climate change may also alter food availability, while human population growth increases pressure on park boundaries.

Conservation Successes and Challenges

The recovery of Uganda’s mountain gorillas is a global conservation success story. From a low of 240 in 1981, the population has grown to over 1,000, with Uganda’s share increasing steadily. Key initiatives include:

• Protected Areas: Bwindi and Mgahinga are strictly managed, with ranger patrols and flight camps to deter poaching.
• Transboundary Collaboration: The Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) coordinates efforts across Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC, ensuring consistent conservation strategies.
• Tourism Regulation: Limited permits (eight visitors per gorilla group daily) and habituation processes (taking two years) protect gorilla health and behavior.

However, challenges persist. The 2020–2021 COVID-19 pandemic reduced tourism revenue, impacting community projects and park management.

Poaching incidents, though rare, highlight the need for vigilance. The upcoming 2025 census will provide critical data on whether population growth continues or if new threats have emerged.

Socio-Economic Impact

Gorilla tourism is Uganda’s most lucrative industry, with Bwindi and Mgahinga generating more revenue than the country’s other 10 national parks combined.

The $800 permit fee, though substantial, supports conservation and community development. Local employment as rangers, guides, and porters (often former poachers) provides economic incentives to protect gorillas.

Cultural initiatives, like the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga, preserve indigenous knowledge while boosting tourism.

Future Prospects

The planned 2025 census will offer fresh insights into Uganda’s gorilla population, potentially confirming continued growth. Advances in genetic analysis and ranger monitoring will enhance conservation precision.

However, addressing climate change, human encroachment, and disease risks remains critical. Expanding community-based initiatives and sustainable tourism will ensure that Uganda’s gorillas thrive for future generations.

In conclusion, Uganda is home to approximately 480–500 mountain gorillas, nearly half the global population, primarily in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

This number reflects decades of dedicated conservation, from anti-poaching efforts to ecotourism and community engagement.

While challenges like habitat loss and disease persist, Uganda’s gorillas are a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with concerted effort, endangered species can recover.

The upcoming 2025 census will further illuminate their status, guiding future conservation to protect these gentle giants and their extraordinary habitats.