The Population and Habitat of Mountain Gorillas in Uganda

Uganda is famously known as the lush “Pearl of Africa”, and for good reason — it’s home to one of the most remarkable wildlife success stories on the planet: the recovery of the magnificent mountain gorilla (Mountain Gorilla). In this blog we’ll dive into the population and habitat of these gentle giants in Uganda, why their situation is so special, and how conservation efforts are making a real, positive difference.

A thriving population against the odds

The mountain gorilla, scientifically Gorilla beringei beringei, is one of the most endangered great apes in the world. But here in Uganda, there is a story of hope. According to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda has more than half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, largely found in the two protected areas of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. ugandawildlife.org+1

For example:

• In Bwindi, a 2018 census recorded approximately 459 individuals in the Bwindi-Sarambwe ecosystem (which includes the adjacent Sarambwe reserve in the DRC). ugandawildlifetours.com+1

• More broadly, the global population of mountain gorillas was estimated at about 1,063 individuals as of fairly recent counts — of these, a very significant share resides in Uganda. apesreportingproject.org+1

What makes this so uplifting is that, decades ago, their numbers were extremely low. The 1960s estimate placed only ~450 gorillas in the volcanoes region, and by the early 1970s numbers had dipped to around 250. tourismuganda.org

Thanks to sustained conservation efforts — anti-poaching patrols, habitat protection, and responsible ecotourism — the numbers have slowly but steadily risen. The fact that Uganda plays such a key role in this turnaround is something worth celebrating.

Where they live: habitat details in Uganda

The mountain gorilla is a habitat specialist: it lives in high-altitude, montane forests with unique vegetation, cool, misty conditions and thick undergrowth. In Uganda this habitat exists primarily in two parks:

1. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park

• Bwindi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the richest areas in Africa for mammal diversity. Convention on Biological Diversity+1

• The altitudinal range for gorillas in Bwindi is between roughly 1,160 m to 2,600 m. cms.int

• It is covered by dense, steep rainforest with valleys, ridges, bamboo stands and mixed-forest vegetation — ideal for gorilla groups that need cover, fresh vegetation, sleeping sites and safe nesting areas. tourismuganda.org+1

• The park is home to the larger share of Uganda’s mountain gorillas — the terrain is challenging but the reward immense for both the gorillas and the people who come to visit, study and protect them.

2. Mgahinga Gorilla National Park

• Mgahinga is much smaller (about 33.7 km²) but incredibly important as part of the Virunga Volcanoes region that straddle Uganda, Rwanda and the DRC. tourismuganda.org+1

• In this park, the gorillas live at quite high elevations, between roughly 2,227 m to 4,127 m in the volcanic slopes.

• The habitat here includes montane forest, bamboo zones, alpine vegetation and marshes — giving the gorillas rich foraging grounds and distinct ecological niches. Convention on Biological Diversity+1

• While the gorilla population here is smaller than in Bwindi, the area is vital as part of the overall ecosystem that supports mountain gorillas and contributes to cross‐border conservation.

Why this habitat matters

A few reasons why the habitat of the mountain gorilla in Uganda is so well suited and why protecting it is critical:

• Altitude and climate: The cooler, moist montane forests help gorillas thermoregulate, forage year-round, and find safe nesting sites.

• Vegetation variety: These forests offer bamboo, shoots, stems, roots and even small invertebrates that gorillas feed on. For example, in Mgahinga, studies show gorillas feed on stems/shoots ~85.8 % of the time of about 142 plant species.

• Protected status and less human-encroachment: With the national parks and associated buffer zones, the habitat is more secure than many forested areas elsewhere in Africa. This protection has allowed the gorilla population to recover.

• Connectivity and conservation importance: These habitats form part of the larger Albertine Rift ecosystem, which is a biodiversity hotspot. Protecting these habitats not only benefits gorillas but also many other species, local communities, and ecological services. Convention on Biological Diversity

Population and habitat: a positive synergy

The fact that the population of mountain gorillas in Uganda is increasing (or at least stabilizing) is intrinsically linked to the quality and protection of their habitat. A few highlights of the synergy:

• As the habitat has been protected and restored, gorillas have more space to breed, more food options and lower threats from illegal encroachment.

• The improved habitat means fewer gorilla escapes into farmland or risk of crop‐raiding, which reduces conflict and helps local communities see positive benefits from conservation.

• Ecotourism based on gorilla trekking has created economic incentives to maintain and expand habitat protection, which in turn supports gorilla population health.

• Conservation monitoring and research are better facilitated because the habitat is secure — especially in Bwindi where teams have tracked social groups, sleeping sites and distribution across the forest.

Looking ahead: challenges and opportunities

While the story in Uganda is heartening, challenges remain — but so do exciting opportunities.

Challenges:

• Habitat is finite. As populations grow, pressure on space and food may increase.

• Proximity to humans raises disease risks: gorillas are susceptible to human-borne illnesses. ugandanationalparks.com

• Human land use changes, climate change, and resource pressures still threaten forest integrity even within protected zones.

• Tourism must be managed carefully so that it supports conservation without disturbing the gorillas or their habitat.

Opportunities:

• Continued ecological restoration and expansion of buffer zones can give gorillas more “breathing room”.

• Community-based conservation where local people benefit directly from gorilla tourism helps align human and wildlife interests into a positive cycle.

• Research and new technologies can help monitor habitat changes and gorilla movements, allowing proactive habitat management.

• Using Uganda’s success as a model for other gorilla habitats in the region can amplify conservation impact across borders.

Why this matters to you and me

The mountain gorilla is one of our planet’s true treasures — and Uganda’s role in this conservation success story matters for many reasons:

• It shows how dedicated habitat protection + community engagement + responsible tourism can turn around a species once on the brink of extinction.

• The habitats that support gorillas also support countless other species and ecosystem services that benefit humans (clean water, carbon storage, biodiversity).

• By visiting Uganda, supporting responsible tour operators, and spreading awareness, you become part of the positive narrative.

• Telling the story helps ensure future generations can know and value these magnificent animals and the habitat they depend on.

Closing thoughts

In Uganda, the mountain gorilla population and its habitat share a bond: one cannot thrive without the other. Thanks to protected habitats like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, the mountain gorillas are not only surviving — they are giving us hope. Their presence is a bright beacon of what conservation can achieve when we commit to safeguarding habitat, engaging local communities, and fostering eco-friendly tourism.

The next time you hear about the mountain gorilla in Uganda, remember: you’re hearing about a living testament to positive change, thriving habitat, and the powerful outcome when humans choose to protect rather than exploit.

Feel free to check out more about the Uganda Wildlife Authority for official info on gorilla tracking and habitat conservation: ugg.org. or you contact us direct for smooth arrangements.