How Many Gorillas are Left in
the World in 2022?
🖋️ By Deb | 🕒 October 24, 2022 | 📁 How Many Gorillas are Left in the World?
Gorillas are one of the most iconic and fascinating animals in the wild, with their impressive size and unique behaviours. But how many gorillas are left in the world?
According to the most recent census, the gorilla population has reached an encouraging high of 366,000 in the wild. However, only an estimated 1063 mountain gorillas remain, and just 200-300 cross-river gorillas.
Gorillas’ natural habitat consists of only a few parts of the more tropical regions of Africa. They’re one of the human race’s closest relatives. We share a full 98% of our DNA with these great apes.
Only Chimps and bonobos share more DNA with humans.
And yet it’s because of us that gorillas are endangered. People have pushed their way into their living spaces with disastrous consequences. But we’re working on that.
Read on to learn more about our intriguing cousins, where they live, and what humanity is doing to help them survive.
How Many Species of Gorillas are Left in the World
Some species of great apes have gone from a designation of critically endangered to one of endangered. While this is an encouraging step in the right direction, we still have a long way to go to ensure their safety.
Gorillas live in a relatively small region of the African continent, clustered in an area around the equator. There are only two species of gorillas – descriptively named eastern gorillas and western gorillas.
Of the two species, eastern gorillas tend to be larger. The other notable difference between eastern and western gorillas is the “language” that they use to communicate with each other.
Each species is divided into 2 sub-species: mountain gorillas and eastern lowland, or Grauer’s, gorillas are sub-species of the eastern gorilla.
Western gorillas are divided into western lowland gorillas and cross-river gorillas.
Most widely recognized by the general public are the mountain gorillas, the sub-species studied by well-known American primatologist Dian Fossy in Rwanda. Fossey lived with the apes
Her work, and the gorilla’s plight, were brought to the public in the movie “Gorillas in the Mist”. The film was released in 1988, 3 years after her death.
It has been said that without Fossey’s research and dedication to the mountain gorillas, they may no longer exist in the Virungas.
What are the Biggest Threats to Gorillas
Gorillas are among the most endangered species in the world, with their populations decreasing alarmingly due to a variety of factors.
The main threats facing these majestic creatures include habitat destruction and fragmentation, poaching, war and conflict, disease, and unregulated tourism.
The first major factors contributing to the decline in gorilla populations are habitat loss and fragmentation. Humans continue to encroach on gorilla habitats for development, and forests and other natural areas are cleared at an alarming rate.
Thereby leaving the fragile populations of these animals vulnerable and isolated.
Additionally, poaching is a major threat to gorillas, as illegal hunters kill them for their meat or for the sale of body parts on the black market.
With their natural habitats already under pressure, gorillas are often forced to enter human settlements in search of food and shelter, putting them at risk of conflict with local communities.
Disease is also a significant threat to gorillas, as they are susceptible to the same illnesses that humans are. They don’t however, have our immunities.
Despite these many challenges, there are conservation efforts underway to help protect gorillas and their habitats.
Governments, NGOs, and local communities are working together to reduce poaching and habitat destruction.
As well, they are working to raise awareness about the importance of protecting these gentle giants. With continued dedication and support, we can help ensure a brighter future for gorillas and the many other species that share our planet.
The Effect of Poorly Managed Tourism on the Gorillas of the World
Gorilla tourism is a growing industry in many African countries, but it is often poorly managed and can have a significant negative impact on gorilla populations.
The rise of this industry has been driven by increasing numbers of visitors interested in seeing these gentle animals in the wild, but many tour operators lack the expertise or resources to manage tourists effectively.
One major problem is that many tour operators focus primarily on getting visitors close to gorillas. This often puts the gorillas in danger by bringing them too close or allowing them to interact with the animals in ways that can stress or even harm them.
Additionally, many operators do not have adequate safety and sanitation measures in place, which can lead to issues such as the transmission of diseases between humans and gorillas.
To reduce these dangers and ensure the long-term viability of gorilla tourism, it is important to support responsible operators that focus on conservation minded practices and put the safety and well-being of both gorillas and tourists first.
Where Can the Different Sub-Species of Gorillas Be Found?
The majority of mountain gorillas live in the Virunga Mountains. This is a range of extinct volcanoes bordering Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda.
The only other spot these gorillas can be found is in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Eastern lowland gorillas, the second subspecies of eastern gorillas, live in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Here they are threatened by habitat destruction and conflict with humans. There are estimated to be around 1063 mountain gorillas remaining in the world today.
Western lowland gorillas live in a variety of habitats across Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, the Central African Republic, Angola, and Nigeria.
Though their current population sounds healthy at about 100,000, this number represents a sharp decline in recent decades.
In the last 20-25 years the number of western lowland gorillas has dropped an estimated 60% due to poaching, habitat loss, and disease.
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Finally, cross-river gorillas are considered to be the most critically endangered subspecies of gorilla, with a population of just 200-300 individuals left in the wild.
They live along the border between Cameroon and Nigeria, and also face threats from poaching, habitat loss, and disease.
As human populations continue to grow in Africa, and as the demand for natural resources increases, it is more important than ever that we work to protect these gentle giants.
The next time someone asked, How many gorillas are left in the world, wouldn’t it be great if it were impossible to count?!
What are Gorillas’ Social Groups Like?
The social lives of gorillas are complex and varied, with different groups, or “troops”, exhibiting unique patterns of behaviour.
At the core of every gorilla group is a dominant adult male called a silverback. The silverback tends to be at least 12 years of age, and is so-called for the patch of silver hair on his back that comes with maturity.
In most troops, there is also a number of adult females and younger males. These individuals typically form strong bonds with each other, often grooming one another and staying close together for protection.
The relationshionship between the silverback and the troop’s females forms the backbone of its social network.
This silverback is typically responsible for keeping the peace among members of the troop. They also protect the troop from predators and lead the others to food and water sources.
This group dynamic helps ensure the safety and survival of the entire troop. While gorilla social structure can vary depending on the group’s size and geography, patterns of behaviour are generally quite consistent.
In general, gorillas are highly social animals, with complex relationships and bonds that play a central role in their lives.
When two troops meet, the respective silverbacks will sometimes fight to the death. Their large canines can cause gaping, and often mortal injuries.
How Gorillas Communicate with Each Other
Gorillas are very social animals, and rely on a complex system of communication to enable interactions within their group.
These methods of communication include vocalizations, postures and gestures, and play an important role in the daily life of a gorilla troop.
The basis of gorilla communication is vocalization, which can take many different forms depending on the context and situation.
These include grunts, barks, screams, roars, and deep belches, each of which serves a specific purpose in group communication.
In addition to these vocalizations, gorillas also use a variety of postures and gestures to communicate their intentions and moods.
For example, a gorilla may open its mouth wide and stare at another member of the group as a warning sign, or it may slap the ground or throw objects to convey anger.
Gorillas rely as heavily on communication in order to maintain their complex social structures and interactions as people do.
And they do it without social media.
The Meaning of Gorillas to African Cultures
Gorillas have long been an important part of African culture, both as a subject of stories and legends and as a symbol of the natural environment.
In many African societies, gorillas are regarded as elders or spiritual guides, with their wisdom and power representing the forces of nature that must be respected and treated with care.
This makes them central figures in many cultural and religious traditions, as well as a subject of many folktales and stories.
In traditional African belief systems, gorillas are seen as having special powers and talents that make them unique among the animals of the forest.
Some cultures believe that they can even communicate with humans, using their great strength and wisdom to offer guidance or act as protectors.
In many stories, gorillas are depicted as powerful figures that must be approached with caution and respect.
Beyond these cultural associations, gorillas have long been seen as a symbol of nature in Africa, representing the lush forests and rich biodiversity of the continent.
They have often been used to draw attention to the threats facing these environments and the need for conservation efforts.
In addition, gorillas have been used in advertising and popular media as positive role models, demonstrating strength, intelligence, and compassion.
However, despite these longstanding cultural associations, the future of gorillas in Africa is uncertain.
Habitat loss, poaching, and other human activities are putting increasing pressure on gorilla populations, and the loss of these magnificent animals would be a great loss for African culture and ecology.
To help protect gorillas and their habitats, it is important to raise awareness about their cultural significance, as well as the threats they face and the actions that can be taken to ensure their survival.
By working together, we can help safeguard this iconic animal for future generations.
Can Gorilla Trekking Help with Their Conservation?
Gorilla trekking is an important tool for conservation efforts, as it allows us to directly observe these remarkable animals and better understand them.
Also, by allowing a controlled number of the public to get up close to gorillas in the wild and observe them in their natural habitat, we encourage compassion and empathy toward an animal in need.
Additionally, gorilla trekking allows us to directly support the conservation of these animals by funding research and protection programs. Trekking also helps to fund programs to educate local communities about gorillas’ importance.
By engaging with gorillas on a personal level and working to ensure their long-term survival, we can help foster a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures and the critical role they play in the ecosystem.
If you’re thinking about taking a trek yourself, pick your time of year by getting Africa weather details here.
FAQs
How many gorillas are there left 2022?
There is an estimated total population of 366,000 gorillas in the wild. Western gorillas make up about 316,00 of that number, and eastern gorillas, including mountain gorillas, about 5000.
Will gorillas become extinct?
It was once feared that gorillas would be extinct by the end of the twentieth century. If nothing is done to protect their habitats, the chances that they will become extinct are alarmingly high. However, awareness of the plight of these gentle giants has increased in recent decades, and some populations have slowly begun to increase.
Are mountain gorillas extinct in 2022?
No. In fact, the number of mountain gorillas left in the world has risen from about 600 in the late 1950s to an encouraging estimate of 1063 according to the most recent census.
Summing It Up: How Many Gorillas are Left in the World in 2022
Gorillas are one of the most iconic and beloved animals in the world, with a long history as a symbol of African culture and ecology.
Despite their cultural significance in African communities, these incredible creatures are facing growing threats from human activities such as habitat loss, poaching, and poorly managed tourism.
However, there is still hope for gorillas and their future. Through increased awareness and support for responsible operators, we can help safeguard this enigmatic animal for generations to come, and see their numbers grow.
By working together, we can ensure that the incredible power and wisdom of gorillas will continue to inspire us, connect us with nature, and remind us of the importance of protecting our precious wildlife.
Happy travels!
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