New baby born gorillas has influenced the population of mountain gorillas in the volcanic forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Reviewing from the new gorilla birth report realized by Uganda Wildlife Authority spokesperson Mr. Hangi Bashir published late of 2024, indicated a total of 121 baby gorillas were received at Bwindi since the year 2017 to 2024.
According to the publication 2020 experienced the hugest number of gorilla births with 21 births, and 2019, and 2024 both received 19 births. This has greatly seen the number of gorillas increasing at Bwindi and the Virunga Massif.
According to the 2018 census, there were 1063, gorillas remaining in the wild of Bwindi and the Virunga Massifs, Bwindi alone according to the census hosted 459 mountain gorillas. This made Uganda alone to have accommodated almost half of the remaining mountain gorillas in its two endemic gorilla forests of in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
However, according to Mr. Hangi Bashir, this new population can be included in the formal population counting until a cycle of census is complete and another census is taken. UWA preparations for another census are complete, and the census will be conducted this year.
UWA revealed that gorilla births at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone have increased 11 times since 2017. The other births included 2018 with the least births of 7, 2021 had 17 births, 2022 received 12 births, and 2023 had 15 new gorilla births.
Though there are several factors attributed to the grows, the main factor is the natural gorilla birth being that the gorillas are endangered species and only endemic to the volcanic forests of Bwindi Impenetrable forests and the Virunga forests which are shared among Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo.
However, Mr. Hangi attributed the Bwindi gorilla growth to community engagement, revenue-sharing programs, and community benefits, which have reduced conflicts and incentivized conservation. “Continued support is essential to ensure that Uganda remains a leader in gorilla conservation and that these magnificent animals are safeguarded for future generations,” he emphasized.
The 2006 gorilla census indicated that Bwindi had 380 gorillas considering both habituated and wild gorilla, and the number had significantly raised from 1997 which was 320 gorilla individuals.
One of the ways which has benefited the raising number of gorilla individuals is conversation where responsible authority has widen the engagement to the locals surrounding these gorilla forests.
The locals are engaged where many local communities have benefited from jobs as rangers, porters, guides, and service providers. The revenue generated from gorilla tourism has been reinvested into conservation activities and community projects,” noted Mr. Hangi.
Additionally, conservation organizations and international donors have played a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of mountain gorillas. “Regular health monitoring and veterinary interventions, such as those provided by programs like Gorilla Doctors, have been instrumental in safeguarding these animals,” said Mr. Hangi.
However, challenges persist. Encroachment into gorilla habitats for human settlement, agriculture, and deforestation remains a threat to their survival. Mr. Hangi highlighted the need for increased funding to improve ranger salaries, equipment, habitat protection, and alternative livelihood programs for surrounding communities.
As Uganda continues to champion mountain gorilla conservation, the country’s reputation as a top ecotourism destination is further cemented. Gorilla tourism not only preserves these iconic animals but also strengthens Uganda’s position as a global leader in conservation and sustainable tourism.
