The Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) inhabits the Albertine Rift montane cloud forests and of the Virunga Volcanoes, ranging in altitude from 2,200–4,300 metres (7,200–14,100 ft). Most are found on the slopes of three of the dormant volcanoes: Karisimbi, Mikeno, and Visoke. Mountain Gorillas are threatened by poaching, loss of habitat, and disease. It is a Critically Endangered species in the UICN Red List.
There are only about 700 mountain gorillas left in the world.
They live within four national parks, split in two regions that are 45 kilometers (28 miles) apart. One population of about 340 mountain gorillas inhabits the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda. The second population of mountain gorillas is found in a mountainous region referred to as the Virungas, which includes Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) and Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of Congo). Approximately 380 gorillas are found in the Virungas.
© Stephane Bailliez Photography
