By Willy Chowoo
The population of mountain gorillas in Uganda is increasing rapidly due to the conservation efforts by park authorities to reduce poaching, increase habitat protection, and enforce the law.
According to the 2018 census, there were 459 mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. This means Uganda hosts about half of the world’s mountain gorilla population, which was estimated at around 1,000 individuals globally at the time. However, this number could now be higher, as Uganda has not conducted another census since 2018.
The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) Communications Manager, Mr. Hangi Bashir, stated that preparations for another census are complete, and the census will be conducted this year. “Uganda has registered several gorilla births since the last census, but these cannot be counted as part of the official population until the new census is completed,” he explained.
Statistics from the UWA reveal that gorilla births at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park alone have increased 11 times since 2017, with a total of 121 registered gorilla births. The highest number of births occurred in 2021, which was at 21, demonstrating the success of conservation efforts.
Mr. Hangi attributes this 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.
Economic Significance of Gorilla Tourism
Mountain gorillas are a significant tourism attraction in Uganda, contributing heavily to the country’s wildlife tourism revenues. Tourism remains one of the pillars of Uganda’s economy. According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, the sector contributed 7.7% of Uganda’s GDP in 2020, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, tourism accounted for $1.6 billion in revenue, recovering slightly from the sharp decline in 2020. By 2022, the sector’s contribution had increased to $1.9 billion, signaling a steady recovery and growth.
Gorilla tourism alone is a major driver of these revenues. Gorilla trekking is a premium experience, attracting high-paying tourists from around the world. The activity generates substantial income and supports local community development through revenue-sharing programs. These initiatives have ensured that communities living near conservation areas receive a percentage of tourism income, thereby fostering harmonious relationships and reducing human-wildlife conflict.
“Through gorilla tourism, 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.
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.
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.
Uganda’s mountain gorillas, a subspecies of the eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei), are found only in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. These parks form part of the Virunga Massif, which is shared with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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.
