How Many Silverback Gorillas Are left in the World?

How many silverback mountain gorillas are left in the world today? Are you interested in seeing silverback gorillas during a gorilla trek in African but you are not certain about how many they are in the wild? Discover everything about how many silverback mountain gorillas are in the wild today, facts, where to find silverback gorillas, permits, and how many mountain gorillas still survive in the wild.

Currently, only fewer than 1063 mountain gorillas still exist in the natural habitat. Silverback mountain gorillas are distributed across different groups/families in the various destinations.

Each group is led by an adult male (silverback) gorilla. Getting up close with silverback mountain gorillas in the wild is 100% possible during silverback gorilla trekking adventures. In a gorilla family, silverback gorillas are the leaders and they take responsibility in ensuring that the rest of the family members are safe and secure as well as mating.

How many Silverback Gorillas are there in the wild?

How many silverback mountain gorillas are left in the world? Silverback gorilla population can be determined depending on the number of gorilla families. Across destinations such as Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Virunga National Park. In each of these mountain gorilla safari destinations, there are gorilla families each led by mature adult male gorillas (silverback gorillas).

In Uganda’s Bwindi and Mgahinga National Park, there exist about 25 habituated gorilla families/groups. In Volcanoes National Park, there are 13 habituated groups of mountain gorillas, and Virunga National Park in Congo comprises 8 habituated groups. These habituated gorilla groups are led by silverback mountain gorillas.

Aside from the above-habituated gorilla families, other groups have not been opened for actual gorilla tourism. They are also led by silverback gorillas. Ascertaining the exact silverback gorilla population isn’t easy because the composition of gorilla families keeps changing. These primates often split creating different families and some groups may have more than one silverback. We can estimate how many silverback gorillas are left in the world by looking at how many silverbacks are in each gorilla family group.

Where can I see Silverback Gorillas in the Wild?

The best places to find Silverback Gorillas in the wild are Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. These are excellent for Silverback Mountain Gorilla Encounters. Eastern Lowland Silverback gorillas are best explored in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, but a section of them also exist in Maiko National Park although most of the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Maiko have not undergone habituation.

Do Silverback Gorillas live in the wild?

Absolutely YES! Silverback Gorillas survive in the natural tropical rainforest. Particularly, the Mountain Gorilla Silverbacks occupy only the jungles of Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Park. Up close with these massive creatures in the wild is possible on a guided Silverback Gorilla Trekking tour in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo with the local expert – Maranatha Tours and Travel.

Are Silverback Gorillas Endangered?

The gorilla population in recent decades has been affected by several factors and as per the IUCN red list, mountain gorillas (silverbacks inclusive) are classified as endangered. Other factors threatening the survival of gorillas include poaching, the spread of infectious diseases, and habitat loss.

Mountain gorillas live in only 2 regions in Africa; Bwindi National Park and the Virunga Area –the region that features Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Virunga National Park Congo, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park Uganda. According to the 2010 mountain gorilla census in the Virunga region, about 604 mountain gorillas were recorded. But overall, the population of endangered mountain gorillas currently stands at 1063.

The population of endangered mountain gorillas has increased thanks to the collaborative conservation efforts across the 3 countries and their partners. How many silverback mountain gorillas are left in the world? Visit Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Park to unearth more about Silverback Gorillas and discover how many they are in the wild.

Additional Facts About Silverback Gorillas

• Silverback Gorillas are vegetarians -they depend on leaves, tree stems, shoots, fruits, and other essential parts.
• They feed up to 40 pounds of vegetation (leaves plus other parts).
• They are the leaders in the group also responsible for mating females.
• Silverback Gorillas are very strong about 9 times more than an adult man.
• Silverback Gorillas are 400 pounds + muscular.
• They grow a gray-like hair on their backs at around 12-13 years.

Who is eligible to trek Silverback Gorillas

All gorilla treks to see silverback mountain gorillas apply to only eligible persons and this is especially for those above 15 years old. Persons of these age brackets can book a gorilla permit in any of the destinations he or she desire to go for silverback gorilla trekking adventures.

How much are Silverback Gorilla permits

Gorilla permit prices vary depending on the destinations and also visitor categories. In Uganda, there are 4 visitor categories each with a set cost that is USD 800 per person for foreign nonresidents, USD 700 for all foreign residents, USD 500 for all trekkers under the category of the Rest of Africa, and UGX for all the East African citizens.

Rwanda gorilla permits are available for booking at USD 1500 per person. The Congo permits for silverback gorilla trekking cost USD 450 per person. These gorilla permits can be booked through the local tour operator info@adventureugandasafaris.com.

Best time to go to Trek Silverback Gorillas

The dry season is the best time to go for a silverback gorilla trekking adventure in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo. On your travel calendar, the dry season falls in December, January, and February –short dry months; June, July, August, and September –for long dry months. The dry season is characterized by low/no rain thus availing favorable weather conditions for silverback gorilla trekking excursions across the mountain gorilla destinations.

What to pack for Silverback Gorilla Trekking

Essentials to consider on your silverback gorilla trekking packing list include a good camera with no flashlight, long-sleeved shirts, a safari hat, a waterproof daypack, and waterproof hiking boots. Additional gear to pack for the silverback gorillas tour included long trousers, a sweater, a valid gorilla permit, a rain jacket, first aid kit, insect repellents, and more.

How long is a Silverback Gorilla trek?

A normal gorilla trek to explore silverback gorillas lasts for 2-6 hours. The day starts with a briefing at the respective park offices and this is the period when you get to learn the different gorilla trekking regulations. The park officials also allocate visitors to gorilla groups to trek during the briefing session.

How many days do you need to trek Silverback Gorillas?

Silverback gorilla treks are not restrictive. Visitors can have a 3-day gorilla tour, 2-day silverback gorilla trek, 4 days double silverback gorilla trekking adventure, and other options. Plan and book your silverback gorilla trek in advance with the local expert Maranatha Tours and Travel.

Regulations to follow during Silverback Gorilla Trek

• Respect the distance of 7-8 meters away from silverback gorillas (gorilla group in general).
• When a gorilla charges, stay calm, observe the park ranger guide instructions, and avoid direct eye contact. You can also lower down your face because this shows that you are submissive.
• A valid gorilla permit is a must-have during a silverback gorilla trek.
• Avoid making noise when trekking to see silverback gorillas.
• You should be above 15 years old to be allowed to trek silverback gorillas.
• Do not use a flashlight camera for taking pictures of silverback gorillas.

Where to stay on Silverback Gorilla Trek Tour

Accommodation options to consider spending a night on silverback gorilla trekking tour in Uganda include Buhoma Lodge, Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp, Ichumbi Gorilla Lodge, Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, and Engagi Lodge. Lodges at Volcanoes National Park include the Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and One & Only Gorilla Nest.

Popular Gorilla Safari Packages Worth Booking

• 3 Days Bwindi Gorilla Trekking
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